Download PPT: Intro to Hinduism and Buddhism

Religions of India:
An Introduction to Hinduism and
Buddhism
Hinduism
Basics of Hinduism
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Originated in India
Dates back to 1500 BCE
and many consider it the
oldest religion in the
world
Third largest religion (# of
adherents)
Practiced by 80% of
India’s inhabitants
Derivative of word Hindu
is the Sanskrit name for
the Indus River
Indus Valley
 4000 – 2200
BCE
 Built houses
for worship
 Stone
sculptures
and charms
to ward off
evil
 Fire altars &
animal
sacrifices
Aryans Invasion (maybe)
 1500 BCE
 Aryan culture blended with pre-Aryan
culture Hinduism
The Hindu Gods And
Goddesses
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Hinduism is a
combination of Aryan and
Indus Valley region beliefs
Hinduism has evolved
over 3,500 years
Hinduism is polytheistic
and worships both gods
and goddesses
The Hindu Gods And Goddesses
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Over 108 Hindu Gods
They can take the shape of
humans and animals
All teachings of Hinduism are
recorded in texts
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Texts, beginning with the
Vedas, are written in
sanskrit, the ancient language
of the Indus civilization.
“Upanishads”, is a text in
Sanskrit that has a dialogue
between a students and
teachers of Hinduism
Upanishads address the belief
of reincarnation
Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma
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Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana
Dharma meaning 'the eternal path'. The belief
has evolved into a conglomerate of religious,
philosophical and cultural ideas characterized by
the belief in reincarnation, the path to
righteousness, and the desire to liberate from the
cycle of births and deaths.
Religion in America as of 1999
Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)
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Born in NE India
(Nepal).
Rejected luxurious
life to become
“The Enlightened
One,” at 35.
 His
experience/beliefs
Buddhism
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The essence of Buddhism
 The “middle way of wisdom
and compassion.”
 2,500 year old tradition.
 The 3 jewels of Buddhism:
 Buddha, the teacher.
 Dharma, the teachings.
 Sangha, the community.
Types of Buddhism
 Therevada Buddhism
 Mahayana Buddhism
 Tibetan Buddhism