Religions of Ancient India Hinduism Buddhism Hindu History

Religions of Ancient India Hinduism & Buddhism

Hindu History 1. Vedas are early Hindu texts. 2. The writers of the Upanishads were Hindus who thought about why they held their beliefs. 3. Ordinary people did not understand the Upanishads, so the Mahabharata and Ramayana were written to connect with the common man. 4. The end of the Mahabharata is the Bhagavad Gita and it stresses the idea that one needs to live an ethical life and obey your place in life. It also tells that complete devotion to a god, Vishnu, will lead to happiness in the afterlife.

Hindu Society 1. In Ancient India, four distinct varnas, or classes, began to develop. A: Kshatriyas – Rulers & Warriors B: Brahmins – Priests & Scholars C: Vaisyas – Merchants, Traders, & Farmers D: Sudras – Peasants & Menial Laborers E: Pariahs or Untouchables. 2. This is the class hierarchy that became known as the Caste System.

Hindu Beliefs 1. All creatures are filled with Brahma. 2. Atman means Soul, and they believe that our soul and God are one. 3. They believe in Reincarnation, meaning you come back after death in the form of something new. A: Two aspects of Reincarnation B: Dharma – Fulfillment of one’s moral duty so the soul can go into a new life. C: Karma – Actions determine one’s next life.

Don’t Write This 4. Three Main Gods A: Brahma the Creator B: Vishnu the Preserver C: Shiva the Destroyer 5. Not Polytheism, because all Gods are different representations of the Brahma that exists all around. 6. The Cow is a sacred animal and most Hindus will not eat beef.

Gautama 1. Siddhartha Gautama is the Enlightened One, aka the founder of Buddhism. 2. He was Royalty who was never allowed to see the bad aspects of life until he left the palace at age 29. 3. Upon seeing suffering, he decided to spend his life trying to end suffering and attain wisdom. 4. He had an Enlightenment after years of searching, and became the Buddha.

The Four Noble Truths 1. They lead people to Salvation: A: All human life is surrounded by suffering. B: Suffering is caused by Desire. C: To overcome suffering, overcome Desire. D: To overcome Desire, follow the Eightfold Path. All this is designed to help the soul reach Nirvana, which means “the perfect peace” and when this happens the soul stops the reincarnation cycle.

The Eightfold Path 1. Eight Guides to Thought and Action A: Right Views B: Right Intentions C: Right Speech D: Right Action E: Right Living F: Right Effort G: Right Mindfulness H: Right Concentration.

Buddhism Spreading 1. Split into two branches: Theravada & Mahayana A: Theravada is more traditional and believe Buddha to be an amazing teacher. B: Mahayana believe Buddha is a God and they utilize temples, priests, and rituals. Mahayana is more common today.