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Religions of Ancient India Chapter 6.2 Origins of Hinduism • One of the world’s oldest • 3rd largest religion after Chrisitianity and Islam • Developed by the Aryans • Started off as Brahmanism – Sacred writings called the Vedas Vedas • Had to be memorized by Brahmin priests • Spoken out loud • After Aryans developed writing, the Vedas were written down in Sanskrit What is Hinduism? • Universal spirit called Brahman Hinduism • Ancient texts known as Upanishads – Describe the search for Braham – Says every living thing has a soul and is part of Braham – At death, the soul leaves the body and joins with Braham Brahma • The Creator Vishnu • The Preserver Shiva • The Destroyer Reincarnation • Rebirth of the Soul • Soul passes through many lives • Before reaching Brahman Karma • People’s status • Based on past lives • What a person does in previous life will decide how they are reborn – If a person has bad karma, they are reborn in a lower form – When good people die, they are reborn in a higher form of life Dharma • Personal duty to earn a better existence in the next life How beliefs shape society • All life is sacred • Animals as well as people were treated with kindness and respect • Made Indians more accepting of varna system • A person who leads a good life is reborn into a higher jati Rise of Buddhism • Some Indians were not happy with Hinduism • Some left their homes and looked for peace Buddhism • Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions • Most Buddhist live in SE Asia and E Asia • Only a few live in India – Buddha’s birthplace Siddhartha Gautama • Became known as the Buddha • Founded a new religion call Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama • • • • • Born c.563 B.C. in Nepal Was a rich prince Left is wife and newborn son to explore life Shocked at the misery of people For the first time he realized the world was filled with suffering • Became a monk • Stopped to meditate • Gained followers What did Buddha teach? • Believed the world of the spirit was more important than the everyday world • People suffer because they care too much about the wrong things • Fame, money, and personal possessions lead to greed or anger • Taught the 4 Noble Truths Four Noble Truths • 1. Life is full of suffering • 2. people suffer because they desire worldly things and want to satisfy themselves • 3. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things. 4. The only way to stop desiring things is following the Eightfold Path Eightfold Path to Enlightment • 1. Know and understand the Four Noble Truths • 2. Give up worldly things and do not harm others • 3. Tell the truth, do not gossip, and do not speak badly of others • 4. Do not commit evil acts, such as killing, stealing, or living an unclean life. • 5. Do rewarding work • 6. Work for good and oppose evil • 7. Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control • 8. practice meditation to see the world in a new way Buddhism • When people are free from earthly concerns, they reach nirvana-state of perfect peace • Welcomed all people • Placed little importance on varna system • Believed in reincarnation – People would reach the end of cycle of rebirth by following 8 Fold Path Buddhism • Many Untouchables and Indians in lower jati accepted Buddhism • For the first time they had hope of reaching enlightenment Buddhist divide • Theravada-believe Buddha is a great teacher • Mahayana-teaches Buddha is a god Jainism • Developed by Mahavira • Became known as Jina-or conqueror • Practice nonviolence toward ALL living things Gandhi • Led a nonviolent struggle against British rule • Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance influenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.