Hinduism and Buddhism

By Sayre Long and Robert Aversa

The Dalai Lama• The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Buddhism in Tibet. • The Dalai Lama used to be responsible for governing Tibet

until the Chinese Government took over in 1959.• In the history of Buddhism there have only been 14 Dalai

Lamas. • Buddhist believe that the current Dalai Lama is a

reincarnation of a past Lama that wanted to finish his work.• In choosing the Dalai Lama a young boy is selected shortly

after the death of the previous one.• The current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyasto. He was born in 1935

and is believed to be the reincarnation of Thubten Gyasto.

Hinduism - Karma and Samsara•Karma – a Sanskrit word meaning “action”•Every action will have a reaction at some point in time, which could occur in another lifetime• Good or virtuous actions have good reactions•Bad actions against dharma have bad reactions•Good and bad actions can determine circumstances of the next lifetime

Hinduism – Karma and Samsara

• Samsara is the process of reincarnation• The cycle of reincarnation is continuous, the

soul is reborn again and again• Souls are reborn into humans or animals• The goal of liberation is to break free of the

cycle of rebirth

Buddhism – War/Violence•Buddhists follow a strictly non-violent lifestyle•“In times of warGive rise in yourself to the mind of compassion,Helping living beingsAbandon the will to fight.”•Buddha’s sermons stressed loving your enemy•Many Buddhists refuse to fight, even though it costs their lives•However, Buddhist monks, especially Shaolin Order, are known for their proficiency in martial arts