Download World History I Lesson 13 Instructional Resource 1

Hinduism and Buddhism
Beliefs and Traditions
Hinduism

Hinduism was an
important contribution
of classical India.

Unlike most other
belief systems,
Hinduism does not
have a founder.
The characteristics of the Hindu religion:
Caste system in religious law based on
occupations.
Belief in major forms of one major deity (god).
Reincarnation – souls do not die, but reborn in
other bodies – cycles of rebirth.
Karma – future reincarnation based on present
behavior – if you live an evil life you may be
reborn as a lowly creature – the idea behind
the caste system.
Vedas and Upanishads – sacred writings.
God Shiva (the destroyer)
Buddhism
►
The founder of Buddhism
was an Indian prince named
Siddhartha Gautama (born
around 560 B.C.).
►
Buddhism became a major
faith when ruler Asoka
(grandson of Chandragupta
Maurya) sent missionaries
throughout Asia.
 They spread it from India to
China.
The characteristics of Buddhism:
Founder – Siddhartha Gautama
– Buddha – meaning “Enlightened One”
Four Noble Truths Buddha taught his followers:
– Suffering is part of being human.
– People are driven by worldly desires; they cause the soul to be
reincarnated.
– By eliminating desire, people can eliminate suffering.
Goal is to eliminate desires and to attain nirvana by
following the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment.
– That includes truthfulness, resisting evil, respecting life, not
harming others, controlling one’s thoughts, and meditation.
Buddha
Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism