1. Syncretism in Hinduism and Buddhism 600BCE to 600CE

2. Origin of Hinduism
Hinduism, a collection of traditions, is one of few ancient religions to survive into modern times. It developed over 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley of India, the largest civilization in the ancient world. Hindus believe their religion has no identifiable beginning or end, and refer to it as Sanatana Dharma or the Eternal Way. The Vedas, one of Hinduism’s primary religious texts, means “knowledge” in the Sanskrit language and were preserved through a rigorous oral tradition for thousands of years before being written down. They present key Hindu teachings through hymns on the divine forces of nature. Hindu philosophy was further developed in the Upanishads; restated in story form in the Puranas, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata; and through countless life stories, devotional poetry, and commentaries by learned sages.

3. Universal Spirit
Accordingly, Hindus see the variety of religions and philosophies as different paths to God. The core philosophy of Hinduism is the search for truth, not the specific path taken. A quote from the Vedas that summarizes the Hindu perspective on God is “Truth is one. The wise call It by various names.”

4. Brahman The Absolute or God that is:
1) the all pervading and absolute reality
2) beyond description
3) may be worshiped in various form(s) or no form, male or female.

5. Dharma 1) Mode of conduct most conducive to spiritual advancement;
2) includes universal human values and values specific to an individual’s stage in life (i.e. student, parent)

6. Karma
1. An individual’s every action produces an appropriate outcome for him/her.
2. Outcomes many span over lifetimes

7. Samsara
1. Cycle of reincarnation (the soul survives death to be reborn in a new body)
2. Ultimate goal is moksha, or freedom from the cycle, achieved by self-realization and elimination of material desires or attachments.

8. Pluralism
Acknowledgement of multiple paths to Brahman

9. Scriptures
Vedas, Agamas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, etc.

10. Caste System
Caste system developed in India, but is not synonymous with the ideals of Hinduism…(just like Christianity was used to justify slavery, but is not considered synonymous with it)

11. Buddhism Origins Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (c.563-483BCE)
Prophesy that Siddhartha would either be a great spiritual leader, or a great king
Father, isolated Siddhartha…eventually saw the pain and suffering in world, became an ascetic
Eventually became the Buddha “Enlightened One”

12. Four Noble Truths
First Noble Truth: Everything in life is suffering and sorrow
Second Noble Truth: The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world
Third Noble Truth: The way to end all suffering is to end all desires
Fourth Noble Truth: The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path, the Middle Way between desires and self-denial
*****Eightfold Path: Right Views, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. This is the Middle Way

13. Syncretism
Theravada School: “lesser vehicle”, more focus on original teachings of the Buddha, introspection, meditation, appealed to elites
Mahayana School: “greater vehicle”, greater appeal to the masses, Buddha as a God, focus on devotion
Greco-Buddhism: blend of Greek culture Buddhism (ex: art, architecture)

14. Bodhisattvas
Primarily in the Mahayana School, the concept that a soul that could reach nirvana, instead is reincarnated to help others reach salvation
Ex: Dali Lama in Tibetan Buddhism