1. Hinduism

2. Origins and Beliefs
Cannot be traced to a single founder or set of ideas
A way of liberating the soul from disappointments and mistakes in life
Moksha: a state of perfect understanding

3. Beliefs
Reincarnation: (rebirth) an individual is born again and again until Moksha is achieved
Karma: good or bad deeds- influence life circumstances

4. Changes over time… Brahman: the world soul Atman: individual soul
Brahman’s personalities:
1. Brahma: creator
2. Vishnu: protector
3. Shiva: destroyer
Hindus are free to choose which deity to worship

5. Society
Caste system: where you were born showed the karma you achieved in a former life.
Ex. If you were born a laborer- you must have performed bad deeds in another life
The caste system dominated a person’s life- food, dress

6. Buddhism

7. Beginnings Founder: Siddharta Guatama, born into a noble family
Prophesy said he would be a spiritual leader
He sought religious truths and ways to end suffering
Enlightenment: wisdom

8. Enlightenment
He sought many ways to achieve enlightenment- fasting, debate, meditation
After 49 days of meditation he achieved the understanding of suffering
Now called Buddha or “enlightened one”

9. The Four Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering and sorrow
First Noble Truth
Life is filled with suffering and sorrow
Second
Cause of suffering is from selfishness for worldly pleasures
Third
The way to end suffering
Is to end all desires
Fourth
The way to end all suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path

10. Eightfold Path
A staircase to Nirvana: release from selfishness or pain
Reincarnation
No caste system
Not polytheistic

11. Spread of Buddhism Attracted people from different regions
Monks/Traders spread beliefs to India and into Asia