Buddhism

Siddhartha Born in India around 566 BC into an upper caste family Ventured outside his palace and saw a world of misery and decay Started a life of wandering in search of the cause of human suffering

Sought answers from scholars and holy men Tried fasting and self-denial

After 6 years of wandering, he sat under a tree to meditate Suddenly, he felt he had found the knowledge he sought Having attained enlightenment, he became the Buddha or “Enlightened One”

“The Four Noble Truths” Life is suffering. Suffering arises from desire. The solution to suffering is restraining desire. Desire can be controlled if a person follows the “Eightfold Path”

Buddhism centered on the individual, not the gods Rejected the caste system People should search for spiritual truth through self-discipline and meditation Ultimate reward was Nirvana

The Spread of Buddhism The Buddha attracted many disciples as he traveled across India Monasteries and convents were set up by Buddhist monks and nuns Spread across much of East Asia Buddhist monastery in Tibet

Hinduism Developed as a reaction to the challenge of Buddhism Brahmin class less important Less animal sacrifice Inclusive of other religious practices