1. Unit Three Block Four Lecture The development of Indian religions
World History I
Unit Three Block Four Lecture
The development of Indian religions

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3. The origins of Hinduism
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Hinduism is recognized as the oldest organized religion in the world (2000 BCE/BC and maybe as far back as 5000 BCE/BC)
The origins of Hinduism are a blend of Aryan and Indian (Dravidian) beliefs
There is no specific founder of Hinduism
The location of Hinduism remains within the Indian sub- continent

4. Hindu deities and religious texts
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There is one major deity (Brahman) that shows itself in many forms (the Hindu trinity): Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer)
Splits within the religion allow for a vast variety of other deities or monotheism
Hindu sacred writings are known as the Sanatana Dharma (The Eternal Teaching) and include the Vedas (Hindu foundation) and the Upanishads (Hindu theory)
The Hindu Trinity
Brahman
Brahma (the creator)
Vishnu (the preserver)
Shiva (the destroyer)

5. Hinduism incorporates the caste system
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The caste system is a fundamental part of Hinduism
Hinduism uses the caste system to create a pattern based on the following:
Reincarnation - birth into a caste after a previous life
Dharma - a set life path based on position to sustain balance
Karma - judgment and rebirth based on choices, and
Nirvana - the ultimate escape from the cycle of life and death
Reincarnation
Following or not following your Dharma
Getting good or bad Karma
Back to reincarnation (either into a better caste or a worse caste) or Nirvana (escape)

6. Origins of Buddhism Buddhism is a reaction to Hinduism
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Buddhism is a reaction to Hinduism
Buddhism is founded in 520 BCE/BC
Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama who an Indian prince from what is now Nepal (we call him “The Buddha”)
The big difference from Hinduism – Buddhism allows for the achievement of Nirvana in one lifetime

7. The “Four Noble Truths” and the “Eightfold Path” (a two part process)
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Part one – accept these four noble truths
Part two – the enlightened path requires you live your life as follows
All people suffer
We suffer because of our actions
Proper understanding
proper attitude
We do not have to suffer, and
proper speech
Follow the enlightened path (eightfold path) to end your suffering
proper actions
proper livelihood
complete or full effort
complete or through awareness, and
mastery of meditation

8. The spread of Buddhism
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In 260 BCE/BC, Asoka (the Hindu ruler of the Mauryan Empire) leads a invasion that leads to massive loss of life, thus ruining his Karma
Asoka converts to Buddhism so that he can still reach Nirvana in his lifetime
Asoka then sends missionaries to parts of China and Asia to spread the word of Buddhism, the Buddhism ultimately spread to Korean Peninsula and Japan