Hinduism and Buddhism

India What do you remember about the family life in ancient India?

The Four Varna Brahmins- Priest Kshatriya- Warriors/Adminstration Vishya- “Folks” Artisans, farmers, herdsman, etc. Sudra- serve other three classes.

The Caste System Over the centuries, a multiplex social structure developed Key marker of a persons identity and place in society Caste System-designate the fixed social groups into which individuals are born

The Caste System Higher castes were considered more pure than lower castes. Lowest level who were outside the caste system were the so- called “untouchables” Performed the most polluting task such as taking out the trash, disposing of the dead, etc

Religion Two of the world’s major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, originated in India Both helped shape the history of India and other Eastern civilization

Hinduism A Group that calls themselves “aryas” first appeared in northwest India around 1500 B.C They brought the origins of Hindu teachings

Principles of Hinduism Reincarnation- “rebirth” belief that the soul/self is reborn after death After number of rebirths, it will achieve its final goal of union with Brahman Karma- action and consequence. A persons intentional acts have inevitable consequences and determine the persons future condition in this life and after Dharma- “Order, truth, duty, law” defines duty and right behavior

Buddhism

Began in the 5 th or 6 th century Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BC Born into a Hindu family (Warrior) Known as Buddha or Enlightened One Intense period of meditation to fine oneness with god. Path to enlightenment

Sayings… “Do not accept what you hear by report…. Be lamps unto yourselves” Do not go by what is handed down, nor on the authority of your traditional teachings. When you know of yourselves: “These teachings are not good …. Then reject them.” When asked who he was he would respond “I am awake” Neither a god nor an angel but a simple man who had awakened to the truth

Central Ideas of Buddhism The pain and sorrow that afflict us are due to our attachment to “things: in the world. Nirvana- ultimate reality, the end of the self and a reunion with the great World Soul The heart of this teaching is the Four Noble Truths

4 Noble Truths Human life involves suffering and sorrow Desire for pleasure and material things causes suffering and sorrow Renouncing desire frees soul from suffering 8 fold path leads to nirvana

8 fold path Right views-----see life as it is Right intentions-----life of goodwill Right speech-----no lies or gossip Right action law-abiding and honest Right living avoid harming others Right effort seek to prevent evil Right mindfulness------awareness of one’s self Right concentration meditation

Buddha’s Teachings Declared the caste system irrelevant Discouraged the formation of a cult to himself and did not encourage the making of images Buddha died at age 80 His followed traveled across India spreading his message Temples sprang up throughout the countryside

Mauryan Empire 320 BC- 170 BC Chandragupta Maurya, founder United Northern India from the Ganges to Indus Many enemies Rigid bureaucracy Standardized weights and measures Standards for doctors

Asoka Grandson of Chandragupta Military rule increased size of India with bloody wars Sickened by war Asoka became a Buddhist and stopped the killing Improved living conditions and roads Carved written laws in pillars

Mauryan dynasty declined Last emperor killed by one of his generals who Set up the Gupta Dynasty

Gupta Dynasty Buddhism declined and Hinduism grew Chandra Gupta I took power in 320 AD Golden age Social prosperity Arts and sciences Less centralized political system Lost rule in 550AD to Barbarian invaders