Hinduism & Buddhism

Hinduism Grew out of diverse groups in India Brahman: Believe that everything in universe was part of all-powerful spiritual force Goal is to achieve Moksha Union with Brahman Individuals free themselves from selfish desires Hindu’s believe in reincarnation Rebirth of soul in another bodily form Karma: Refers to all actions of a person’s life Affects fate in next life Stress importance of Dharma Religious and moral duties 2

Buddhism Developed in foothills of Himalayas from Siddhartha Gautama Founded new religion- Buddhism Referred to as Buddha (Enlightened One) Set out to discover realm where there was no suffering or death Four Noble Truths (Heart of Buddhism) 1) All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow 2) The cause of suffering is the desire for things that are really illusions 3) The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire 4) The way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path 3

Eightfold Path Consists of: Achieve Nirvana: 2) Right aspirations 1) Rights views 2) Right aspirations 3) Right speech 4) Right conduct 5) Right livelihood 6) Right effort 7) Right mindfulness 8) Right contemplation Achieve Nirvana: Union with the universe and release from cycle of rebirth Person must live moral life, avoiding evil words and actions 4