1. Traditional Religions of South Asia:
Hinduism & Buddhism

2. Hinduism *oldest religion in world
*3rd largest (behind Christianity and Islam)
*63% of S. Asian population – India, s. Nepal & parts of Bangladesh

3. Supreme Being -one god, Brahman in different forms
1. Brahma (creator of the universe)
2. Vishnu (protector and preserver of the universe)
3. Shiva (destroyer and re-creator of the universe)
-Hindus also recognize other gods and goddesses

4. # Believers = around 800 million Founder/s
-no individual founder
-developed gradually from a variety of beliefs

5. Worship Services -primarily individual activity – shrines in homes
-temples to worship

6. 1. hymns of praise Sacred Text
-Vedas –left by the Aryans which include:
1. hymns of praise
2. rituals and prayers to guide priests
3. worship and meditation guidance
4. mystical teachings & stories of Hinduism

7. -Baghavad Gita (part of Mahabharat – epic of Hindu history, along with Ramayana)
*revealed teachings of God to a warrior before going into battle
*epics are stories of good triumphing over evil

8. Key Beliefs
1. one God, Brahman
2. reincarnation (cycle of birth, death, and rebirth)
-repeats until a person overcomes personal weakness and earthly desires
-karma (sum of good and bad deeds) determines how a person will live next life
-moksha = goal of Hinduism (freedom and release from the reincarnation cycle)
-dharma = an individual’s moral duties in life

9. 3. caste system (weakened over time)
-social class system based on birth, marriage and occupation
-determined by reincarnation and karma
-lowest castes considered unclean

10. The Four Castes
Brahmins – priests
Kshatriyas – warriors/ruling class

11. 3. Vaisyas – skilled traders, merchants, and farmers
4. Sudras – unskilled workers

12. Brahmins—thinkers/knowers Vaisya—provide food for the belly
Caste System Benefits
Brahmins—thinkers/knowers
Ksatriya—doers
Vaisya—provide food for the belly
Sudra—do the work

13. Below these 4 castes are people who belong to no caste:
-untouchables – outcasts of society
*believed to be polluted and touching them can pollute people of a higher caste

14. cows are
sacred – Hindus do
not eat meat (urban cowboy article)
5. meditation important for religious growth

15. 1. Holi – festival of color (take notes from video clip)
Celebrations
1. Holi – festival of color (take notes from video clip)
2. Diwali – festival of lights
*night of new moon
*signifies victory of good over evil
*Rama returned to his birthplace on this day after spending 14 years in exile (Rama avatar of Vishnu)
*homes & public buildings decorated with brightly colored lights

16. Buddhism
*2% of S. Asia’s population – majority of Bhutan & Nepal

17. # Believers = about 350 million
Supreme Being
-do not worship gods but also do not deny their existence
# Believers = about 350 million

18. -Siddharta Gautama (A.K.A. Buddha)
Founder
-Siddharta Gautama (A.K.A. Buddha)
*born in 563 B.C. to a noble Hindu family in Nepal
*left palace and discovered world is full of suffering
*went on pilgrimage for years to seek his spirit
*meditated deeply - led to the moment Siddharta discovered the true nature of human life/existence
*became known as the Buddha or Enlightened One as he spread his discovery and teachings

19. Worship Services
-both at home and temple – centered around teaching rather than worshipping
*shrine– often includes statue of Buddha, candles and incense burner
*Buddhist temple – generally symbolize 5 elements: fire, air, earth, water, and wisdom

20. Sacred Text -Tripitaka (literally means 3 boxes)
1. Sutta-Pitaka – collections of talks and condensed gospel
2. Vinaya-Pitaka – book of discipline
3. Abhidhamma-Pitaka – teachings related to the righteous path of man, mental processes and sense consciousness

21. Key Beliefs 1. believe in the Four Noble Truths
1. life is filled with suffering
2. the root of suffering is wanting material things
3. it is possible to find an end to suffering (nirvana = state of insight, calm, and joy)
4. the end to suffering comes with following a particular path of Buddha’s teachings (Noble Eightfold Path)

22. a. must understand suffering
-The Eightfold Path
a. must understand suffering
b. must think positive/non-harming thoughts
c. must not lie or abuse another person with speech
d. must not kill or steal
e. must live an honest life
f. must take action against evil
g. must focus on the mind, body, and feelings during meditation
h. must constantly concentrate on self-evaluation
2. caste system unfair
3. reincarnation

23. 4. meditation is a key part of individual worship
*mental and physical course of action a person uses to separate themselves from their thoughts and feelings in order to become fully aware

24. -Vesak – Buddha’s birthday (first full moon in May)
Celebrations
-Vesak – Buddha’s birthday (first full moon in May)
*often “bathing of Buddha” occurs & people give alms to monks & temples
-most other celebrations vary from country to country & are based on seasons

25. Sikhism
1% of S. Asian population
about 20 million worldwide

26. Based on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in northern India in 1500s
developed out of tension between Hindus & Muslims – sought love of God beyond religious conflict
Gurus are spiritual guides/community leaders, however everyone must actively participate

27. no real conflict with majority religions
Rules of discipline:
Uncut hair
Comb
Steel dagger
Steel bangle
undergarments
no real conflict with majority religions
some Sikhs in India want independent state in Punjab

28. Jainism
less than 1% S. Asian population
about 4 million worldwide

29. Combination of Hinduism & Buddhism (belief in reincarnation, goal = moksha)
Rely on teaching but not any divine beings in particular (people can be divine)
Vegetarian, non-violent (to an extreme at times)
Tirthankara = great omniscient teachers