Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism: History No historical founder Roots in India Vedas (sacred texts)

Hinduism: History Sacrifices Offerings Reincarnation

Hinduism: History Ramayana focuses on Vishnu Mahabharata focuses on Krishna Bhagavad Gita

Hinduism: Key Concepts Henotheistic (worship many gods) Primary deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Devi Determined by family or region of India

Hinduism: Key Concepts Atman (soul) Samsara (cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) Karma (experiencing the effects of your actions in this life, in your next life) Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth)

Hinduism: Key Concepts Worship at home, shrines, temples

Hinduism: Key Concepts Many festivals Examples: Holi, Diwali

Hinduism: Geography India is a sacred land Temples

Hinduism: Contemporary Issues Caste system Social change Rural India

THE FOUR SIGHTS:  A very old man  A sick person  A dead body  A beggar Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Buddhism: History

Enlightenment “Middle Path” Taught the way to enlightenment

Buddhism: Key Concepts Four Noble Truths: – Life involves suffering – Suffering originates in our desires – Suffering will cease if all desires cease – There is a way to cease all desire: the Eightfold Path

Buddhism: Key Concepts TRIVIA FACT “Buddha” is technically a title (not a name) that means “the enlightened one” The Eightfold Path Path results in nirvana

Buddhism: Geography

Theravada (“Way of the Elders”) Southeast Asia Mahayana (“Great Vehicle”) Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Japan

Originated in India Spread to Tibet Meditative practices, compassionate living, and advanced mystical practices Buddhism: Geography

Buddhism: Contemporary Issues Dalai Lama, best known Lives in the Himalayan Mountains Travels widely

Buddhism: Contemporary Issues Act on meditation Worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. Engaged Buddhists