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