HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM

What are the major characteristics of Hinduism and Buddhism?

HINDUISM

PLACE/TIME PERIOD OF ORIGIN The exact place and time period that Hinduism was founded is not known. It is believed that Hinduism may have emerged somewhere near India, possibly 5,000 years ago (around 3,000 B.C.E). Because of this approximate date of origin, Hinduism is considered the oldest organized religion in the world.

Monotheistic or Polytheistic? Although there are multiple gods in Hinduism, Hindus do not consider themselves polytheistic. All Hindus gods are seen as a manifestation of 1 all- powerful spirit known as Brahman. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/august-22-2008/janmashtami/25/ (Krishna) http://my.discoveryeducation.com/ Legend of Ganesha Brahma- Creator god Shiva- Destroyer god Vishnu- Preserver god

Major Beliefs of Hinduism The ultimate goal of existence is to attain union with Brahman (the all-powerful universal spirit). This union with Brahman is known as Moksha. Hindus believe Moksha takes multiple lifetimes to attain. Hindus believe that after death a soul is reborn into a new body. This rebirth of the soul is known as reincarnation. Hindus believe that each person has specific moral and religious duties in life. These duties are known as dharma.

Hindus believe that how one acts upon their duties influences how close they are to moksha in their next life. These actions in life are known as karma. Hindus also believe they must live their lives according to a philosophy of nonviolence. This is known as ahimsa. The caste system, the pattern of rigid, hereditary, social classes in Hinduism, is no longer legal in India. Although many Hindus living in India still follow the guidelines of the caste system.

There is no 1 single holy book in Hinduism There is no 1 single holy book in Hinduism. Hindu holy books include the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita.

BUDDHISM

PLACE/TIME PERIOD OF ORIGIN Buddhism was founded in the mid 500’s B.C.E in northern India. The religion is named for its founder, Siddhartha Gautama (who became known as Buddha). Siddhartha was a prince from India. Most of his life his mother and father kept him sheltered from the “evils” of the world. One day Siddhartha ventured outside the palace walls and saw human suffering. Discovery Education video (Reincarnation, Enlightenment, and Dharma )

Monotheistic or Polytheistic? Just as in Hinduism, Buddhists believe in the all-powerful spirit known as Brahman. But unlike Hindus, Buddhists do not represent Brahman with gods.

He wondered why people suffered. In order to find out, Siddhartha meditated under a tree until he reached enlightenment (understanding). When he reached enlightenment he became known as Buddha (“the enlightened one”). Buddha then began to spread his understanding of why humans suffer. Buddhism quickly spread from India to China.

Major Beliefs of Buddhism Just as in Hinduism, Buddhists believe the ultimate goal of existence is to attain union with Brahman (the all-powerful universal spirit). In Buddhism, this union with Brahman is known as Nirvana. Buddhists also believe Nirvana takes multiple lifetimes to attain. Buddhists believe that after death a soul is reborn into a new body. This rebirth of the soul is known as reincarnation.

Just as Hindus, Buddhists believe in dharma, karma, and ahimsa. Unlike Hindus, Buddhists never followed the guidelines of the caste system. Buddhism emphasizes meditation and discipline in order to reach enlightenment. Holy books include the Tripitaka, the compilation of Buddha’s teachings.

Buddhists also believe the way to reach enlightenment is to follow the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

The Four Noble Truths Sorrow and suffering are part of life. People suffer because they try to get things they cannot have. The way to escape suffering is to overcome these frustrating desires and reach a state of nirvana. To reach this state, you must follow the Eight-fold Path.

Eight-fold Path (Dharma Wheel) Know the truth Say nothing to hurt others Practice meditation Control your thoughts Resist evil Free your mind of evil Work for the good of others Respect life