Belief Systems Hinduism and Buddhism
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Transcript of Belief Systems Hinduism and Buddhism
Belief SystemsHinduism and Buddhism
Chris DeCicco
Hinduism Basics Traced back to Indus
River Valley civilization Modern day Pakistan Developed in Indian
subcontinent Elements can be
traced back to 3000 B.C.
Polytheistic religion Many gods
Origins
Believed to be a result of cultural diffusion
Aryan invaders and native Indians 1500 BCE
Significant Writings
Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita
Teachings andBeliefs Salvation achieved
through the soul, or atman, becoming one with reality of the universe, or Brahman.
One must break free from reincarnation cycle, or samsara. Breaking free is called
moksha
Karma Dharma
Karma is material actions that happen because of previous actions
Dharma is fulfilling one’s duty in life
Reincarnation When you die you reincarnate into another
life form, also called samsara What you reincarnate into depends on
karma and dharma Reincarnation symbolized with infinity
symbol
Reincarnation cont. When you’re born you are
given life by Brahma Life preserved by Vishnu Shiva is the one who
brings you to death The cycle is repeated
until you achieve moksha End of all suffering, final
state
Caste System
Reincarnation justifies the caste system
Caste system is a rigid social structure
Caste System cont.
It is believed if you lived a good life, you will be reincarnated into a person belonging to the next highest level in the Caste System
If you are bad you will be demoted or removed from Caste System
Untouchables are the lowest level. No hope of returning back to Caste
system
Animals
All animals have souls All life is sacred Cows are extremely sacred. Their
peacefulness is virtuous Most Hindus are vegetarians.
Hinduism Today
Usually practiced at home where people have a shrine to a God
Sometimes people go to Hindu Temples
Hinduism Today cont.
After independence from Britain in 1947, India banned “untouchability” in its constitution
Similar caste reforms reduced discrimination
However, caste system still exists
Hindu Leaders Hindu priests carry
out religious practices in temples
Buddhism Basics Founded by
Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha
Developed in India Approximately 460
B.C. Based on many of
the core concepts of Hinduism
Writings
Tripitka, or The Three Baskets of Wisdom
Places of Worship
Usually practiced individually There are temples and monasteries
Teachings and Beliefs
Siddhartha born into Brahmin caste Troubled by human misery Thought desire caused all suffering Recorded Four Noble Truths
Four Noble Truths
Life is full of pain and suffering. Human desire causes this suffering. By putting an end to desire, humans
can end suffering. Humans can end desire by following
the Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path Know that suffering
is caused by desire Be selfless and love
all life Do not lie, or speak
without cause Do not kill, steal, or
commit other unrighteous acts.
Eightfold Path cont. Do not do things
which promote evil. Take effort to
promote righteousness.
Be aware of your physical actions, state of mind, and emotions.
Learn to meditate.
Reincarnation
Endless cycle of reincarnation, or samsara
Similar to Hinduism Gods are not responsible Caste System is rejected, you can
reincarnate until nirvana
Nirvana Perfect peace
of the state of mind
Free from craving, anger, and other afflicting states
Present Day Buddhism
Most common in Southeast Asia and Japan
Buddhist Leaders Dalai Lama is the
spiritual leader of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism He is considered the
reincarnation of bodhisattva, or “Buddha-to-be”
Buddhist monks wear traditional orange robes