Hinduism

Origins and Beliefs Cannot be traced to a single founder or set of ideas A way of liberating the soul from disappointments and mistakes in life Moksha: a state of perfect understanding

Beliefs Reincarnation: (rebirth) an individual is born again and again until Moksha is achieved Karma: good or bad deeds- influence life circumstances

Changes over time… Brahman: the world soul Atman: individual soul Brahman’s personalities: 1. Brahma: creator 2. Vishnu: protector 3. Shiva: destroyer Hindus are free to choose which deity to worship

Society Caste system: where you were born showed the karma you achieved in a former life. Ex. If you were born a laborer- you must have performed bad deeds in another life The caste system dominated a person’s life- food, dress

Buddhism

Beginnings Founder: Siddharta Guatama, born into a noble family Prophesy said he would be a spiritual leader He sought religious truths and ways to end suffering Enlightenment: wisdom

Enlightenment He sought many ways to achieve enlightenment- fasting, debate, meditation After 49 days of meditation he achieved the understanding of suffering Now called Buddha or “enlightened one”

The Four Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering and sorrow First Noble Truth Life is filled with suffering and sorrow Second Cause of suffering is from selfishness for worldly pleasures Third The way to end suffering Is to end all desires Fourth The way to end all suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path A staircase to Nirvana: release from selfishness or pain Reincarnation No caste system Not polytheistic

Spread of Buddhism Attracted people from different regions Monks/Traders spread beliefs to India and into Asia