1. Hinduism & Buddhism

2. Essential Understandings
Hinduism was an important contribution of classical India.
Hinduism influenced Indian society and culture and is still practiced in India today.

3. Hinduism: The Basics Belief in many forms of one God
Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma
Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences
Vedas and Upanishads: Sacred writings
Spread along major trade routes

4. Karma
Journey of the soul through a series of lives based on one’s karma
karma is the level of good or bad a soul accumulates resent behavior determines future
Good karma comes from living your life according to a code of morals

5. Dharma Dharma - Code of morals
Living according to Dharma will lead to moksha
Sacred duty

6. Vedas
The most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of Vedic religion.
Believed to have been directly revealed to seers among the early Aryans in India, and preserved by oral tradition, the four books are the
Rig Veda
Sama Veda
Yajur Veda
Atharva Veda

7. Upanishads
Collection of writings from original oral transmissions, also known as "the supreme work of the Indian mind".
It is here that we find all the fundamental teachings that are central to Hinduism — the concepts of 'karma' (action), 'samsara' (reincarnation), 'moksha' (nirvana), the 'atman' (soul), and the 'Brahman' (Absolute Almighty).

9. Essential Understandings
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama in a part of India that is in present-day Nepal.
Buddhism became a major faith when Asoka sent missionaries throughout Asia.

10. Buddhism: The Basics Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Path to Enlightenment
Asoka’s missionaries and their writings spread Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia.

11. Four Noble Truths Life involves great suffering
Suffering stems from desires for worldly pleasures and material things
Suffering can end when one eliminates all of one’s earthly desires
Desire can end when one eliminates by following the eight fold path.

12. Eightfold Path
Requires an individual to meditate, reflect, and refrain from the pursuit of earthly pleasures.
Detachment->enlightenment->nirvana (peaceful after life)