Download Chapter 4, Section 1

Chapter 4, Section 1
Hinduism and Buddhism
The Beliefs of Hinduism
• No single founder or
single text.
• Very complex
• Many gods and
goddesses
• Brahman – All-powerful
spiritual force
– Brahman is worshipped
through a variety of
gods.
Hindu Gods
Brahma
Shiva
Vishnu
Goal of Life
• Moksha
–
–
–
–
Ultimate goal
One with Brahman
Takes more than one lifetime
Reincarnation
• Karma
– Actions in a person’s life that affect their next life
• Dharma
– Moral Duties that help one acquire merit for their next life
• Ahimsa
– Nonviolence
Buddhism
• Siddartha Gautama
– Founder, born in 566 BC
– Wandering holy man
– Sat under a tree until he understood the mystery
of life.
– 48 days later, transformed into Buddha, the
enlightened one.
Four Noble Truths
• The heart of Buddhism
1.
2.
3.
4.
Life is full of suffering
The cause of suffering is the desire for luxuries
The cure – overcome desire
Overcome desire by following the Eightfold Path
• Do everything right and be a moral person
• Become enlightened and reach Nirvana
– One with the universe and release from the cycle
of rebirth
Spread of Buddhism
• Attracted many
• Temples and Monasteries
• Spread quickly