1. Essential Question: – What are the major differences between the River Valley religions of Hinduism, Buddhism & Judaism?

2. The Religions of Ancient India Hinduism Buddhism Overview: The people of the Indus River Valley developed 2 major religions that are still practiced today: Hinduism & Buddhism

3. Polytheistic Religions They believe in MANY gods Hinduism Buddhism

4. Hinduism Basic beliefs: perfect understanding – Hinduism is based upon the search for “perfect understanding” & the liberation from the human world moksha – This understanding is called moksha (also called nirvana or enlightenment)

5. Hinduism Basic beliefs: – Only the top of the caste system can achieve moksha – Hindus believe in reincarnation (people are reborn into another form) – Moving up in the caste is based on fulfilling dharma (duty) & gaining karma (good deeds)

6. Hinduism Gods: – Hindus believe in thousands of gods, but 3 are supreme – Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, & Shiva the destroyer Texts: – There is no single Hindu text, but the Upanishads & Vedas are important works

7. Hinduism Impact on society: – Hinduism & caste system dominate all aspects of one’s life, such as who people can marry & how to dress

8. Quick Class Activity: Examine the image and the quote below & guess how Buddhism is different from Hinduism Let him not despise what he has received, nor should he live envying the gains of others. The disciple who envies the gains of others does not attain concentration. —Buddhist scripture, The Dhammapada (Verses of Righteousness)

9. Buddhism Origins: – Buddhism was created by Siddhartha Gautama who abandoned a noble life in search of enlightenment – After a period of meditation, Siddhartha gained enlightenment & became known as the “Buddha”

10. Buddhism Basic Beliefs: – Like Hinduism, Buddhists believe in moksha & reincarnation – But, Buddhists rejected the caste system & the idea that only Brahmins can achieve nirvana

11. Buddhism Basic Beliefs: – The major teaching of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths – Buddhists believe they can achieve nirvana by following the Eight-Fold Path

12. Buddhism Impact on society: – Women & Hindus in the lowest castes were attracted to Buddhism – Missionaries spread Buddhism into Asia

13. Judaism A group in Mesopotamia known as the Hebrews started the religion of Judaism that is still practiced today.

14. Judaism Torah – Jewish Holy Book that tells us about their early history 1 st Monotheistic Religion – belief in one God Founders: Abraham- Father of the Hebrews – given the Holy Land as part of his covenant with God (Jerusalem) Moses- led Jewish people out of Slavery in Egypt between 1300 and 1200 BC

15. Judaism continued God’s Law was revealed to Moses in the10 Commandments Ten Commandments - the core of Jewish religion & teachings Final Goal of the Religion: a moral life through obedience to God’s Law

16. The 10 Commandments The core of Jewish religion & teachings Have no other gods Don’t worship false images Don’t swear by Gods name Honor the Sabbath day (Sat) & keep it holy Honor your mother & father Don’t murder Don’t commit adultery Don’t steal Don’t lie Don’t covet

17. Closure Activity Complete the comparison chart on the back of your notes – What are the characteristics of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism? – Be prepared to answer some discussion questions when finished