1. Classical India

2. Central Concepts INDIA Brahman: the universal spiritual reality behind all perceptions Atman: the human soul Karma: “actions have consequences” –not “sin”

3. Goal of the Ascetics mystic ecstasy enlightenment unification of Brahman and the Atman karma: affects the rate of enlightenment

4. Road to Enlightenment getting rid of negative karma absence of bodily desires then the Atman could merge with Brahman eternally

5. Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama: the Buddha The Four Sights search for enlightenment the bo tree: illusion and enlightenment salvation by moderation –the Middle Path

6. Central Ideas: all life is suffering the Four Noble Truths –all life is suffering –desire causes suffering –suffering can be avoided by non-desiring –desire can be stopped by meditation and the Noble Eightfold Path Correct knowledge and good habits can annihilate suffering

7. Central Ideas, con’t The Noble Eightfold Path –right views, right aspirations –right speech, right conduct –right livelihood, right effort –right mindedness, right rapture

8. Buddhist Society no fixed hierarchies no priest, but individual responsibility decisions: free and democratic equality among Buddhists

9. Rise of the Mauryan Empire Alexander the Great Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.) Ashoka

10. The Dharma peace, pacifism, moderation roads, hospitals, rest houses promoted vegetarianism –condemned bloody sacrifices threatened the Brahmans with loss of power largely unsuccessful

11. Buddhism? declined in India successful in China, Nepal, Indo-China, Japan – and now, America