1. Hinduism and Buddhism

2. Caste System

3. Information on Caste System
Caste system is determined by birth. (cannot be changed)
Believe in a continuous cycle of life, death and rebirth called samsara.
Reincarnation- after “death” individual soul is reborn in a different form
Hinduism- polytheistic religion, dominant in India

4. Karma
Whether you have good karma or bad karma determines your role in next life.
Achieving “good” karma is linked to Dharma, or moral duty. Duties include following religious laws and caste laws.

5. Hinduism Beliefs
Code of Manu (3rd or 2nd Century BCE.) was about following these religious and caste laws.
Many Gods (polytheistic). Brahma- Creator, Vishnu- Preserver, Shiva- The destroyer

6. Origins
Aryans (invaders) brought with them collections of oral stories and prayers called the Vedas BCE, and also the caste system.
Goal of Hinduism- union with Brahman (World soul) will result in moksha or liberation from known existence.

7. Buddhism Influenced by Hinduism.
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince.
Renounced his life of royal privilege to live a life of meditation.

8. Buddhism Four Noble Truths are the core teachings
Explain the nature of suffering – suffering is caused by attachment to things of this world

9. Buddhism Eight fold path – the middle way and path to enlightenment
Buddha stresses honesty, charity, kindness to all creatures
Final goal of Buddhism to reach nirvana- a union with the universe and release from cycle of rebirth

11. Hinduism and Buddhism similar
Both believe in non-violence
Both believe in karma, dharma, and the cycle of rebirth

12. Differences Buddhism worships no Gods
Buddha forbid followers from worshipping him
Buddhism rejects Caste system
Buddhism-Enlightenment through meditation
Buddhism-Not focused on rituals