Hinduism

Origin/FounderHinduism is a collection of religious beliefs that developed over time.

Unlike other religions, Hinduism can not be traced to one founder with a single set of ideas.

Basic Beliefs

Reincarnation – the process of an individual soul or spirit being born again

Basic Beliefs

Moksha - Goal of a Hindu’s life- Released from reincarnation and united with Brahman

Basic Beliefs

Henotheistic – all gods are part of Brahman (the supreme god)

Holy Books

Vedas - collection of hymns and prayers  Upanishads are written as discussion between student and teacher. They explore how a person can get rid of desires and suffering and reach moksha.  

Major god(s)

- Brahman - Supreme God- Creates, maintains, destroys, and re-creates the universe (cycle)- Everything is a part of Brahman including atman, or the human soul

Other Gods - Believe all gods are all an aspect of Brahman - Vishnu - Shiva - Brahma

Important Traditions/Customs

Karma: - the total of good and bad actions - ones good/bad actions will affect their placement into their next life

Important Traditions/Customs

Caste System- reinforced through Karma and reincarnation- your caste would determine all aspects of life

Important Traditions/Customs

Brahmins/Priests

Kshatriyas/Rulers & Warriors

Vaishyas/Peasants & Traders

Shudras/Laborers

Untouchables

Important Traditions/Customs

Dharma - Holy duty or moral responsibility- “The right thing to do”

Important Traditions/Customs

-Pilgrimage to the Ganges river to cleanse or purify them.

Where is Hinduism today?

- Mostly stayed in India-Some in SE Asia

Buddhism

OriginsSiddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism (563-483 B.C.)

Originated in India 

Basic Beliefs

Reincarnation was the cycle of rebirth until one reached nirvana

Nirvana/Enlightenment - release from selfishness and pain

Holy TextsFour Noble Truths - explained what he discovered in his enlightenment, how to end suffering. Eightfold Path - how you achieve enlightenment  

4 Noble Truths1) Everything in life is

suffering. 2) The cause of all suffering

is people’s selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world.

3) The way to end suffering is to end all desires

4) The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path, which is called the Middle Way between desires and self-denial

Major Gods

Rejects the idea of many gods

Some sects believe that Buddha was a god

Important Traditions/Customs

Sangha - religious community of Buddhist monks and nuns Rejected the Caste System Many followers were laborers and craftspeople.

Where is Buddhism today?

Missionaries spread Buddhism throughout Asia (China, Japan, Korea)

Was not widely accepted in India because of the rejection of the caste system