 According to Buddha, how do you overcome the desire for things like riches?  What is nirvana?  Who founded Buddhism and Hinduism?  What is reincarnation?  What is karma?

Hinduism

 No single founder of Hinduism, emerged from a collection of ideas from many people  The five major beliefs are listed below, we will discuss first and then fill in the symbol column

 Supreme God  everything is part of Brahman  the goal in life is to unite atman with Brahman

 Hindus worship many Gods and Goddesses  Gods and Goddesses are part of Brahman  Important Gods are Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

 sacred duty  individual dharma is determined by personality, age, sex, and social class  following dharma promotes harmony

 the sum of good and bad actions are carried from one life to the next  good and bad actions affect future life

 the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth  the goal in life is to achieve moksha and be released from samsara

Buddhism

 Founder: Siddhartha Gautama  Goal: To achieve enlightenment, or wisdom  Nirvana: the Buddha’s word for the release from selfishness and pain, which everyone (not just those at the top of the caste system) could reach by following the Eightfold Path

 Suffering is present in all things, and nothing lasts forever.  Suffering is caused by cravings (desires and wants).  The way to end suffering is to give up all cravings.  The way to give up all cravings is to live life according to the Eightfold Path.

 Right understanding Develop a deep understanding of the Four Noble Truths.  Right purpose Live a life of selflessness (not selfishness), love, and nonviolence.  Right speech Be careful and truthful in what you say. Do not lie or gossip.  Right action Do not kill, steal, or lie. Be honest.

 Right way to earn a living Do not work at a job that causes harm to people or living creatures.  Right effort Promote good actions and prevent evil actions.  Right mindfulness Be aware of but not attached to your emotions, thoughts, and feelings.  Right concentration Focus your mind with practices such as meditation.