Hinduism & Buddhism Goal: What are the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism? (Learning Target 4d)

Origins of Hinduism & Buddhism  The beliefs of the Vedic Age (Aryans) developed into Buddhism & Hinduism  Why does this matter now? - Almost 1/5 th of the world’s people today practice one of these two religions

Development of Hinduism  Developed gradually, collection of religious beliefs  No single founder  Religion seen as a way of liberating the soul from illusions, disappointments, mistakes  Dialogues or discussions of the Vedic hymns developed into the Upanishads

Beliefs of Hinduism  Desire Moksha   Atman   Brahman  State of perfect understanding Individual soul of living being Universal soul – unites all atmans

Beliefs of Hinduism  Reincarnation  Soul is reborn until moksha is achieved  One’s karma, or good & bad deeds, influences caste or circumstances in next life

Supported the Caste System  Complex & rigid social system…  People divided into varnas (groups) 1. Brahmins  priests 2. Kshatriyas  rulers & warriors 3. Vaishyas  peasants & traders 4. Shudras  laborers 5. Pariahs  “Untouchables”

 Cleanliness & purity were essential  “Untouchables” – considered impure because of their work –i.e. butchers, gravediggers, trash collectors

Brahman is three major gods in one (some depictions of Hindu gods)

1. Brahma  Creator

2. Vishnu  Protector

3. Shiva  Destroyer

Hinduism’s Growth & Influence  Hinduism changed over time - Different deities have become more important - Today, Hindus are able to choose deity of worship & different paths to moksha  Hinduism affected society - Strengthened caste system - Dominated aspects of life Hindus comprise 13.7% (765,351,710) of the world's population residing in 150 countries

In Galle, Sri Lanka, the local shrine to Vishnu and Kanda, two Hindu gods, survived where the buildings all around it did not.

How does one reach moksha? What is the difference between Atman and Brahman? What is the difference between Atman and Brahman? What is the relationship between reincarnation, karma, & caste according to Hinduism? What is the relationship between reincarnation, karma, & caste according to Hinduism? How has Hinduism changed? How has Hinduism changed? What influence has Hinduism had on society in India? What influence has Hinduism had on society in India? Overview Questions

Roots of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama: founder of Buddhism

The Life of Siddhartha  Born to noble family; isolated from the world  Finally left palace – saw old age, sickness, poverty, death  Wanted to put an end to life’s suffering

The Search for Enlightenment  Decided he could not be happy going back to the life he once lived  Wandered in forests  Debated with other religious seekers  Fasted

 Meditated for 49 days under large fig tree  Achieved understanding of the cause of suffering in the world  Became Buddha, “the enlightened one”

The Four Noble Truths 1) life is filled with suffering and sorrow 2) the cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire 3) Way to end suffering is to end all desires 4) the way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path

a.k.a. the Middle Way – avoiding extremes

Goal was to reach “nirvana” - release from selfishness & pain

 Buddha also believed in reincarnation  Accepted cyclical view of history – world is created & destroyed again and again  However, he rejected Hindu gods  He reacted against the privileges of the Brahmin priests

 Sangha – Buddhist religious order –Includes monks, nuns, & entire Buddhist community  Dharma – Buddhist doctrine or teachings, universal law of nature  “Three Jewels” of Buddhism = Sangha, Buddha, & dharma

 Many of Buddha’s early followers were laborers and craftspeople  He reluctantly admitted women to religious orders – however, he feared that women’s presence would distract men from their religious duties  Monks & nuns took vows of poverty, nonviolence, and not to marry

 Teachings of Buddha were written down after his death (1 st century BC)  Buddhist sacred literature includes commentaries, rules of monastic life, manuals on meditation, and legends about Buddha’s previous reincarnations

 India is important place of pilgrimages for Buddhists  Visit spots associated with Buddha’s life – birthplace, the fig tree, site of first sermon, & the sacred mounds (said to contain his relics)

Trade Spreads Buddhism  Traders spread Buddhism to China, Korea, Japan –Did not catch on as much in India  Missionaries also traveled spreading Buddhist philosophies

Overview Questions  How did Siddhartha Gautama become known as Buddha?  How does one reach nirvana?  How did Buddhism affect society?  How and where did Buddhism spread?