Jainism Based on principle of ahimsa – non-violence to other living things and their souls Based on principle of ahimsa – non-violence to other living things and their souls Believed that everything (including both animate and inanimate objects) had a soul Believed that everything (including both animate and inanimate objects) had a soul Only by unselfishness could you release yourself from burdens of karma and reach a state of bliss Only by unselfishness could you release yourself from burdens of karma and reach a state of bliss “Demanding ethics” (sweeping floors before entering, filtering water, sudden movements) “Demanding ethics” (sweeping floors before entering, filtering water, sudden movements) Appeal of the religion – impractical for most; but appealing among lower castes (beliefs are completely opposite of principles of caste system) Appeal of the religion – impractical for most; but appealing among lower castes (beliefs are completely opposite of principles of caste system)

Buddhism Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama – who left his comfortable upper-class life in 534 BCE to find spiritual enlightenment and an explanation for suffering Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama – who left his comfortable upper-class life in 534 BCE to find spiritual enlightenment and an explanation for suffering After achieving “enlightenment” with intense meditation – he understood suffering and became the “Buddha” (the enlightened one”) After achieving “enlightenment” with intense meditation – he understood suffering and became the “Buddha” (the enlightened one”)

Buddha’s Teachings The Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths 1. All life includes suffering 1. All life includes suffering 2. The cause of all suffering is desire 2. The cause of all suffering is desire 3. Eliminating desire will end suffering 3. Eliminating desire will end suffering 4. Following the Eightfold Path will end desire 4. Following the Eightfold Path will end desire The Eightfold Path -Lead a balanced, moderate life (don’t follow extremes) -Lead a life of right belief, right resolve, right speech, right behavior, right occupation, right effort, right contemplation, and right meditation Following this would bring people to personal salvation – escaping cycle of reincarnation – and the attainment of Following this would bring people to personal salvation – escaping cycle of reincarnation – and the attainment of Nirvana (state of perfect spiritual independence) *The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path constitute Buddhist Doctrine (belief system) known as the Buddhist Dharma

Popularity of Buddhism Appeal of the Message – it resonated with people of lower castes, who didn’t have to depend on services of Brahmins (priests) Appeal of the Message – it resonated with people of lower castes, who didn’t have to depend on services of Brahmins (priests) Language – Buddhist monks taught in vernacular (local) languages instead of formal Sanskrit that the Brahmins used Language – Buddhist monks taught in vernacular (local) languages instead of formal Sanskrit that the Brahmins used Devotion of Followers – Enthusiastic followers formed monasteries and devoted their lives to spreading the message of “dharma” (the Four Noble Truths + the Eightfold Path) – Basic Buddhist Doctrine Devotion of Followers – Enthusiastic followers formed monasteries and devoted their lives to spreading the message of “dharma” (the Four Noble Truths + the Eightfold Path) – Basic Buddhist Doctrine Support of Ashoka Maurya: spread message through edicts. Felt Buddhism could help his culturally diverse empire Support of Ashoka Maurya: spread message through edicts. Felt Buddhism could help his culturally diverse empire

More with Buddhism Appealed to lower classes, but had heavy demands placed on people (giving up personal wealth, social standing, worldly possessions) Appealed to lower classes, but had heavy demands placed on people (giving up personal wealth, social standing, worldly possessions) Still involved reincarnation – but not the social injustices of the religion of the Brahmin priests Still involved reincarnation – but not the social injustices of the religion of the Brahmin priests Later spread of Buddhism involved a less-strict doctrine known as “Mahayana” (the greater vehicle) – allowed more worldly possessions Later spread of Buddhism involved a less-strict doctrine known as “Mahayana” (the greater vehicle) – allowed more worldly possessions Major spread of religion into China, Japan, Korea, and SE Asia Major spread of religion into China, Japan, Korea, and SE Asia

Changes in Hinduism In what ways did Hinduism change after the emergence of Buddhism? In what ways did Hinduism change after the emergence of Buddhism? Who were the major gods, and their roles, in early Hinduism? Who were the major gods, and their roles, in early Hinduism? What were the basic tenets, or beliefs, of the early Hindus? What were the basic tenets, or beliefs, of the early Hindus? Why did Hinduism replace Buddhism as the popular faith in India? Why did Hinduism replace Buddhism as the popular faith in India?