India & China Notes Hinduism & Buddhism

Caste System  complex form of social organization with rules to ensure spirituality  Everyone not equal

Beliefs of Hinduism “God is one, but wise people know it by many names” Hindu gods:  Brahma- the Creator  Vishnu- the Preserver  Shiva- the Destroyer

Sacred Texts a) Bhagavad-Gita b) The Vedas c) Upanishads

Goal of Life 1. Atman: one's true self beyond identification 2. Moshka: ultimate goal is union with Brahman a. Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul in another bodily form

Karma  Your actions in this life can affect your fate in the next life

Dharma  What upholds the natural order of things

Jainism  prescribes a path of non- violence towards all living beings

Guatama Buddha  Siddhartha Guatama- founder of Buddhism  Wealthy childhood  As adult searched for meaning of life and suffering

The Search  Four Noble Truths 1. Life is full of suffering and sorrow 2. Cause of suffering is desire for material gain 3. Only cure for suffering is to renounce desires 4. Way to overcome desire is Eightfold Path & Nirvana

The Search  “Eightfold Path”- (Pg. 64) how one overcomes desires and wants  Nirvana: The ultimate goal for Buddhists

Eightfold Path

Both religions believe in…  Ahisma: non-violence

Buddhists reject some Hindu beliefs  Their priests and rituals  Many gods of Hinduism  Caste System

Stupa  Large dome-shaped shrine that housed sacred remains

Tripitaka  Buddhist sacred text

2 Sects  Theravada- followed the teachings of Buddha strictly- Sri Lanka, South-Eastern Asia  Mahayana- Followed Buddhist teachings loosely- spread to China, Korea, Japan