Objective: Compare and contrast Buddhism and Hinduism. Ch. 3.2b Buddhism Objective: Compare and contrast Buddhism and Hinduism.

The Founder of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama Born into a noble family –He was a prince in Nepal. His mother, Mahamaya- Dreamed of a beautiful silver elephant. Priests asked to interpret this dream

A Priest’s Prophesy If Siddhartha stayed at home – he would become a world leader. If Siddhartha left his home – he would become a spiritual leader.

A Child Destined for Greatness Tradition relates that Siddhartha was born with 32 signs of greatness including: golden skin. Webbed fingers and toes.

Siddhartha’s Quest Siddhartha’s father kept him isolated from the outside world. He wanted to see life beyond the palace walls.

Siddhartha Left the Palace On his journey he saw three things which changed his life: An old man. A sick man A corpse to be cremated. A holy man at peace.

Siddhartha Learns the Truth For the first time saw: All living things experienced suffering. He devoted his life to finding a way to end suffering in the world.

Siddhartha’s Goal To find enlightenment (wisdom) . He tried several ways to find truth. He became known as the “Buddha.” “Enlightened one” Traveled with his message

The Four Noble Truths 1. Everything in life is suffering and sorrow. 2. Suffering is caused by selfish desire. 3. The way to end suffering: End desire. 4. Way to end desire: Follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path This is also called the “Middle Way.” There is a path between desire and self denial . Anyone can find the path and reach Nirvana. Release from pain and selfishness.

8 Things We Can Do to Achieve Nirvana Right views Right intentions Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

What Did Buddha Believe ? It took many lifetimes to master the Middle Way. It was possible to reach Nirvana in one lifetime. Be released from pain and suffering.

Buddhism Spread Beyond India Sri Lanka Burma Thailand China Korea Japan Mainly through trade.

Different Images of Buddha Reflect the people living in particular area.

Why isn’t Buddhism India’s Major Religion ? Hinduism absorbed many Buddhist ideas. Buddha became one of many faces of Vishnu. No strong need for Hindus to convert to Buddhism.

Buddha’s Death Siddhartha lay between two trees. Accepted an offering of food. Knowing it was bad, he still ate it. Showed his calm acceptance of death.

Buddhist Monks Live in a sangha or monastery. Devotion to religion. Teaching Buddhist philosophy, sciences.

Comparing Buddhism and Hinduism Reincarnation Rejects idea of many gods. Rejected the Caste System. Belief in Nirvana May be reached in one lifetime. Reincarnation Belief in many gods. Used the Caste system. Belief in Moksha: “perfect understanding” Many lifetimes to reach it.