Section III: Hinduism and Buddhism (Pages 61-64) This section is about: This section is about: How Hinduism became the dominant religion in India. How Hinduism became the dominant religion in India. The religion of Jainism (founded on the Hindu tradition of non-violence). The religion of Jainism (founded on the Hindu tradition of non-violence). The religion of Buddhism and how it arose as an alternative to the formal religion of Buddhism. The religion of Buddhism and how it arose as an alternative to the formal religion of Buddhism.

On page 61: Compare and Contrast: we’ll do this at the end. On page 61: Compare and Contrast: we’ll do this at the end. The Main Ideas… The Main Ideas… And… In India: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are have some similarities, but some differences in beliefs and practices. And… In India: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are have some similarities, but some differences in beliefs and practices. Meanings of all the above symbols

Hinduism Hinduism One of the most complex religions. One of the most complex religions. Has no single “father” Has no single “father” no “sacred text”. no “sacred text”. No identifiable beginning. No identifiable beginning. No authority or organization. No authority or organization. Came from the many cultures who settled in India. Came from the many cultures who settled in India. It’s a religion, a history, and a way of life. It’s a religion, a history, and a way of life.

Hinduism accepts many gods and goddesses… …but are all part of one universal spirit – called Brahman. …but are all part of one universal spirit – called Brahman. The most important: Brahma: the creator of the universe Brahma: the creator of the universe Vishnu: The preserver Vishnu: The preserver Shiva: the destroyer Shiva: the destroyer All of these are part of Brahman – who is everlasting and endless. All of these are part of Brahman – who is everlasting and endless. Brahman is the cause, source, and reason for all existence. Brahman is the cause, source, and reason for all existence.

Hindu Beliefs Reincarnation: you have a “spirit” that is re-born into another life form after you die. Reincarnation: you have a “spirit” that is re-born into another life form after you die. Karma: are the actions of your life – and determines where your spirit will be re-born. Karma: are the actions of your life – and determines where your spirit will be re-born. Dharma: is your religious and moral duties. Dharma: is your religious and moral duties. And don’t forget the caste system (which is a big part of this): you can’t move your standing in this life, but your spirit can after you die. And don’t forget the caste system (which is a big part of this): you can’t move your standing in this life, but your spirit can after you die. Ahimsa: non-violence to all living creatures – the absence of desire to harm any living thing (even yourself) Ahimsa: non-violence to all living creatures – the absence of desire to harm any living thing (even yourself)

Jainism (another religion from India): A religion that comes from ahimsa. A religion that comes from ahimsa. It’s a religion of non- violence. It’s a religion of non- violence. This includes EVERY living thing – even insects and worms. This includes EVERY living thing – even insects and worms. So that kind of limited their lives (can’t be a farmer). So that kind of limited their lives (can’t be a farmer). Some people are still living parts of their lives based on Jainism. Some people are still living parts of their lives based on Jainism.

The internal austerities are 1.Atonement of sinful acts 2.Practice politeness and humility - in spite of having comparatively more wealth, wisdom, social status, power, etc. 3.Service to others, especially monks, nuns, elders and the weaker souls without any expectations in return 4.Scriptural study, questioning and expanding the spiritual knowledge 5.Abandonment of passions – especially anger, ego, deceit and greed 6.Meditation The external austerities are meant to discipline the sensual cravings. 1.Fasting 2.Eating less than one's normal diet 3.Abstention from tasty and stimulating food 4.Practicing humility and thankfulness – by seeking help and offering assistance without egoistic tendencies 5.Practicing solitude and introspection 6.Mastering demands of the body

The Rise of Buddhism Began about 500 B.C. (a time of great social change and religious activity). Began about 500 B.C. (a time of great social change and religious activity). Many people wanted a simpler way of life than Hinduism and all their rituals. Many people wanted a simpler way of life than Hinduism and all their rituals.

Buddhism accepted some (by not all Hindu ideas). Buddhism accepted some (by not all Hindu ideas). Karma and Reincarnation were kept. Karma and Reincarnation were kept. The caste system was rejected by Buddhists – they said all people had great potential. The caste system was rejected by Buddhists – they said all people had great potential. Buddhism is “founded” by Siddhartha Gautama (known as: the Buddha – which means “awakened one” or “enlightened one”) Buddhism is “founded” by Siddhartha Gautama (known as: the Buddha – which means “awakened one” or “enlightened one”)

Buddhist tradition… Says the Buddha lived many lives before his birth as Siddhartha Gautama. Says the Buddha lived many lives before his birth as Siddhartha Gautama. Before he was born, his mother had a dream about a white elephant descending from heaven. Before he was born, his mother had a dream about a white elephant descending from heaven. Brahman priests told her it meant her son would wither be a ruler or a wandering holy man. Brahman priests told her it meant her son would wither be a ruler or a wandering holy man.

So his father raised him well – and hoped he would be happy living a rich life at home. But, when he was 29, Siddhartha left home to see how others lived. But, when he was 29, Siddhartha left home to see how others lived. He saw a very old man, a sick man, and a dead man. He was so unhappy that others were suffering that he decided to leave home and go look for” the way of truth. He saw a very old man, a sick man, and a dead man. He was so unhappy that others were suffering that he decided to leave home and go look for” the way of truth. He wandered for 6 years – giving up all comforts and pleasures. He wandered for 6 years – giving up all comforts and pleasures. One day he decided he was going to sit under a tree until he understood the “mystery of life.” One day he decided he was going to sit under a tree until he understood the “mystery of life.”

All of a sudden, one day he figured it out – and became “the Buddha” For the rest of his life he taught “the four noble truths” For the rest of his life he taught “the four noble truths” 1. All human existence is full of pain and suffering. 2. The cause of suffering is selfish desire. 3. The only freedom from suffering is to overcome desire. 4. The only way to overcome desire is to follow “the eightfold path” and not worry about worldly cares any more and not worry about worldly cares any more