1. Siddhartha

2. Herman Hesse German-born Swiss (b. July 2, 1877)
He underwent psychiatric analysis with Carl Jung
He became interested in Eastern philosophy, spirituality, and religions because his family did missionary work
Went to India in 1911
Called his books “Biographies of the soul”
Depict a protagonist’s search for authenticity and spirituality

3. Hinduism
The world’s 3rd most popular religion, with approximately 900 million followers
80% of India regards themselves as Hindus
Emerged in India B.C
No founder, no single teacher, nor prophet
No “bible” but several religious texts
Rig Veda: oldest—hymns, rituals, etc. Upanishads: newer—philosophical—monotheistic

4. Hinduism
Brahman is "the unchanging reality amidst and beyond the world“ or universal soul
Hindus recognize three principal gods (Trimurti): Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver/protector, and Shiva as destroyer/judge
All part of Brahman (like the Trinity)
Brahman appears in the human spirit as atman, or the soul

5. Varna or caste system Brahmins = Priests Kshatriyas = Warriors
Vaisyas = Merchants
Shudras = Laborers
Two Classes “Outside” Caste System
Sadhus[samanas] wandering monks
Untouchables

6. Some Essential Concepts of Hinduism & BuDDHISM:
Reincarnation =soul passes through a cycle of successive lives
Karma = Next incarnation is always dependent on how successful the previous life was lived (good/bad deeds)
Maya = illusion (the earth often represented Maya)
Samsara = Cycle of birth, life, and death in the world
Yoga = meditative & spiritual practice
Yogi = spiritual teacher/adviser
Enlightenment = Awakening; the realization that Atman and Brahman are identical

7. Buddhism Buddhism began as a reform to Hinduism
Buddha did not believe in the Caste System or in many of the traditions of Hinduism
Buddha (c B.C.)
Named Shakyamuni (known as Siddhartha Gotama)
Siddhartha = “he who has attained his goals”
He was a prince
Recognized at birth as special by wise men. They believed he would be a special monk or great conqueror

8. SIddhartha
Siddhartha realized he was no longer happy with his life at age 29
The Four Sights - at 29 he left the palace and saw:
A sick man
An old man
A dead man
A monk
He had discovered suffering, and wanted to discover how to overcome it

9. What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha?
Studied with two different gurus but found their practices lacking
Began to practice the austerities and self- mortifications practiced by a group of five ascetics – practiced for six years

10. What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha?
He tried to follow these methods to attain truth/enlightenment:
Dharma—doing one’s duty to family, etc.
Kama—pleasure, especially sexual
Artha – Wealth, money, material possessions
Moksha—Liberation/Retirement

11. What lead to Siddhartha becoming the Buddha?
Finally, desperate for meaning, he sat under the bodhi (bo) tree and intended not to arise until he attained enlightenment or else died.
He became enlightened and proceeded to teach “4 Noble Truths”

12. Buddhism Buddha means “he who is awake”
He said that a person’s status in the world, their background, wealth, or nationality did not matter. All were capable of enlightenment.

13. The four Noble Truths
We are continually reborn into this mundane life; how do we get out of it?
Existence is suffering (all temporary things and states are unsatisfying)
Suffering arises from attachment to desires (craving & clinging)
Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases
Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold path

14. Dependent Origination
Everything is caused by something else (cause/effect)
Nothing exists on its own
Nothing is permanent or unchangeable

15. the Eightfold Path