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Jainism

Jainism. Based on principle of ahimsa – non-violence to other living things and their souls Believed that everything (including both animate and inanimate objects) had a soul Only by unselfishness could you release yourself from burdens of karma and reach a state of bliss

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Jainism

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  1. Jainism • Based on principle of ahimsa – non-violence to other living things and their souls • Believed that everything (including both animate and inanimate objects) had a soul • Only by unselfishness could you release yourself from burdens of karma and reach a state of bliss • “Demanding ethics” (sweeping floors before entering, filtering water, sudden movements) • Appeal of the religion – impractical for most; but appealing among lower castes (beliefs are completely opposite of principles of caste system)

  2. Buddhism • Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama – who left his comfortable upper-class life in 534 BCE to find spiritual enlightenment and an explanation for suffering • After achieving “enlightenment” with intense meditation – he understood suffering and became the “Buddha” (the enlightened one”)

  3. Buddha’s Teachings • The Four Noble Truths • 1. All life includes suffering • 2. The cause of all suffering is desire • 3. Eliminating desire will end suffering • 4. Following the Eightfold Path will end desire The Eightfold Path -Lead a balanced, moderate life (don’t follow extremes) -Lead a life of right belief, right resolve, right speech, right behavior, right occupation, right effort, right contemplation, and right meditation Following this would bring people to personal salvation – escaping cycle of reincarnation – and the attainment of Nirvana (state of perfect spiritual independence) *The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path constitute Buddhist Doctrine (belief system) known as the Buddhist Dharma

  4. Popularity of Buddhism • Appeal of the Message – it resonated with people of lower castes, who didn’t have to depend on services of Brahmins (priests) • Language – Buddhist monks taught in vernacular (local) languages instead of formal Sanskrit that the Brahmins used • Devotion of Followers – Enthusiastic followers formed monasteries and devoted their lives to spreading the message of “dharma” (the Four Noble Truths + the Eightfold Path) – Basic Buddhist Doctrine • Support of Ashoka Maurya: spread message through edicts. Felt Buddhism could help his culturally diverse empire

  5. More with Buddhism • Appealed to lower classes, but had heavy demands placed on people (giving up personal wealth, social standing, worldly possessions) • Still involved reincarnation – but not the social injustices of the religion of the Brahmin priests • Later spread of Buddhism involved a less-strict doctrine known as “Mahayana” (the greater vehicle) – allowed more worldly possessions • Major spread of religion into China, Japan, Korea, and SE Asia

  6. Changes in Hinduism • In what ways did Hinduism change after the emergence of Buddhism? • Who were the major gods, and their roles, in early Hinduism? • What were the basic tenets, or beliefs, of the early Hindus? • Why did Hinduism replace Buddhism as the popular faith in India?

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