1. Religions of Ancient India
Chapter 9; Lesson 2

2. Hinduism Hinduism- one of the oldest religions in the world.
The sacred texts, the Vedas, came from the Aryans.
The universal spirit of Hinduism is Brahman.
Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the Preserver, and Shiva is the Destroyer.

3. Hindu’s believe that reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul.
Their reincarnation is determined on their Karma- deciding factor on how people will live their next life.
To gain a better life, they must follow their Dharma- a personal duty based on place in caste system.
These beliefs give Hindu’s a strong acceptance of the Varna (caste) system.

4. Crash Course review: Hinduism

5. The Story of Buddha

6. Buddhism The Buddha followed some Hindu ideas and changed others.
He meditated, or thought deeply.
He felt people suffered because they cared about the wrong things (fame, money) and filled people with greed and anger.
Four Nobel Truths led to inner peace:
Life is full of suffering
People suffer because they desire worldly things and want to satisfy themselves.
The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things.
The only way to stop desiring things is to follow the Eightfold Path.

7. People can reach nirvana- a state of perfect happiness and peace, when they are free of earthly concerns.
The Buddha placed little importance on the Varna (caste) system.
Thervada Buddhism: Buddha is great teacher, not a god.
Mahayana Buddhism: Buddha is a god.

8. Jainism
Jainism is a religion that does not believe in a supreme being.
Ahimsa is the key value of Jainism: Nonviolence and respect for all living things.
Gandhi was influence by ahimsa when India wanted to be free from England.