Buddhism Annotation
What do we know about the people of Mohenjo Daro? Almost nothing
What is the caste system? Strict separation of professions/occupations
Who are at the top of the caste system? The Brahmins
Who are the untouchables? Pariahs separated from any caste
The majority Indian religion is “Hinduism.” What is the central belief of Hinduism? Everything around you is part of the breath of God
How would Hindu priests feel this unity? Sit down and think about it
What does “Buddha” mean? The “Enlightened One”
What was Buddha’s given name? Gautama
What did Gautama first do in response to suffering? Suffer and do pennance
How did he achieve enlightenment? Meditating under a tree
What was Buddha’s solution? We must avoid desire
What is “Nirvana?” Release from all desire and rebirth
What is the “Middle Way?” Buddhism – balance between self- torment and pleasure-seeking “Four Noble Truths”
Why would Buddhism be appealing to China? Offered personal salvation Adaptable to Chinese custom