1. HINDUISM

2. THE VEDAS The Aryans came into India from Europe The Aryans brought songs and stories with them which became the VEDAS or BOOKS OF KNOWLEDGE The Vedas contain holy songs which explain life and how Hindus should live The Vedas are the beginning of the Hindu Religion

3. MAJOR BELIEFS HINDUISM Peaceful living Freedom of thought Respect for nature and animals Actions will affect one’s life Become one with Brahman Reincarnation

4. The Caste System One does not get to decide his or her caste. That is decided when one is born into a particular caste. Brahmin - priests Kshatriya – warriors and political leaders Vaishya – Cultivators; trades, farmers, merchants, landowners Sudra – serfs or servants

5. THE SOCIAL CLASSES (CASTE SYSTEM) BRAHMIN WARRIORS/KINGS CULTIVATORS SUDRA UNTOUCHABLES

6. The UNTOUCHABLES Not included in the caste system are the untouchables. They performed dirty work considered polluting such as collecting trash, skinning animals, or handling dead bodies They were forced to live apart from others

7. BUDDHISM FINDING PEACE AND HAPPINESS

8. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS 1. Suffering is part of life for all people. 2. People suffer because they want so many things in life. 3. If people can free themselves from wanting so many things, they will not suffer. 4. People can free themselves from wants and suffering by following the Eightfold Path.

9. THE EIGHTFOLD PATH Wisdom, Morality and Meditation need to be developed to follow the path 1. Know and understand the Four Noble Truths 2. Give up worldly things and don’t harm others 3. Tell the truth, don’t gossip, and don’t speak badly of others 4. Don’t commit evil acts, like killing, stealing, or living an unclean life

10. The Eightfold Path (continued) 5. Do rewarding work 6. Work for good and oppose evil 7. Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control 8. Practice meditation as a way of understanding reality