 ~ 1500 BC in India  Around this time, a group of Indo-European people known as the Aryans start migrating toward India.  As they come and take lands, their religion and customs are spread and mixed with the native peoples.  Because of this diffusion, no single founder of Hinduism exists.

 The Aryans brought many religious ideas with them including:  Atman – individual soul  Brahman – World soul  Trinity – Brahma (Creator) Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer).  Even though there are roughly 330 million gods, Hinduism is con- sidered by some to be monotheistic because of the belief in Brahman (Water example)

 Brahman – world soul  Brahma – Creator  Brahmin – priest in the caste system

 Reincarnation/Samsara – being reborn in the life cycle  Karma – (good or bad deeds) one does during his/her lifetime. Your karma influences how you are reincarnated in your next life.  When you are born, you fall into a caste (Varna)– a social system with no movement. Hindus justify your position in the caste using karma from a previous life.

 The sacred text of the Aryans is a collection of books containing prayers, spells, instructions, and hymns known as the Vedas.  “The Truth is one; sages call It by various names.” -Rig Veda

 Look at the following quote and answer the question.  “The truth is one; sages call it by various names.” -Rig Veda  The quote above is attributed to which world religion? ◦ A- Judaism ◦ B- Islam ◦ C- Buddhism ◦ D- Hinduism

 Hinduism seeks how a person can achieve freedom from desires and sufferings.  Moksha – a perfect understanding of all things, most notably, the relationship between the atman and Brahman.  After death = Yamapuri – the court of Yama to be judged. Different heaven and hell than we know

 Sects – Buddhism and Jainism  Jainism – everything in the universe has a soul and should be respected.  [Brooms and gauze masks]

 Founded in 528 BC in India ◦ What else is going on in world history ◦ at this time?  Founded by Siddhartha Gautama  Question: Would you rather be a world ruler or a universal spiritual leader?  Story of the Buddha – “The Enlightened One”

 The Buddha accepted many traditions of Hinduism, but he rejected the idea of gods- teaching enlightenment instead.  No gods (non-theistic) – only enlightened ones.  Buddha isn’t a god.  Really. I want you to write that down.

 Tripitakas – canons (general laws) of scripture – contained in 3 “baskets” of teachings.  Sutras – sermons of Buddha  Abhidharma – interpreting Buddhist doctrine  Vinayas – rules for Buddhist monks

 Eightfold Path (or Middle Way) is 4 thoughts and 4 actions= Right:  Views  Resolve  Speech  Conduct  Livelihood  Effort  Mindfulness  Concentration

 You achieve paradise by following the Eightfold Path to reach Nirvana  Nirvana – release from selfishness and pain  Similar to what in Hinduism? How?

 Still reincarnation and dharma (Draw an arrow if you need to).  ***Four Noble Truths – sermon delivered by the Buddha after he achieved enlightenment  1. Life = suffering + sorrow  2. Cause = selfishness  3. End desires  4. Follow Eightfold Path

 Never really catches on in India.  Why might this be? What do you know about the Hindu beliefs concerning other religions that makes you feel this way?