Religions of South Asia Review Major beliefs of Hinduism 3 main gods not named Brahman Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva Reincarnation  goal is moksha freeing of the soul from the body so that the soul can unite with Brahman Karma  “My name is Earl.” Do good or else

Caste System Brahman  top, typically priests and cooks Kshatriya  Warriors and gov’t officials Vaisya  Wealth producers, landowners, merchants, and herders Sudra  servants and peasants

Hinduism and the Caste System How are these two ideas connected? Dharma  duties and obligations Also a guide to conduct.

Buddhism Founder  Siddhartha Gautama Buddha  Enlightened One Four Noble Truths Suffering is universal The cause of suffering is desire Only way to end suffering is to crush desire Follow the 8fold Path Goal is nirvana  Not the 90s grunge band

8Fold Path You don’t need to copy this slide Those that are copying 1.) Read the slide first 2.) Follow directions 1. Right View Wisdom 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech Ethical Conduct 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort Mental Development 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right ConcentrationRight ViewRight IntentionRight Speech Right ActionRight LivelihoodRight EffortRight MindfulnessRight Concentration

Buddhism rejects Hinduism Denies the existence of any gods Priests not necessary (sorry Brahman caste) People reach nirvana on their own by following the 8fold path *** Rejected the caste system (untouchables are happy)

8.3 Patterns of Life “It is better to do one’s own duty badly, than to do another’s duty well.”  How does this quotation relate to the concept of dharma? Average citizens built their lives around the family and the village.

The Caste System Higher-caste people considered themselves purer--- and closer to moksha---than lower-caste people. A high-caste person risked spiritual pollution—becoming spiritually unclean—if he or she had contact with lower, or impure, castes.

Caste System II Some castes were thought to be so impure that even the shadow of a person of that caste could pollute others. Occupation was determined at birth People of lower castes could never sit in the presence of a person of higher caste.

Caste System III The caste system created a sense of stability and order in Indian life. Each caste looked after its own members. Interdependence  Each caste depended on other castes. For example, an upper-caste merchant may need the services of a lower- caste water carrier. Neither could do the work of the other.

Family Life Extended or joint families. Patriarchal led by the “father”, which was the oldest male in the family. The father’s interests, not those of individual members were the most important. Marriages were a family concern  Arranged marriages.

Family Life II Women became part of the husband’s family The daughter to be wed had to present the husband’s family with a dowry. Women’s rights  marry and bear sons

Women Only women possess the shakti or creative energy, but lack the knowledge to control their power. Higher-caste women had to obey especially strict rules. Purdah, complete seclusion  veils and stay at home Widows couldn’t remarry and were ignored by family members Ritual suicide

Read the Up Close pg. 192