1. Hinduism and Buddhism

2. Objectives WHI.4 The student will be able to: Essential Questions
Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Hinduism
Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Buddhism
Essential Questions
What are the beliefs of the Hindu religion?
How did Hinduism influence Indian society and culture?
What are the beliefs of Buddhism?
How did Buddhism spread?

3. Hinduism

4. Origins Aryan tribes from Central Asia invaded India around 1400 B.C.
brought Indo-European language and religion
Aryans first settled in Punjab (Northern India)
Migrated later to Ganges River Valley
No specific founder, no single theology, no agreement on origins
Word Hinduism sixth century B.C. to refer to people living in the area
Hinduism existed long before recorded history
Earliest surviving documents written in 1500 B.C.E.
Objects related to Hinduism date back to 2500 B.C.E.

5. The Vedas Hindu’s prefer term Vedic
Veda are Vedic text that provide the only written source for understanding religious life in ancient India
Considered sacred writings
Vedas compromised of 1,000 hymns followed by chants and prose works
Over time only highly-trained priest could perform the complicated Vedic rituals

6. Sacred Writings Upanishads Bhagavad-Gita
Record wisdom of Hindu teachers and sages as far back at 1000 B.C.E.
Nature of morality and eternal life
Transmigration of souls
Causality in creation
How to achieve moksha – a perfect understanding of all things
Bhagavad-Gita
Part of the Mahabharata- one of the longest books in the world
Dialogue between Arjuna (hero) and Krishna
Incredibly important cultural text

7. Five Basic Beliefs Karma One God that takes multiple forms Brahman
Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences
the sum of good and bad actions are carried from one life to the next
Reincarnation
Rebirth based upon your karma
Reincarnation ends when you reach Moksha
Liberation of the soul
One God that takes multiple forms
Brahman
Supreme God
everything is part of Brahman
the goal in life is to unite atman with Brahman
Dharma
sacred duty
individual dharma is determined by personality, age, sex, and social class
following dharma promotes harmony

8. Practices Rituals Worship called Puja
Marriage: match must be approved by both parents, usually arranged, horoscopes drawn up, bride’s family pays dowry
Death: body cremated, body not required after death due to reincarnation
Worship called Puja
Worship often takes place in home
No particular day or time

9. Deities
Brahma: the Creator
Vishnu: the Preserver

10. Deities
Siva: the destoyer
Krishna

11. Hinduism and Society Hinduism spread along major trade routes
Karma and reincarnation reinforced caste system
Dominated every person’s life
Determined
How one ate
Personal cleanliness
Who one could be friends with
How one dressed
Hinduism spread along major trade routes

12. Buddhism Around 500’s B.C.E. Founder Siddhartha Gautama
The Buddha or “Enlightened One”

13. Story of the Buddha At first followed the ascetics
Siddhartha came from a kingdom in Himalayas
Son of a ruling family, born 563 B.C.
Raised in luxury
At 16 married a princess
Had everything
In late 20’s became aware of illness, sickness, death and old age
Gave up his royal life to find the true meaning of life
At first followed the ascetics
But he almost died of starvation!
Turned to meditating
Reached “Enlightenment”
Spent his life preaching
His teachings became basis of Buddhism

14. Principles of Buddhism
Four Noble Truths
Ordinary life is suffering
This suffering is caused by our desire to satisfy ourselves
The way to end suffering is to end desire for selfish goals
The way to end desire is to follow the middle path

15. Eightfold Path Right Views: knowledge of the 4 Noble Truths
Right Aspirations: discard desire and avoid hurting others
Right Speech: telling the truth
Right Conduct: not stealing or cheating
Right Livelihood: earning a living in a way that does not harm or cause bloodshed to others
Right Effort: thinking positively
Right Mindfulness: being aware of the effects of thoughts and actions
Right Meditation: allowing a peaceful state of mind

17. Buddhism in India Missionaries spread Buddhism throughout India
Asoka’s missionaries and their writings spread Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia
Hinduism dominated India
Most widespread religion in East Asia
Thanks to Asoka

18. Revisit Objectives WHI.4
The student will be able to:
Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Hinduism
Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Buddhism
Essential Questions
What are the beliefs of the Hindu religion?
How did Hinduism influence Indian society and culture?
What are the beliefs of Buddhism?
How did Buddhism spread?