2. Hinduism and Buddhism PURPOSE OF SECTION:
Explain the development and impact of Hinduism and Buddhism on India and subsequent diffusion of Buddhism.

3. Take notes Hinduism and Buddhism

4. \ Hinduism National religion of India
Based on variety of beliefs and practices
Is henotheistic: recognize existence of many gods but believe in only one supreme god

5. Hinduism God: Brahman – all of the universe is one entity
Three most important facets/aspects of Brahman:
Brahma – Creator
Continues to create new creations
Vishnu – Preserver
Preserves new creation, sometimes by traveling to earth if necessary
Siva – Destroyer
Can be compassionate or destructive

6. Hinduism Belief in reincarnation (or transmigration of the soul)
The soul is reborn into another body after death
Karma determines where you are born
Karma- the accumulation of good or bad deeds
Therefore your actions determine your station in life

7. Hinduism (Reincarnation, cont.)
One can be born into a higher caste or lower caste
Eventually, one can escape the cycle and reach enlightenment
Called moksha
Prayer, rituals, self-denial and rejection of worldly possessions can help achieve this

8. Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)
Hindu Symbols \
Aum (or Om)
Represents Brahman, everything that is absolute in the universe
Swastika
Represents everything that is good in the world
Means “it is well” or “may good prevail”
Color: Saffron (Represents fire from Brahman)

9. Hinduism Belief in dharma
Dharma: duties you are expected to perform, the ethical way in which you are supposed to behave
Belief in ahimsa: nonviolence towards all living things

10. Buddhism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama Called Buddha
Means “Enlightened One”
Legend:
Born into luxury, became shocked when he drove around in his chariot and saw poverty and sickness
Left wife and newborn son to wander around India at age 29
Lived as hermit for 7 years until finally finding enlightenment

11. Buddhism Related to Hinduism Shares belief of:
Karma
(accumulation of good or bad deeds)
Dharma
(but in this case is the teachings of Buddha telling you how to act/live)
Reincarnation
(rebirth)
Differs: Rejection of caste system

12. Buddhism Teachings: Four Noble Truths: The truth of suffering (dukkha)
All people suffer and know sadness and sorrow
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
People suffer because of their material desires
The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
Suffering could end by elimination desires
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
By following the Eightfold Path one could eliminate desires

13. Buddhism Eightfold Path Know truth Resist evil
Say nothing to hurt others
Respect life
Work for the good of others
Free your mind from evil
Control your thoughts
Practice meditation

14. Buddhism Purpose: To reach nirvana (enlightenment)
More philosophy than religion, but can be considered both or either
The Middle Way is important
Away from extremes
Moderation

15. Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism
Right-coiled White Conch
Dharma Wheel
Precious Umbrella
Auspicious Drawing
Victory Banner
Lotus Flower
Golden Fish
Vase of Treasure

16. Color Symbolism in Buddhism
Blue = coolness, infinity
Black = hate, primordial darkness
White = knowledge, purity
Red = sacred blood, life
Green = balance, harmony
Yellow = earth, renunciation

17. Diffusion of Buddhism The first “great missionary faith”
Spread into Afghanistan by A.D. 1
Spread into China during mid 1st century A.D.
Reached Japan and Korea by A.D. 500

18. Diffusion of Buddhism
Ashoka was the first ruler to send out Buddhist missions to convert other nations, helping the religion spread

19. Diffusion of Buddhism

20. Diffusion of Buddhism
In some places, Buddhism merged with local traditions
Examples:
Zen Buddhism in Japan
Pure Land and Chan Buddhism in China
Buddhism in Vietnam

21. Buddhism Throughout Asia
Japan

22. Buddhism Throughout Asia
China

23. Buddhism Throughout Asia
Vietnam

24. Buddhism Throughout Asia
Thailand
Afghanistan