1. Ancient India Buddhism & the Spread of Indian Culture 3.2 & 7.2

3. What is Buddhism? 4 th Largest religion (or philosophy). 4 th Largest religion (or philosophy). Founded in 5 th Century BC by Siddhartha Gautama Founded in 5 th Century BC by Siddhartha Gautama “The Buddha (or enlightened one).” “The Buddha (or enlightened one).” Founded in India, but more common in South & East Asia. Founded in India, but more common in South & East Asia.

4. Buddhism’s relationship to Hinduism Buddha born into a caste. Buddha born into a caste. Began in India Began in India Belief in … Belief in … Karma Karma Enlightenment Enlightenment Reincarnation Reincarnation Meditation Meditation Rejects the Castes Rejects the Castes More accepting of women & poor More accepting of women & poor No Gods No Gods Not big in India Not big in India Spread South & East Spread South & East

5. Prince Siddhartha Born into nobility in Northern India Born into nobility in Northern India Age 29: realized all life suffers, only a life of meditation & moderation can offer peace. Age 29: realized all life suffers, only a life of meditation & moderation can offer peace. Became a wandering monk, searched for cure to suffering Became a wandering monk, searched for cure to suffering

9. Four Noble Truths Central belief of Buddhism All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow. Cause of suffering is selfish desire.Cause of suffering is selfish desire. Only cure is to overcome desire.Only cure is to overcome desire. To overcome desire, follow the Middle Way to Nirvana (enlightenment).To overcome desire, follow the Middle Way to Nirvana (enlightenment).

10. The Middle Way (8 Fold Path) The middle road between pleasure & self-denial.The middle road between pleasure & self-denial. Goal is Nirvana: union with the universe & release from cycle of rebirth.Goal is Nirvana: union with the universe & release from cycle of rebirth.

11. Buddha passed on his teachings to 5 students. Buddha passed on his teachings to 5 students. They then founded schools & monasteries for monks & nuns They then founded schools & monasteries for monks & nuns

12. Nalanda University in North East India

14. Two Rafts to Cross the River  Theravada Buddhism  Theravada Buddhism - focuses on the teachings of the Buddha rather than on the Buddha himself. Emphasizes meditation. Mahayana Buddhism  Mahayana Buddhism - focuses on the Buddha himself, celebrating him as a divine savior.

15. The Spread of Buddhism 300 BC, Buddhism began to spread east and south. 300 BC, Buddhism began to spread east and south. Silk Roads provided routes of diffusion. Silk Roads provided routes of diffusion.

17. The Silk Roads Goods & ideas spread from China - Europe Goods & ideas spread from China - Europe Banking in India became highly profitable Banking in India became highly profitable

18. Indian Culture Kalidasa: India’s Shakespeare. Kalidasa: India’s Shakespeare. Shakuntala Shakuntala Aryabhata: India’s greatest mathematician. Aryabhata: India’s greatest mathematician. Indian Numerals, decimal system, zero Indian Numerals, decimal system, zero 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 … 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 …

19. Effect of Spread of Indian Culture Greatest Effect = Spread of Buddhism Greatest Effect = Spread of Buddhism Contact with Europe began with the Greeks through Alexander’s conquests Contact with Europe began with the Greeks through Alexander’s conquests Wealthy Romans were obsessed with Indian & Chinese luxuries = contributed to Rome’s bad economy. Wealthy Romans were obsessed with Indian & Chinese luxuries = contributed to Rome’s bad economy.

21. Greatest king in Indian history Greatest king in Indian history United India thru Conquest United India thru Conquest Renounced violence & became Buddhist Renounced violence & became Buddhist Supported religious tolerance Supported religious tolerance Ashoka the Great: 270 – 232 BC