Siddhartha

Herman Hesse German-born Swiss (b. July 2, 1877) He underwent psychiatric analysis with Carl Jung He became interested in Eastern philosophy, spirituality, and religions because his family did missionary work Went to India in 1911 Called his books “Biographies of the soul” Depict a protagonist’s search for authenticity and spirituality

Hinduism The world’s 3rd most popular religion, with approximately 900 million followers 80% of India regards themselves as Hindus Emerged in India 2000-1500 B.C No founder, no single teacher, nor prophet No “bible” but several religious texts Rig Veda: oldest—hymns, rituals, etc. Upanishads: newer—philosophical—monotheistic

Hinduism Brahman is "the unchanging reality amidst and beyond the world“ or universal soul Hindus recognize three principal gods (Trimurti): Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver/protector, and Shiva as destroyer/judge All part of Brahman (like the Trinity) Brahman appears in the human spirit as atman, or the soul

Varna or caste system Brahmins = Priests Kshatriyas = Warriors Vaisyas = Merchants Shudras = Laborers Two Classes “Outside” Caste System Sadhus[samanas] wandering monks Untouchables

Some Essential Concepts of Hinduism & BuDDHISM: Reincarnation =soul passes through a cycle of successive lives Karma = Next incarnation is always dependent on how successful the previous life was lived (good/bad deeds) Maya = illusion (the earth often represented Maya) Samsara = Cycle of birth, life, and death in the world Yoga = meditative & spiritual practice Yogi = spiritual teacher/adviser Enlightenment = Awakening; the realization that Atman and Brahman are identical

Buddhism Buddhism began as a reform to Hinduism Buddha did not believe in the Caste System or in many of the traditions of Hinduism Buddha (c. 563-483 B.C.) Named Shakyamuni (known as Siddhartha Gotama) Siddhartha = “he who has attained his goals” He was a prince Recognized at birth as special by wise men. They believed he would be a special monk or great conqueror

SIddhartha Siddhartha realized he was no longer happy with his life at age 29 The Four Sights - at 29 he left the palace and saw: A sick man An old man A dead man A monk He had discovered suffering, and wanted to discover how to overcome it

What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha? Studied with two different gurus but found their practices lacking Began to practice the austerities and self- mortifications practiced by a group of five ascetics – practiced for six years

What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha? He tried to follow these methods to attain truth/enlightenment: Dharma—doing one’s duty to family, etc. Kama—pleasure, especially sexual Artha – Wealth, money, material possessions Moksha—Liberation/Retirement

What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha? Finally, desperate for meaning, he sat under the bodhi (bo) tree and intended not to arise until he attained enlightenment or else died. He became enlightened and proceeded to teach “4 Noble Truths”

Buddhism Buddha means “he who is awake” He said that a person’s status in the world, their background, wealth, or nationality did not matter. All were capable of enlightenment.

The four Noble Truths We are continually reborn into this mundane life; how do we get out of it? Existence is suffering (all temporary things and states are unsatisfying) Suffering arises from attachment to desires (craving & clinging) Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold path

Dependent Origination Everything is caused by something else (cause/effect) Nothing exists on its own Nothing is permanent or unchangeable

the Eightfold Path