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Hinduism
Origin/Founder
Hinduism is a collection of religious
beliefs that developed over time.
Unlike other religions, Hinduism can
not be traced to one founder with a
single set of ideas.
Basic Beliefs
Reincarnation – the process of
an individual soul or spirit being
born again
Basic Beliefs
Moksha - Goal of a Hindu’s life
- Released from reincarnation
and united with Brahman
Basic Beliefs
Henotheistic – all gods are part
of Brahman (the supreme god)
Holy Books
Vedas - collection of hymns and
prayers
Upanishads are written as discussion
between student and teacher. They
explore how a person can get rid of
desires and suffering and reach
moksha.
Major god(s)
- Brahman - Supreme God
- Creates, maintains, destroys, and recreates the universe (cycle)
- Everything is a part of Brahman
including atman, or the human soul
Other Gods
- Believe all gods are all an
aspect of Brahman
- Vishnu
- Shiva
- Brahma
Important Traditions/Customs
Karma: - the total of good and
bad actions
- ones good/bad actions will affect
their placement into their next life
Important Traditions/Customs
Caste System- reinforced through
Karma and reincarnation
- your caste would determine all
aspects of life
Important Traditions/Customs
Brahmins/
Priests
Kshatriyas/
Rulers & Warriors
Vaishyas/
Peasants & Traders
Shudras/
Laborers
Untouchables
Important Traditions/Customs
Dharma - Holy duty or moral
responsibility
- “The right thing to do”
Important Traditions/Customs
-Pilgrimage to the Ganges
river to cleanse or purify
them.
Where is Hinduism today?
- Mostly stayed in India
-Some in SE Asia
Buddhism
Origins
Siddhartha Gautama is the
founder of Buddhism (563-483
B.C.)
Originated in India
Basic Beliefs
Reincarnation was the cycle of
rebirth until one reached nirvana
Nirvana/Enlightenment - release
from selfishness and pain
Holy Texts
Four Noble Truths - explained what
he discovered in his enlightenment,
how to end suffering.
Eightfold Path - how you achieve
enlightenment
1)
2)
3)
4)
4 Noble Truths
Everything in life is
suffering.
The cause of all suffering
is people’s selfish desire
for the temporary
pleasures of this world.
The way to end suffering
is to end all desires
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
Major Gods
Rejects the idea of many gods
Some sects believe that Buddha
was a god
Important Traditions/Customs
Sangha - religious community of
Buddhist monks and nuns
Rejected the Caste System
Many followers were laborers and
craftspeople.
Where is Buddhism today?
Missionaries spread Buddhism
throughout Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Was not widely accepted in India
because of the rejection of the caste
system