Overview of Hinduism and

Buddhism

Hinduism

Hinduism is the main religion of India

No founder or formal place of worship Roots lie in ancient Aryan beliefs and practices Over thousands of years, these have changed Worship thousands of gods

Followers are called Hindus

Importance to India

The Vedas are the most important Hindu texts.

“Contain eternal truths that were revealed to wise men.”

Other important text is the Upanishads. Help to explain the ideas in the Vedas.

Sacred Texts

The Single and Supreme force of the universe.

However, they believe in many gods and goddesses

Each god is a part of Brahman The Brahman is nameless, formless, and

unlimited.

Brahman

Brahma = the creator Vishnu = the preserver Shiva = the destroyer

Three Main Gods

Ultimate goal is moksha, to free the soul so it can

unite with Brahman Not possible in one lifetime though

Results in Reincarnation (“rebirth”) After the body dies, the soul may be reborn as

anything Cycle of death and rebirth continues until the soul

achieves union w/ brahman. Reincarnation is dictated by Law of Karma (“to do”)

Every deed, mental or physical, affects fate in a future life

Good deed results in happiness; Evil brings sorrow

Reincarnation

Caste system is strict social and religious order. Once born into a caste a person remains there for

life. Nothing could change this.

Most believe this social structure is associated with reincarnation and karma. Deeds in past life are responsible for current

position. Believe Brahmans (highest caste) are closest to

moksha. Improve position in next life by carrying out duties in

current life.

Caste System

In Hinduism, there are 4 stages of life:

Student Formal education; begins between 8-12; Lasts 12 years

Householder Includes marriage, raising a family, and earning a

living. Retirement

Begins when his duty as a householder comes to an end

Rejection of Life Pursuit in the final goal of life: moksha, or liberation

from the endless round of rebirths.

4 Stages of Life

Have over 1,000 holidays with no single one

taking a huge precedent. Ritual bathing in the Ganges River.

http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/gallery/photos/4.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoWGxyZLyWM

Swastika is a Hindu symbol (Good Luck)

Interesting Facts

Not entirely clear Starts in India and spreads through Eastern

and Southeastern Asia Most likely through trade, migration, and

invasions

Spread of Hinduism

Hinduism Today

Buddhism

Evolved from Hinduism. Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama.

Sheltered life, exposed to sufferings, becomes enlightened.

Then takes the name Buddha = “enlightened one” Believe life is a cycle of suffering, dying, and

reincarnation Suffering caused by attachment and desire Cycle can be broken by reaching enlightenment Have to find the correct understanding of human

nature and ultimate reality

Basics

Buddha taught what he learned; called The Four Noble

Truths The first truth:

Suffering is universal The second truth:

Cause of suffering is desire; Such things as riches and long life; Nothing is permanent, even pleasure causes suffering

The third truth: Only way to end suffering is to crush desire; nirvana = the

condition of wanting nothing The fourth truth:

Way to end desire is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

4 Noble Truths

Practical guide to right conduct. Stressed understanding of the cause of suffering,

compassion for all creatures, kindness and truthfulness.

Buddha considered himself Hindu; but denied the existence of any gods, taught priests were not necessary, and rejected the caste system.

Buddha taught people had to seek nirvana on their own by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

Noble Eightfold Path

Tripitaka – aka Three Baskets of Wisdom -

Collection of Buddha’s teachings Various books for different sects

Mahayana Sutras Tibetan Book of the Dead

while dying, at the moment of death, during the 49-day interval between death and rebirth, and at rebirth

Religious Texts

The most important practice for any Buddhist

is meditation. Wisdom is highly valued only if it is practical.

This means they reject things that speculate on things like God or gods, the universe, and the afterlife.

Interesting Facts

Spreads through migration and trade. Ashoka (Emperor of India, 265-238 BC) sent

missionaries to improve people’s lives; helped to spread Buddhism.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddhism Today