1. Polytheistic Religions of Asia
Hinduism & Buddhism

2. Religions of Asia

3. Two of the world’s great religions began in India— Hinduism & Buddhism

4. Hinduism Grew out of the Aryan culture Does not have one founder
One of the oldest religions
Developed slowly
Mainly in India

5. Caste System – born into, can only move through reincarnation
Actions in previous life determine caste in next one
The caste system led to discrimination in India and it has been outlawed, but some people still believe in it and practice it.

6. Reincarnation – soul being born again & again & again…
Karma – good or bad actions that influence reincarnation
Vedas – religious texts
Dharma – your life’s duty

7. Polytheistic – recognizes many gods and goddesses
Includes multiple gods:
 Brahma, the creator
 Vishnu the preserver
 Shiva the destroyer.
Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred and is personified as a goddess known as Ganga.
It is worshipped by Hindus who believe that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and facilitates Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death).

8. Buddhism
Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs.

9. Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) - Born a prince
- 530 BCE
After years of spiritual searching and intense meditation, he perceived the true nature of human existence for the first time.
became known as Buddha, or the “Enlightened One”.

10. Buddha spent his life trying to teach people that people suffer because they are attached to material things.
Four Noble Truths
Life is filled with suffering
Cause of suffering is desire for temporary pleasure
Way to end suffering is to end desire
Way to overcome suffering and end desire is the Eightfold Path

12. Karma—what you do comes back to you
Major Beliefs:
Karma—what you do comes back to you
Reincarnation—your soul is recycled
Nirvana—ultimate enlightenment (final reincarnation) - release from selfishness and pain
Reject the Hindu Caste
System

13. Diffusion of Buddhism Started in India
Spread to China, Korea, Japan, & other areas through trade.
Today mainly in Japan, China, Cambodia, and Thailand.

14. Buddhism
Hinduism