1. Religions of South Asia Chapter 8 Section 1

2. How would these statements affect someone’s way of life? Every good deed sooner or later results in happiness. Every evil deed sooner or later brings sorrow. Deeds in your past life are responsible for your present position in society. You can improve your position in the next life by carrying out your duties in this life. The cause of suffering is desire.

3. Hinduism Most popular religion in India No founder No formal church

4. Hinduism 2 holy books Vedas Upanishads Law Code (Laws and morals to live by) Ramayana-Poem

5. Hinduism polytheism (belief in many gods) All gods are part of the Brahman (not a thing, called the supreme force) 3 main gods Brahma-creator Vishnu-preserver Siva-destroyer

6. YES-NO-WHY There is a difference between Brahma and Brahman.

7. Brahma: the creator

8. Vishnu: the preserver

9. Siva: the destroyer

11. Hinduism Atman-soul Hindus believe that everything is part of the atman Nonviolent-respect nature Cow is holy

12. Hinduism Moksha-freeing of the soul so it can unite with Brahman (kind of like our Heaven) This cannot be done in one lifetime Reincarnation-the body dies, but the soul is reborn This continues until moksha is reached

13. Hinduism Karma-determines if the soul is released so moksha can be achieved Idea that what goes around, comes around Every deed in this life affects a person’s fate in the future Good deeds bring happiness Evil deeds bring sorrow

14. Hinduism Caste System-a strict social, political, religious order Member of a caste for life (this caste is determined by deeds from other lives) Brahmans-highest caste (priests) These people are the closest to moksha Sudras-lowest caste (servants) Also called the untouchables

15. Hinduism Dharma-duties and obligations Have to follow caste rules and moral rules Improve caste (in next life) by carrying out duties in this life Makes people behave morally

16. YES-NO-WHY Dharma and karma are related to one another.

19. Assignment “The essential self or the vital essence in humans is the same as that in an ant, the same as that in a gnat, the same as that in an elephant…indeed the same as that in the whole universe.” How does this quotation explain the idea of atman? Why would such a belief encourage nonviolence? What connection can you see between this belief and the idea of reincarnation?

20. Buddhism

21. Siddhartha Gautama-founder Wanted to find the cause of human misery After 6 years he is enlightened Calls himself Buddha Buddha-enlightened one

22. 4 Noble Truths 1-everyone suffers (pain, death)

23. 4 Noble Truths 2-the cause of suffering is desire Nothing is permanent-even pleasure comes to an end, therefore pleasure causes suffering

24. 4 Noble Truths 3-the only way to end suffering is to crush desire Give up desire to reach Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of life and death)

25. 4 Noble Truths 4-the way to end desire is to follow the Noble Eightfold Plan Practical guide to correct conduct Stressed the understanding of the causes of suffering Focus on kindness, compassion, and truth

26. Buddhism Also believe in reincarnation and karma No gods, priests, or caste system Holy Book: Three Baskets of Wisdom

27. 2 Sects of Buddhism Theravada- do not worship Buddha as a god Reach Nirvana by living a monastic life Mahayana- worship Buddha as a god Worship all that are enlightened as gods

29. Jainism Created as an attempt to reform Hinduism Founder rejected the power of the Brahmans Believe in reincarnation Strict vegetarians (vegans) Emphasize ahimsa (non violence) Sweep ground before walking so they don’t crush creatures

31. Other religions Christianity Islam Sikhism-combination of Hinduism and Islam

33. Assignment Write a reaction to the different religions that we have discussed. What part(s) of the religions do you like? Not like? What aspects would be hard for you to follow? Easy to follow? Would you switch your religion? Why or why not?