The Origins of Hinduism and Buddhism

Hindu Beliefs Develop Hinduism has no single founder and no single sacred text. It grew out of the overlapping beliefs of the diverse groups who settled India. Later people brought other gods, beliefs, and practices. Hinduism became one of the world’s most complex religions, with countless gods and goddesses and many forms of worship existing side by side.

Visvamitra visits Vasishtha in ancient India Visvamitra visits Vasishtha in ancient India. Both men wrote parts of the Vedas, the sacred texts about Hindu beliefs. How does the artist convey respect between the authors?

Gods/Goddesses “God is one, but wise people know it by many names.” Everything is part of the unchanging, all-powerful spiritual force called Brahman. Hindus worship a variety of gods who give concrete form to Brahman. Hindu gods are Vishnu, the Preserver; Shiva, the Destroyer; and Shakti, the female divine, who is believed to be ruthless against evil. Each can take many forms, human or animal.

This painting shows the Hindu goddess Durga, or Shakti, who protects mankind from misery by destroying evil forces. Why do you think she is often depicted riding a tiger or lion?

Sacred Texts Hindu teachings were recorded in the sacred texts of the Vedas. Use vivid images to examine complex ideas about the human soul and the connectedness of all life. Literary works such as the Bhagavad-Gita were also revered for their representations of Hindu beliefs.

Important Terms The ultimate goal of existence, Hindus believe, is achieving moksha (MOHK shuh), or union with Brahman. Most people cannot achieve moksha in one lifetime, but Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Karma refers to both action and result. Thus, someone's good and moral actions leads to good results either in this lifetime or the next. Hinduism stresses the importance of dharma (DAHR muh), the religious and moral duties of an individual. Another key moral principle of Hinduism is ahimsa (uh HIM sah), or nonviolence.

A statue of the wheel of dharma, a Hindu symbol of life, death, and rebirth. In Hinduism, how does one escape the wheel of fate?

The chart describes the caste system in ancient India The chart describes the caste system in ancient India. Based on the chart, which caste was considered the least spiritually pure?

Question 1 What is dharma? A. union with Brahma B. the rebirth of the soul in another bodily form C. the essential self D. an individual's moral and religious duties

The Buddha’s Key Teachings Siddhartha Gautama, his teachings eventually spread across Asia to become the core beliefs of one of the world’s most influential religions, Buddhism. He was born a prince about 563 b.c. At age 29 he set out to discover “the realm of life where there is neither suffering nor death.” Gautama wandered for years, seeking answers from scholars and holy men whose ideas failed to satisfy him. At some point, he took a seat under a large tree, determined to stay there until he understood the mystery of life. When he rose, he believed he understood the cause of and cure for suffering and sorrow. He had become the Buddha, or “Enlightened One.”

This ancient statue of the Buddha in a meditating pose is in Sri Lanka This ancient statue of the Buddha in a meditating pose is in Sri Lanka. What does the Buddha’s facial expression show?

The Buddha shared his knowledge by teaching other people The Buddha shared his knowledge by teaching other people. Choose one of the Eightfold Path steps. Then describe how the Buddha might teach others about following that particular step.

The Goal of Buddhism A person had to live a moral life, avoiding evil words and actions. Through meditation, a person might at last achieve enlightenment. For the Buddhist, the final goal is nirvana, or union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth. He stressed moral principles such as honesty, charity, and kindness to all living creatures.

Buddhism vs. Hinduism Buddhism grew from the same traditions as Hinduism. Both stressed nonviolence and believed in karma, dharma, and a cycle of rebirth. The religions differed in several ways. Instead of focusing on the priests, formal rituals, and many gods of Hinduism, the Buddha urged each person to seek enlightenment through meditation. Buddhists also rejected the Indian caste system as practiced at that time.

Question 2 What is one way that Buddhism differs from Hinduism? A. Buddhism rejects a caste system and focuses on meditation. B. Buddhism has teachers and spiritual practices. C. Buddhism recognizes that people are all interconnected. D .Buddhism teaches that a person’s actions have consequences for spiritual development.

What is one Asian country that has followers of both Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism? Which do more countries follow, Mahayana Buddhism or Theravada Buddhism?

This painting of the Buddha is in the Jokhang Temple in Tibet This painting of the Buddha is in the Jokhang Temple in Tibet. The temple attracts millions of monks and pilgrims.