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Overview of Hinduism and Buddhism

Overview of Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism. Importance to India. 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

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Overview of Hinduism and Buddhism

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  1. Overview of Hinduism and Buddhism

  2. Hinduism

  3. Importance to India • 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

  4. Sacred Texts • TheVedasare 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.

  5. Brahman • 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.

  6. Three Main Gods • Brahma = the creator • Vishnu = the preserver • Shiva = the destroyer

  7. Reincarnation • 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

  8. Caste System • 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.

  9. 4 Stages of Life • 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.

  10. Interesting Facts • 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)

  11. Spread of Hinduism • Not entirely clear • Starts in India and spreads through Eastern and Southeastern Asia • Most likely through trade, migration, and invasions

  12. Hinduism Today

  13. Buddhism

  14. Basics • 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

  15. 4 Noble Truths • 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.

  16. Noble Eightfold Path • 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.

  17. Religious Texts • 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

  18. Interesting Facts • 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.

  19. Spread of Buddhism • Spreads through migration and trade. • Ashoka (Emperor of India, 265-238 BC) sent missionaries to improve people’s lives; helped to spread Buddhism.

  20. Buddhism Today

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