Hinduism & Buddhism
Religions of South Asia
Religion in the Subcontinent
Hinduism Factoids Oldest major religion Third largest religion in the world Sprang from Indus Valley Aryans mixed with native people Major religion of India – 83%
Hinduism for Dummies Believe in 3 gods -Brahma: the creator Vishnu: the preserver Shiva: the destroyer Three aspects/powers of the same being
Hinduism for Dummies Two major divisions Vaishnavaism (Vishnu) Shivaism (Shiva)
Hinduism for Dummies: Vedas Sacred texts/scripture – 4 of them (Prayers to Vishnu & Shiva) Hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India
Hinduism for Dummies: Karma Sum of ones good & bad deeds “You reap what you sow” or “What goes around comes around”
Hinduism for Dummies: Reincarnation Samsara Transmigration of the soul through different bodies –cycle of birth, life, death, & rebirth Karma determines next life Goal: Achieve enlightenment ….So be good for goodness sake!
Hinduism for Dummies: Four Aims Dharma – Righteousness or performance of religious duties – Very important! Kama – Fulfillment of desires Artha – Economic success Moksha – Freedom from Samsara – Ultimate goal!
Holy Cow! Hindus have always had great respect for Mother Nature and its creatures Cow is especially significant because it symbolizes gentleness –nourishment & godliness
Caste System Division of social ranks & tasks developed by Aryans Each group has different set of rules dealing with careers, marriage, diet, etc.
Caste System cont. Brahmins – Priests Kshatriyas – Warriors Vaisya – Merchants Sudra – Unskilled workers, peasants
Caste System cont. Dalits --- Untouchables Dirty jobs – cleaning, etc.
Buddhism Factoids Fourth largest religion in world Founded by Siddhartha Gautama To become Buddha: Pass through 4 stages to reach Enlightenment Opposed caste system Spread along trade routes
Siddhartha Gautama Born in NE India (Nepal). Raised in great luxury to be a king. At 29 he rejected his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and the source of suffering. Lived a strict, ascetic life for 6 yrs. Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation, and found nirvana. Became “The Enlightened One,” at 35.
What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire! Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about yourself.
Buddhism for Dummies: Basic Beliefs Four Noble Truths 1. Life means suffering. 2. The origin of suffering is attachment. 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. 4. The path to end suffering exists. (Self-improvement) -Eightfold Path
Buddhism for Dummies: Eightfold Path Right View Wisdom Right Intention Right Speech Ethical Conduct Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Mental Development Right Mindfulness Right Concentration
Nirvana Eightfold Path The union with the ultimate spiritual reality. Escape from the cycle of rebirth.