India & China Notes

1. India & China Notes Hinduism & Buddhism

2. Caste System • complex form of social organization with rules to ensure spirituality • Everyone not equal

3. Beliefs of Hinduism “God is one, but wise people know it by many names” Hindu gods: • Brahma- the Creator • Vishnu- the Preserver • Shiva- the Destroyer

4. Sacred Texts • Bhagavad-Gita • The Vedas • Upanishads

5. Goal of Life • Atman: one's true self beyond identification • Moshka: ultimate goal is union with Brahman • Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul in another bodily form

6. Karma • Your actions in this life can affect your fate in the next life

7. Dharma • What upholds the natural order of things

8. Jainism • prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings

9. Guatama Buddha • Siddhartha Guatama- founder of Buddhism • Wealthy childhood • As adult searched for meaning of life and suffering

10. The Search • Four Noble Truths • Life is full of suffering and sorrow • Cause of suffering is desire for material gain • Only cure for suffering is to renounce desires • Way to overcome desire is Eightfold Path & Nirvana

11. The Search • “Eightfold Path”- (Pg. 64) how one overcomes desires and wants • Nirvana: The ultimate goal for Buddhists

12. Eightfold Path

13. Both religions believe in… • Ahisma: non-violence

14. Buddhists reject some Hindu beliefs • Their priests and rituals • Many gods of Hinduism • Caste System

15. Stupa • Large dome-shaped shrine that housed sacred remains

16. Tripitaka • Buddhist sacred text

17. 2 Sects • Theravada- followed the teachings of Buddha strictly- Sri Lanka, South-Eastern Asia • Mahayana- Followed Buddhist teachings loosely- spread to China, Korea, Japan