Hinduism & Buddhism

I. Hinduism A. The third largest religion in the world. B. polytheistic - ancient religion that developed from religious customs of many people. C. Major gods: 1.) Brahma- creator of the world. 2.) Vishnu - preserver of the world. 3.) Krishna - teacher of the world.

D. Major Beliefs: 1.) all gods & goddesses are different parts of one universal spirit. 2.) the universal spirit is called Brahman. 3.) the search for a universal spirit is described in the ancient writings known as the Upanishads. 4.) every living being has a soul that wants to reunited with Brahman & this happens when a person dies.

" A soul that becomes one with Brahman is like a lump of salt thrown into the river. The lump of salt is gone, but the water taste salty. The salt has become a part of the water."

5. ) on its journey, a soul might be reborn into a higher varna 5.) on its journey, a soul might be reborn into a higher varna. The idea of passing through many lives to reach Brahman is called reincarnation. 6.) to earn the reward of a better life in their next life, they must perform their duty. 7.) Dharma is the divine law that requires people to perform their duties. 8.) Karma is the consequences of how a person lives.

9. KARMA = = MOVE CLOSER TO BRAHMAN IN NEXT LIFE Do your duty & live good life = GOOD KARMA =

II. Buddhism A. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama. 1.) ruled kingdom near the Himalaya (563 B.C.) 2.) left palace & wondered why people suffered. 3.) left his family, lived alone, fasted, and meditated. 4.) legend says he meditated for 49 days and then he came to an understanding about life.

B. Buddha's Teachings 1.) Doesn't believe the normal everyday life is real. a.) trees, houses, animals, sky & oceans were just illusions. b.) poverty, sickness, pain and sorrow were just illusions.

2.) THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS: a.) LIFE IS FULL OF SUFFERING b.) PEOPLE SUFFER B/C THEY DESIRE WORLDY THINGS. c.) THE ONLY WAY TO END SUFFERING IS TO STOP DESIRING THINGS d.) THE ONLY WAY TO STOP DESIRING THINGS IS TO FOLLOW THE EIGHTFOLD PATH. 3.) Follow the EIGHTFOLD PATH to eliminate suffering.

3.) the solution to life: a.) give up worldly desires b.) one will be rewarded by reaching the state of nirvana. (not a place but a state of wisdom.) 4.) How to stop desiring worldly things:

C.) Buddha taught for more than 40 years. D.) disciples followed him and spread his message across Asia!

E. disagreements caused Buddhism to split into two groups. 1.) Theravada Buddhism 2.) Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhism VENN Diagram Mahayana Theravada Both