Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism BRAHMAN: one single spiritual power that lives in everything AVATAR: representation of Hindu god or goddess in human or animal form Hinduism: Major religion from India Practiced by over 850 million people One of world’s major religions Developed from a blend of beliefs from Aryans and Indians over 3,000 years

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Deity: god or holy being HINDUISM Very complex; brings ideas from many religions Polytheistic Worship many gods and goddesses but believe in one main brahman

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Moral: doing what is “right”, accepted by culture; “correct” HINDUISM Three important Hindu gods: Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; Shiva, the Destroyer Believe their deities come to earth as avatars

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism REINCARNATION: belief in the rebirth of the soul, often in human or animal form DHARMA: religious and moral duties of each person AHIMSA: nonviolence (a main teaching of Hinduism) Hindus believe life is a spiritual journey Teachings come from holy texts called Upanishads Believe every living thing has a soul Each person will be judged by his or her actions on earth and reincarnated accordingly

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism When a Hindu reaches a “perfect” life, he or she becomes one with Brahma and breaks cycle of reincarnation; must follow “dharma” Believe in non-violence All people and things are part of Brahman so they don’t eat meat and try not to harm living things

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Hinduism in day to day practice: May worship at temples May have shrines in homes and make offerings Practice of Yoga frees soul

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Meditate: to focus your thoughts inward to reach spiritual awareness or relaxation Nirvana: A higher form of existence; lasting peace reached by giving up selfish desires

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Indian Prince Had never known suffering, old age, sickness, or death At age 30 he left palace and saw suffering in the outside world Gave up his wealth and position in hopes of finding causes of suffering Traveled for 7 years looking for truth

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Fast: to go without food or liquids (other than water) during the day for religious reasons Coexist: to live or work together Meditated to seek understanding Legend says he fasted and meditated under a fig tree for 49 days He found the answers he was looking for

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Gautama spent 45 years traveling in India and sharing his knowledge He gained many followers They called him “Enlightened One”, or Buddha His teachings came to be called Buddhism

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Buddha taught that people should avoid extremes in life Said wish for wealth or power caused unhappiness Believed people should follow the “Middle Way” or 8-Fold Path

Introduction to Buddhism Like Hindus, Buddhists believe in reincarnation Believe you could be “released” from reincarnation by following “Middle Way” and reaching nirvana

Introduction to Buddhism BASIC TEACHINGS: Act unselfishly Tell the truth Avoid violence All people are equal Appeals to those in caste system

Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism Karma: Belief that choices you make in the present will impact the future; “What comes around goes around” Example: A good choice in this life may mean you have a good outcome later in life OR in a later life. The opposite is true, too. SHARED BELIEFS: Hindus and Buddhists believe in nonviolence and idea that it’s not okay to harm others Some Hindus believe Buddha is a reincarnation of Vishnu, the preserver Both believe in Karma