Download Hinduism and Buddhism

{ Buddhism
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Two branches of Buddhism
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Gods
Theravada: Buddha as a teacher, the old way,
gods are not as important
Mahayana: Buddha as a god, bodhisattvas are
people that have postponed enlightenment to
help others
When Buddha is thought of as a god, Buddhism
is monotheistic
Basic Beliefs
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Centered on the individual's enlightenment
Nonviolence and moderation
When fully enlightened, a person reached
nirvana and did not reincarnate again
“Four Noble Truths”
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True nature of reality as discovered by
Buddha
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Self-discipline and meditation
Worshiped in monasteries or in the home
Stupas: large earthen mounds built in honor of
Buddha symbolizing the universe
“Love is the absence of judgment.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Practicing Buddhism
Holidays
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Holidays are based on the lunar calendar.
Vesak also known as Buddha day is the
birthday of Buddha and most important
festival. The first full moon in May is
when it occurs. It is the most important
festival. They bring offerings to temples,
meditate and light candles. Washing baby
Buddha is the most important ritual. Tea
or water is poured over a small statue of
Buddha to represent when he was born
and took 7 steps and said that he would
unite heaven and earth.
Ancestor Day also known, as Ulambana
is the day the dead are unleashed and
their spirits can go to the world for 15
days. Offerings are made and people visit
cemeteries to visit their departed loved
ones.
The New Year is celebrated with much
joy and often prayers and offerings are
made to Buddha. Candles are lit in the
temples to show their love. People try to
identify their past mistakes. Fireworks are
used and a feast is eaten.
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In ancient India, they were always with an escort.
They were only supposed to maintain the house and
provide children. Women were not educated and
could not practice religion freely. The family prayed
that they would have a son because women were
burdens.
Buddha sees women as important as men in the
universe. Buddha believes the wife should be a good
wife and the husband should treat her with respect.
They have equal responsibilities. Buddha also allows
religious freedoms. Women were allowed to join the
Order if they could be truthful and preach the
Dhamma.
Women in Buddhism
Major Texts
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The major texts of Buddhism are Tripitaka. It is the earliest
collection of teachings. Tripitaka means 3 baskets and the text was
originally written on leaves, sewn together and placed into 3 baskets.
It is used by Theravada Buddhists more commonly.
The Mahayana Sutras were written when Mahayana Buddhism
developed. The lotus Sutra and the heart Sutra are the most
important to most branches of the Mahayana.
Buddhism missionary/Outreach work
until 600 C.E.
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Missionary efforts spread Buddhism; Buddhist missionaries used the Silk
Road trade route to diffuse their beliefs and religious practices across the
network of exchange. This allowed Buddhism to travel to China, and kept
the religion from ceasing to exist as a resurgence of Hinduism in India
pushed Buddhism away. The Untouchables at the caste system of
Hinduism wished to convert to this religion because it promoted equality.
•Buddhism originated in northern India in the 5th century B.C.E
•Prince Siddhartha Gautama, or “Buddha”, founded this religion.
•Buddhism spread throughout India and into central, southeast,
and east Asia. Much of its diffusion was a result of practicing
Buddhists travelling along the Silk Road.
•This religion gained popularity after Buddha died because his
followers continued to practice it.
Origin/diffusion of
the Buddhism
until 600 C.E.
Major Contacts with other religions
until 600 C.E.
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Hinduism and Buddhism pre-600 C.E. were the two most popular religions in south east
Asia. This influence is very prominent today and both religions are practiced by a large
portion of the Indian society. Since their religions originated in similar areas, the main
religion Buddhism has come into contact with since it began is Hinduism. Many of the
religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism overlap, and their religions are
based off of the same basic concepts such as peacefulness. In history, as the popularity of
Hinduism rises, the popularity of Buddhism declines and vise versa.
Buddhism also came in contact with an ethnic religion, Jainism, quite frequently. Jainism
adopted a concept of nuns and monks based off of the Buddhist religion, but Jainism has
also had a strong influence on Buddhist beliefs. The continued contact of these two
religions in ancient societies caused both of them to form a similar set of beliefs. For
example, both religions believe in reincarnation of the soul and advise their followers
against a materialistic life.
Similarities and Differences
With Other Religions
Hinduism- Both religions put a strong emphasis on
Christianity-Share belief in
karma and peaceful ways. Another similarity is the
afterlife, but Buddhists believe in
belief that desire causes suffering and in
rebirth, whereas Christians believe
reincarnation. Hinduism states that Atman is the
in only having one life. Some
Supreme Creator (much like God), whereas there is
traditions in Buddhism involve
none in Buddhism.
prayer.
{
“You only lose
what you cling
to.”
― Gautama
Buddha
Judaism- Both are ethnic religions, but similarities don’t go much further than that. They
do not actively seek converts and are concentrated in one area for the most part. The
Jews are in North America and Israel, whereas Nepal and India is the home of
Buddhists. Statues are commonly used by Buddhists, but they are forbidden to be
worshipped in the Jewish religion.
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Works Cited
Bailey, Greg. "Hinduism and Buddhism by Greg Bailey." Hinduism and Buddhism. Oxford University Press,
2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
Buddha, Gautama. "Quotes About Buddhism." Goodreads. Goodreads Inc., n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2013.
"Buddhist Holidays and Festivals." Buddhist Holidays and Festivals. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
"Buddhist Scriptures and Texts." Buddhist Scriptures and Sacred Texts. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
"Buddhist Studies: Buddhism & Women: Position of Women." Buddhist Studies: Buddhism & Women: Position
of Women. N.p., 2008. Web. 15 Sept. 2013.
"Buddhism vs Judaism." - Difference and Comparison. Diffen, n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2013.
"In Brief: Jainism - The Review of Religions." The Review of Religions In Brief Jainism Comments. Islamic
Publications, The Review of Religions, 2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
"Library." Buddhism Origins, Buddhism History, Buddhism Beliefs. Patheos, 2008-2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
Robinson, B.A. "Comparison of Buddhism & Christianity." All about Religious Tolerance: The
ReligiousTolerance.org Web Site. Ontario Consultants, 05 Nov. 2010. Web. 28 Aug. 2013.
V, Jayaram. "Hinduism and Buddhism." Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduwebsite.com, 2000-2013. Web. 28
Aug. 2013.
Bulliet, R., Crossley, P., Headrick, D., Hirsch, S., Johnson, L., & Northrup, D. (2011). The earth and its
people. (5 ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.