Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism

1. Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism Classical Indian Religion

2. Hinduism – basic concepts • One of the oldest religions – 1500 BCE • Began in India • Sanskrit writings of the Vedic religion • Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism • Encourages tolerance and diversity • “Truth is one, paths are many”

3. Hindu terms • Brahman – One impersonal ultimate reality. Manifests itself as many personal deities • Atman – the soul, Brahma trapped in matter • Samsara – reincarnation; the atman is continually born into this world, lifetime after lifetime • Karma – spiritual impurity due to bad actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad karma) • Moksha – the ultimate goal in life- release the Atman (soul), and reunite with the divine, become one with Brahman • Vedas – truth; myths, rituals, chants

4. Major gods of the Hindu Pantheon • Brahma – the creator god, many manifestations • Vishnu – the preserver god • Shiva – god of destruction

5. Hindu spiritual pratices • Yoga – seeking union with the divine • Vegetarian – respect for all life

6. Hindu caste system • Hindu life is supreme • Four stations in life: • Priests and religious teachers (Brahmin) • Nobles, leaders, warriors (Kshatriyas) • Merchant class (Vaisyas) • Servant, farmer class (Sudra) • Reforms to Hinduism allow Moksha to be achieved by properly performing your life duties in any caste

7. Karma and Dharma • Karma – your deeds and actions determine reincarnation • Dharma – one’s obligations, duties, callings • *Both exist in Buddhism as well, except Dharma in Buddhism are the teaching of Buddha, the ultimate truth.

8. Jainism • Indian religion of non-violence towards all living beings • Everything has a soul • Reject social hierarchy • Ascetic (frugal)

9. Buddhism Basics • Siddhartha Gautama born as prince in Northeast India (modern-day Nepal) • At 29, he rejected luxury and sought enlightenment and the source of suffering • Lived a strict, frugal life for 6 years • Sat in meditation and found nirvana • Became “The Enlightened One” at 35

10. Four Passing Sights • There he saw the four sights that were his inspiration • An old crippled man (old age) • A diseased man (illness) • A decaying corpse (death) • An ascetic (frugal monks)

11. More Buddhism • What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire! • Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about oneself.

12. Four Noble Truths • There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer. • The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and attachment • The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments • To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold path

13. Eightfold Path

14. Eightfold Path • If you follow the Eightfold Path, you will reach Nirvana • The union with the ultimate spiritual reality, escape from the cycle of rebirth

15. Representations of the Buddha • Images can be worshipped • He is often seated in meditation • Hand is out, appealing for peace or setting the wheel in motion • Pot Bellied / Laughing Buddha (Budai) – not the Buddha • Deity of Chinese folklore • Chinese Buddhist monk

16. Types of buddhism • Therevada Buddhism • Philosophy • The oldest school of Buddhism • Found in Southern asia • Goal: become a “Buddha” or “Enlightened One” • Mahayana Buddhism • Religion – worship Buddha as a god • Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan) • Buddhism “for the masses” • Goal: individual escape from reincarnation and the salvation of all humanity

17. Growth of Buddhism