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Religions of South Asia •Hinduism gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism •Christianity –Jesus Christ, son of God – the Bible •Islam – Muhammadlast prophet to talk to Allah – t he Quran •Do you think Islam had an effect on Hindu India? 2500 – 250 BC 2500 – 250 BC 2. Hinduism? • The religion of Hinduism developed and evolved over a long time in India, giving rise to a variety of beliefs and practices and to other religions, including Jainism 2500 – 250 BC What is Hinduism? • One of the oldest religions of humanity • The religion of the Indian people • Its origins are difficult to trace Brahman 2500 – 250 BC How did Hinduism begin? • • • • No particular founder Indus River Valley Civilization >5000 years ago Aryans enter 4000 - 3500 years ago Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: 2500 – 250 BC What do Hindus believe? • One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman -the creator • Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter • Reincarnation – reborn into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) • Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) 2500 – 250 BC How does Hinduism direct life in this world? – Dharma-set of spiritual duties-based on class and station – Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class – Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, renunciant 2500 – 250 BC What are the Sacred Texts? • Shruti (“heard”) – oldest, most authoritative: – Four Vedas (“truth”) – myths, rituals, chants – Upanishads - metaphysical speculation • Smriti (“remembered”) – the Great Indian Epics: – Ramayana – Mahabharata (includes BhagavadGita) 2500 – 250 BC What are the spiritual practices of Hinduism? • Yoga-meditation in order to attain moksha • Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha) 2500 – 250 BC Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Brahma, the creator god 2500 – 250 BC Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Vishnu, the preserver god Incarnates as ten avatars (descents) including: Rama (featured in the Ramayana) Krishna (featured in the Mahabharata) (Each shown with his consort, Sita and Radha, respectively) 2500 – 250 BC Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Shiva, god of constructive destruction (the transformer) Appears as Shiva Nataraj, lord of the dance of creation… and with his wife, Parvati, and son Ganesha (the elephant headed remover of obstacles) 2500 – 250 BC What about the goddesses? Devi – the feminine divine •Saraswati, goddess of wisdom, consort of Brahma 2500 – 250 BC What about the goddesses? Devi – the feminine divine Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, consort of Vishnu 2500 – 250 BC What about the goddesses? Devi – the feminine divine •Parvati, divine mother, wife of Shiva 2500 – 250 BC What about the goddesses? Devi – the feminine divine Durga, protectress Kali, destroyer of demons Plus about 330 million other deities All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman Jainism 2500 – 250 BC •500 BC – a group of Hindus broke away •Mahavira – Jainism – thought Hindus placed too much emphasis on ritual Plus about 330 million deitiesavoid stealing •Ahimsanonviolence towardsother living things; and tell the truth 2500 – 250 BC 3. Buddhism •Buddhism, which teaches people that they can escape the suffering of the world through the Buddhist teachings, developed in India and spread to other parts of Asia 2500 – 250 BC Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism can be traced to one single founder, Siddhartha Gautama Prince of a small kingdom; he lived sheltered life and sought the answer to ending suffering After years of meditation searching for Nirvava he became Enlightened He transformed into Buddha 2500 – 250 BC What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire! Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about oneself. Give up all materials and possessions of the world. 2500 – 250 BC Four Noble Truths There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer. (Dukkha) The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and attachments. (Tanha) The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments. (Nirvana = “extinction”) To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path. Eightfold Path 2500 – 250 BC Right Understanding Right Speech Right Intention Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Concentration Right Mindfulness 2500 – 250 BC Eightfold Path Nirvana The union with the ultimate spiritual reality. Escape from the cycle of rebirth. Reincarnation 2500 – 250 BC Types of Buddhism Therevada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism Zen Buddhism 2500 – 250 BC Theravada Buddhism The oldest school of Buddhism. The “Way of the Elders” or the “Small Vehicle.” Found in southern Asia. The monastic life is the best way to achieve nirvana. Focus on wisdom and meditation. Goal is to become a “Buddha,” or “Enlightened One.” Over 100,000,000 followers today. 2500 – 250 BC Mahayana Buddhism The “Great Vehicle.” Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan). Buddhism “for the masses.” Seek guidance from Boddhisatvas, wise beings. Goal: Not just individual escape from the wheel, but the salvation of all humanity through self-sacrifice of those enlightened few. 2500 – 250 BC Tibetan Buddhism The “Diamond Vehicle.” [Vajrayana] Developed in Tibet in the 7c CE. A mix of Theravada and Mahayana. Boddhisatvas include Lamas, like the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Book of the Dead [Bardo Thodol]. The Dalai Lama 2500 – 250 BC 2500 – 250 BC Zen Buddhism The “Meditation School.” Seeks sudden enlightenment [satori] through meditation, arriving at emptiness [sunyata]. Use of meditation masters [Roshi]. Beauty, art, and aesthetics: Gardens. Archery. Tea ceremony. Calligraphy. 2500 – 250 BC Buddhism in America (1999) 2500 – 250 BC Relieve Stress & Meditate: Get a Mantra ! Ohm...mani...padme...hung... Hail to the jewel in the lotus!