Hinduism & Buddhism – Made Easy (Sort of)

1. Hinduism & Buddhism – Made Easy(Sort of) • India’s Rich Religious Traditions

2. 80% pop of India are Hindus 900 million world wide- 3rd largest Considered the oldest since it was created before time existed Tolerant of diversity makes it popular Yoga Hinduism “Eternal Religion”

3. What are their beliefs in god(s)? • The Hindu religion is extremely complex. The saying goes that if you admit to understanding Hinduism then you really don’t! Hindus believe that the religion is beyond human understanding. The devotion to the god and gods of Hinduism is known as Bhakti.

4. None Only authority is the Vedas and Brahman priests Customs / beliefs borrowed from the IVP and the Aryans Hindu Founders

5. Hindus are Monotheistic • Supreme Being- Brahman • 333 million other gods who are extensions of Brahman • Vishnu- the Preserver • Brahma-the Creator • Shiva –the destroyer

6. Brahma • The Creator • In order to create the world he made a goddess out of ½ of his body • 4 books of the Vedas are to have come from his 4 heads

7. Lord Vishnu • Preserver of Life • He is the atman that manifests itself in mind, body, and intellect • Represents the individual in all of us

8. Shiva • He is the Destroyer • Responsible for change as in death and destruction • Usually seen with snakes which represent that he is beyond death

9. Shrines in homes Meditation Spend time fulfilling social and moral obligations Namaste Greeting Notice her Bindi Hindu Rituals

10. Founded in India 2500 yrs ago by the Buddha- an Indian prince 360 million world wide- 4th largest China, Japan, SE Asia, Korea and growing in USA (Richard Geer) Lotus Flower Buddhism

11. Interesting Belief • Buddhists believe that when Siddhartha was born his mother envisioned a white elephant. Today Buddhists believe that the white elephant was the “mother of god”. The Dalai Lama is considered the incarnate spirit of the Buddha. There are another 2000 llamas that live around the world. When a llama dies a world wide search is performed to search for the next llama.

12. Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha (enlightened spirit- attained wisdom and compassion) upon his death- did not want to be worshipped as a god His Story White Elephant- mother of god Founder of Buddhism

13. Dalai Lama Visit Bloomington, IN – 2004 & 2007Purdue University- 2009

14. Leader of Tibet- Lives in Exile

15. Buddhists are Monotheistic • Buddha- Supreme Being • Also known as the Enlightened One • Any guesses why he is shown fat and happy?

16. Hindu Follow dharma (duties) to achieve moksha Free self from selfish desires to achieve moksha (union with all powerful spirit) Reincarnation provides many chances to achieve moksha Buddhism Attempt to reach Nirvana or union with universal spirit What is the goal for Hindus and Buddhists?

17. Hindus believe that good or bad karma (actions) decide into what existence you will be reborn Extra Credit: Look up and be able to share the “rules” of karma Must follow 4 Noble Truths * Life is suffering * Suffering is caused by desire * By overcoming desire you lessen your suffering * Must follow 8 Fold Path Continued…

18. 8 Fold Path: You must possess… • Rightful views • Rightful aspirations • Rightful speech • Rightful actions • Rightful livelihood • Rightful efforts • Rightful mindfulness • Rightful contemplation

19. Both believe in ahimsa (nonviolence) Both believe in reincarnation although Buddhists do not believe in the caste system. Nirvana is available to all regardless of birth. Other Beliefs…

20. Sources • http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism • http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism • World History text book • Nettrekker