Download WH-‐3.2 Notes -‐ Hinduism and Buddhism Develop Origins of

WH-­‐3.2 Notes -­‐ Hinduism and Buddhism Develop Origins of Hinduism •
Hinduism is a collection of beliefs that developed slowly over a long period of time. o
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It cannot be traced back to a single founder or set of beliefs. Hinduism as a way to free the soul from illusions, disappointments, and mistakes of everyday existence. Religious Texts •
Upanishads – Hindu text that discusses how a person can achieve -­‐ moksha – a state where people develop a freedom from wants and suffering. •
Moksha allows people to develop a perfect understanding of the world. Moksha •
Reach Moksha by understanding the relationship between atman – the individual soul, and Brahman – the world united with everyone’s atman. Reincarnation and Karma •
Reincarnation – rebirth of an individual’s soul •
Karma – good or bad deeds o
Influences which caste one is born in, state of health, wealth, and other factors. •
Beliefs about the caste system and karma helped determine diet, relationships, and clothing. Religious Changes •
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Brahman – World Soul – viewed as having three personalities o
Brahma -­‐ the creator o
Vishnu – the protector o
Shiva -­‐ the destroyer Today, Hindus choose which deity or gods they want to follow to achieve moksha. Origins of Buddhism •
Developed out of the same questioning that led to Hinduism. •
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama •
Spent his life searching for religious truth and an end to human suffering. o
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Enlightenment, or wisdom, achieved after meditating for 49 days Known as Buddha after enlightenment. Four Noble Truths 1. Life is filled with suffering and sorrow. 2. The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world. 3. The way to end all 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. Buddhist Beliefs •
Nirvana – release from pain and selfishness could be achieved by following the Eightfold Path. •
Buddha accepted the belief in Karma and moksha but rejected the belief in Hindu gods. •
Taught enlightenment. Religious Community •
Buddhism attracted many laborers and craftspeople because its rejection of the caste system. •
Monks and nuns live life of poverty and spread Buddha’s teachings. o
Created monasteries. •
Buddha’s teaching recorded in the Jatakas. •
Buddhism spread throughout Asia.