1. Religions of India: An Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism

2. Hinduism Hinduism

3. Basics of Hinduism Originated in India Originated in India Dates back to 1500 BCE and many consider it the oldest religion in the world Dates back to 1500 BCE and many consider it the oldest religion in the world Third largest religion (# of adherents) Third largest religion (# of adherents) Practiced by 80% of India’s inhabitants Practiced by 80% of India’s inhabitants Derivative of word Hindu is the Sanskrit name for the Indus River Derivative of word Hindu is the Sanskrit name for the Indus River

4. Indus Valley 4000 – 2200 BCE 4000 – 2200 BCE Built houses for worship Built houses for worship Stone sculptures and charms to ward off evil Stone sculptures and charms to ward off evil Fire altars & animal sacrifices Fire altars & animal sacrifices Aryans Invasion (maybe) 1500 BCE Aryan culture blended with pre-Aryan culture  Hinduism

5. The Hindu Gods And Goddesses Hinduism is a combination of Aryan and Indus Valley region beliefs Hinduism is a combination of Aryan and Indus Valley region beliefs Hinduism has evolved over 3,500 years Hinduism has evolved over 3,500 years Hinduism is polytheistic and worships both gods and goddesses Hinduism is polytheistic and worships both gods and goddesses

6. The Hindu Gods And Goddesses Over 108 Hindu Gods Over 108 Hindu Gods They can take the shape of humans and animals They can take the shape of humans and animals All teachings of Hinduism are recorded in texts All teachings of Hinduism are recorded in texts Texts, beginning with the Vedas, are written in sanskrit the ancient language of the Indus civilization. Texts, beginning with the Vedas, are written in sanskrit, the ancient language of the Indus civilization. “Upanishads”, is a text in Sanskrit that has a dialogue between a students and teachers of Hinduism “Upanishads”, is a text in Sanskrit that has a dialogue between a students and teachers of Hinduism Upanishads address the belief of reincarnation Upanishads address the belief of reincarnation

7. Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma meaning 'the eternal path'. The belief has evolved into a conglomerate of religious, philosophical and cultural ideas characterized by the belief in reincarnation, the path to righteousness, and the desire to liberate from the cycle of births and deaths. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma meaning 'the eternal path'. The belief has evolved into a conglomerate of religious, philosophical and cultural ideas characterized by the belief in reincarnation, the path to righteousness, and the desire to liberate from the cycle of births and deaths.

9. Religion in America as of 1999

10. Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)  Born in NE India (Nepal).  Rejected luxurious life to become “The Enlightened One,” at 35.  His experience/beliefs  Buddhism

11. The essence of Buddhism  The “middle way of wisdom and compassion.”  2,500 year old tradition.  The 3 jewels of Buddhism:  Buddha, the teacher.  Dharma, the teachings.  Sangha, the community.

12. Types of Buddhism  Therevada Buddhism  Mahayana Buddhism  Tibetan Buddhism  Therevada Buddhism  Mahayana Buddhism  Tibetan Buddhism