1. Culture and Religion in SOUTH ASIA1

2. CULTURE OF SOUTH ASIA A culturally fragmented region
Religious and linguistic diversity
Religions
Islam is predominant in Pakistan and Bangladesh (165 million in India).
Hinduism is predominant in India.
Sikhism thrives in northern India.
Buddhism is predominant in Sri Lanka. 2

3. Islam swept through central India from the 8th -10th centuries AD
Hinduism emerged from the beliefs and practices brought to India by the Aryans. (6th century BC)
Buddhism emerged during the 6th century BC; made the state religion of India in 3rd century BC
Islam swept through central India from the 8th -10th centuries AD 3

4. HINDUISM One of the world’s oldest religions.
Not just a religion; also a culture in itself. 4

5. MAJOR TENETS OF HINDUISM
Three main ideas are important in understanding the Hindu religion and the caste system
Reincarnation
Karma
Dharma 5

6. REINCARNATION Every living thing has a soul.
When a living thing dies, its soul moves into another living creature.
Souls are reborn in a newly created life. 6

7. CASTE SYSTEM 1) Brahmans, the priestly and learned class;
2) Kshatriyas, the warriors and rulers;
3) Vaisyas, farmers and merchants;
4) Sudras, peasants and laborers.
5) Panchamas, “the untouchables” who
performed the most menial tasks. 7

8. KARMA Every action brings about certain results.
There is no escaping the consequences of one’s actions.
Good behavior is rewarded when the soul is reborn into a higher ranking living creature. 8

9. DHARMA
A set of rules that must be followed by all living things if they wish to work their way up the ladder of reincarnation.
Each person’s dharma is different. 9

10. THREE BASIC PRACTICES Puja or worship Cremation of the dead
Regulations of the caste system 10

11. RELIGIOUS CONTRASTS ISLAM HINDUISM Monotheistic Polytheistic No idols
One sacred book
Uniform dogma - 5 pillars
Intolerant (of other religions)
Eat beef/Sacrifice cows
Bury Dead
Social Equality (in theory)
Theocratic society
HINDUISM
Polytheistic
Many idols
Various sacred writings
Varying beliefs
Absorbed other religions
Venerate cows
Burn dead (& alive)
Caste separation
“State” of secondary importance 11

12. BUDDHISM Focuses on knowledge, especially self-knowledge
Founded by: Siddhartha Gautama ( B.C.)
Focuses on knowledge, especially self-knowledge
Elimination of worldly desires, determination not to hurt or kill people or animals 12

13. FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS Sorrow and suffering are part of all life.
People suffer because they desire things they cannot have.
The way to escape suffering is to end desire.
To end desire, follow the “middle path.” 13

14. EIGHTFOLD PATH TO THE MIDDLE WAY
Right understanding
Right purpose
Right speech
Right conduct
Right means of earning a living
Right effort
Right awareness
Right meditation 14