1. Hinduism & Buddhism Mr. Davis Social Studies 7

2. Hinduism India’s first major religion India’s first major religion Began before recorded history Began before recorded history Developed slowly over time—no one person founded it Developed slowly over time—no one person founded it Most likely a blend of Aryan religions and the religions of people they conquered (northern India) Most likely a blend of Aryan religions and the religions of people they conquered (northern India)

3. Early Practices of Hinduism Ritual bathing Ritual bathing Lighting sacred (holy) fires Lighting sacred (holy) fires Worshipping certain gods Worshipping certain gods

4. Vedas Hinduism is based on the Vedas. The Vedas are a large collection of sacred songs, poems, and teachings. Veda means “knowledge” in Sanskrit. Hinduism is based on the Vedas. The Vedas are a large collection of sacred songs, poems, and teachings. Veda means “knowledge” in Sanskrit. The Vedas are written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. The Vedas are written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India.

5. Vedic Rituals Vedic rituals honored the gods and over time became more and more complex. Vedic rituals honored the gods and over time became more and more complex. In time, the Brahmins became the highest class in India. The Brahmins were the high priests. In time, the Brahmins became the highest class in India. The Brahmins were the high priests. This idea of priests in the highest class became known as Brahmanism—which developed a social hierarchy of castes. This idea of priests in the highest class became known as Brahmanism—which developed a social hierarchy of castes.

6. The Caste System Castes are social classes oh Hinduism. There are originally four castes: Castes are social classes oh Hinduism. There are originally four castes: Brahmins = high priests Brahmins = high priests Kshatriyas = rulers and warriors Kshatriyas = rulers and warriors Vaishyas = herders and merchants Vaishyas = herders and merchants Shudras = servants Shudras = servants Each caste has a purpose Each caste has a purpose

7. Untouchables In time, a fifth caste arose: The Untouchables. In time, a fifth caste arose: The Untouchables. Untouchables have jobs that are considered lowly or dirty (cleaning up garbage, dead animals, etc.) Untouchables have jobs that are considered lowly or dirty (cleaning up garbage, dead animals, etc.) Untouchables lived separate from other castes and were not allowed to enter temples. Untouchables lived separate from other castes and were not allowed to enter temples.

8. Castes You are born into a caste. You are born into a caste. You cannot move out of that caste. You cannot move out of that caste. You must marry within that caste. You must marry within that caste.

9. Brahman Brahman is the Hindu name for Supreme Power. Brahman is the Hindu name for Supreme Power. Only it lasts forever. Everything that ever existed is a part of it. Only it lasts forever. Everything that ever existed is a part of it. Everything with a beginning and an end is cyclical (TIME MOVES IN A CIRCLE)—always changing, being born, dying, etc. Everything with a beginning and an end is cyclical (TIME MOVES IN A CIRCLE)—always changing, being born, dying, etc. Brahman is always creating, changing, growing, destroying… Brahman is always creating, changing, growing, destroying…

10. More Hindu Facts One part of Brahman is the atman, or human soul—which can last over multiple lifetimes One part of Brahman is the atman, or human soul—which can last over multiple lifetimes Hindu temples are built to ancient specifications. For example, they all face the same direction. Hindu temples are built to ancient specifications. For example, they all face the same direction. Visitors to these temples sit quietly and meditate—give thanks, make requests, take part in rituals. Visitors to these temples sit quietly and meditate—give thanks, make requests, take part in rituals.

11. Indra In ancient times, INDRA was the most powerful god to Hindus. In ancient times, INDRA was the most powerful god to Hindus. He was the god of thunder. He was the god of thunder. His weapon was a lightning bolt and he rode around in a golden chariot or on a white elephant. His weapon was a lightning bolt and he rode around in a golden chariot or on a white elephant.

12. Multiple Gods Hinduism has THREE main gods: Hinduism has THREE main gods: Brahma The Creator Brahma The Creator Vishnu The Preserver Vishnu The Preserver Shiva The Destroyer Shiva The Destroyer Many stories of Hindu gods involve battles of these gods defeating evil spirits or demons. Many stories of Hindu gods involve battles of these gods defeating evil spirits or demons. Devi is another important god—embodies all female powers of the universe. Devi is another important god—embodies all female powers of the universe.

13. Ramayana Famous story of the gods battling evil Famous story of the gods battling evil Rama’s fierce battle with Ravana (an evil spirit or demon). Rama’s fierce battle with Ravana (an evil spirit or demon).

14. Divali & Dharma Hindu New Year is called “Divali.” It is celebrated by lighting candles and sparklers. Hindu New Year is called “Divali.” It is celebrated by lighting candles and sparklers. Belief in dharma—the ideas of law, order, and obligation. Belief in dharma—the ideas of law, order, and obligation. VARNA DHARMA = System of social classes—”The way of one’s kind” VARNA DHARMA = System of social classes—”The way of one’s kind” Dharma beliefs: marriage, sharing food, care for the soul, nonviolence Dharma beliefs: marriage, sharing food, care for the soul, nonviolence

15. The Cow The cow is the most sacred animal to Hindus. The cow is the most sacred animal to Hindus. They are especially important to life in India. They are especially important to life in India. They give milk and butter, are used for transportation, and after they died their skins could be used for clothing. They give milk and butter, are used for transportation, and after they died their skins could be used for clothing. Hindus are taught never to harm them. They are not to kill cows even if people are starving. Hindus are taught never to harm them. They are not to kill cows even if people are starving.

16. Karma Karma is what happens to the soul when you die. Karma is what happens to the soul when you die. Reincarnation of the soul—as a reward or a punishment for the previous life that was lived on Earth. Reincarnation of the soul—as a reward or a punishment for the previous life that was lived on Earth. Modern idea: “What goes around, comes around.” Modern idea: “What goes around, comes around.”

17. Karma GOOD LIFE = rebirth into a higher class GOOD LIFE = rebirth into a higher class BAD LIFE = rebirth into a lower class or even as an animal BAD LIFE = rebirth into a lower class or even as an animal This is fair because souls are rewarded or punished for the good or evil they have done. This is fair because souls are rewarded or punished for the good or evil they have done. Much criticism over caste system in recent years. Much criticism over caste system in recent years.

18. Karma and the castes today Gandhi said the untouchables are “children of God.” Gandhi said the untouchables are “children of God.” Today, Indian law protects all people and the caste system is less strict. Today, Indian law protects all people and the caste system is less strict.

19. Samsara Hindu cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Hindu cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Once a soul unites with Brahman, Samsara ends. Once a soul unites with Brahman, Samsara ends. REINCARNATION = the belief that a person’s soul is reborn into another body after death. REINCARNATION = the belief that a person’s soul is reborn into another body after death. By following the Hindu belief system, a person can break this cycle of rebirth By following the Hindu belief system, a person can break this cycle of rebirth

20. Pilgrimages Pilgrimages (holy trips) to the Ganges and Sarasvarti Rivers. Hindus believe these difficult trips will cleanse them of their sins. Pilgrimages (holy trips) to the Ganges and Sarasvarti Rivers. Hindus believe these difficult trips will cleanse them of their sins. Many travel over difficult land for many days. They lie face down at holy sites, or bathe in the Ganges River to purify themselves. Many travel over difficult land for many days. They lie face down at holy sites, or bathe in the Ganges River to purify themselves.

21. Hindu monks: Sannyasins Meditation Meditation Perform breathing exercises Perform breathing exercises Recite prayers Recite prayers Sing sacred songs Sing sacred songs Yoga = a type of Hindu meditation! Yoga = a type of Hindu meditation!

22. Buddhism

23. The Life of Prince Siddhartha Prince Siddhartha was born about 563 BC in Northern India Prince Siddhartha was born about 563 BC in Northern India His parents were powerful rulers. His parents were powerful rulers. When his mom was pregnant with him, she had a dream where she was flown to the top of the Himalayas and struck by a six-tusked elephant. When his mom was pregnant with him, she had a dream where she was flown to the top of the Himalayas and struck by a six-tusked elephant. Brahmins said the child would grow up to be a “great man.” Brahmins said the child would grow up to be a “great man.”

24. Three Forms of Suffering Aging = the body weakens as we get older Aging = the body weakens as we get older Sickness = illness brings pain Sickness = illness brings pain Death = comes to all sometime Death = comes to all sometime Siddhartha was made aware of these things at an early age Siddhartha was made aware of these things at an early age

25. Ascetics One day, Siddhartha met an ascetic—a person who gives up worldly pleasures. One day, Siddhartha met an ascetic—a person who gives up worldly pleasures. In order to be free from suffering, one must give up the pleasures and comforts of the world. In order to be free from suffering, one must give up the pleasures and comforts of the world.

26. Siddhartha becomes an Ascetic Prince Siddhartha wanted to find Enlightenment. Prince Siddhartha wanted to find Enlightenment. He went into the middle of the forest, got rid of all of his royal possessions, cut his hair, and kept a small bowl for alms, or food given to the poor. He went into the middle of the forest, got rid of all of his royal possessions, cut his hair, and kept a small bowl for alms, or food given to the poor. Ascetics deny the body of basic needs: sleep, shelter, and food. Ascetics deny the body of basic needs: sleep, shelter, and food.

27. Unable to become Enlightened Siddhartha learned that self-denial did not lead to Enlightenment. Siddhartha learned that self-denial did not lead to Enlightenment. Sought a “middle path” to Enlightenment. Sought a “middle path” to Enlightenment.

28. The Middle Path Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree (Enlightenment tree) Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree (Enlightenment tree) While meditating, he was tempted by the evil goddess Mara and her three daughters: Discontent, Delight, and Desire. He rejected all of them. While meditating, he was tempted by the evil goddess Mara and her three daughters: Discontent, Delight, and Desire. He rejected all of them.

29. Nirvana The ideal state of happiness The ideal state of happiness Siddhartha became aware of the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth—reincarnation, and karma. Siddhartha became aware of the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth—reincarnation, and karma. When he awakened, he became Buddha, the Enlightened One. When he awakened, he became Buddha, the Enlightened One.

30. Buddha’s Teachings: The 4 Noble Truths 1. Suffering is present in all things— nothing lasts forever. 1. Suffering is present in all things— nothing lasts forever. 2. Suffering is caused by cravings. 2. Suffering is caused by cravings. 3. The way to end suffering is to give up all cravings. 3. The way to end suffering is to give up all cravings. 4. The way to give up cravings is the Eightfold Path. 4. The way to give up cravings is the Eightfold Path.

31. The Eightfold Path 1 – RIGHT UNDERSTANDING  develop a deep understanding of the 4 Noble Truths 1 – RIGHT UNDERSTANDING  develop a deep understanding of the 4 Noble Truths

32. The Eightfold Path 2 – RIGHT PURPOSE  live a life of selflessness, love, and nonviolence 2 – RIGHT PURPOSE  live a life of selflessness, love, and nonviolence

33. The Eightfold Path 3 – RIGHT SPEECH  Be careful and truthful in what you say. Don’t lie or gossip. 3 – RIGHT SPEECH  Be careful and truthful in what you say. Don’t lie or gossip.

34. The Eightfold Path 4 – RIGHT ACTION  Don’t kill, steal, or lie. Be honest. 4 – RIGHT ACTION  Don’t kill, steal, or lie. Be honest.

35. The Eightfold Path 5 – RIGHT WAY TO EARN A LIVING  Don’t work a job that causes harm to people or living creatures. 5 – RIGHT WAY TO EARN A LIVING  Don’t work a job that causes harm to people or living creatures.

36. The Eightfold Path: 6 – RIGHT EFFORT  Promote good and prevent evil 6 – RIGHT EFFORT  Promote good and prevent evil

37. The Eightfold Path 7 – RIGHT MINDFULNESS  Be aware of, but not attached to, emotions, thoughts, and feelings. 7 – RIGHT MINDFULNESS  Be aware of, but not attached to, emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

38. The Eightfold Path 8 – RIGHT CONCENTRATION  Focus your mind with practices such as meditation. 8 – RIGHT CONCENTRATION  Focus your mind with practices such as meditation.