World Religions from Ancient India Hinduism Buddhism Origins

World Religions from Ancient India: Hinduism & Buddhism

Origins of Hinduism: • No clear starting date or founder. • Developed over the centuries from a merging of many of India’s traditions and religions. • Included ideas from the Indus River Valley Civilization and the nomadic Aryans.

What do Hindus believe? • Hinduism is very complex. • There is no set of practices (like the 10 Commandments or the Five Pillars of Islam). • However, there are some basic elements common to Hinduism.

What are the basic elements of Hinduism? Hindus are POLYTHESISTIC ü They believe in multiple gods and goddesses. ü Some Hindus pick a god or goddess ü to devote themselves to. ü The goal of many Hindus is to ü unite their soul with a god or goddess.

What else do Hindus believe? • Time moves in a giant circle, like a wheel, so events repeat themselves. Like seasons, birth, life, and death are part of this cycle. The cycle of rebirth is called REINCARNATION. • Dharma – law, duty, and obligation • Karma – the idea that there are consequences for your actions (good and bad)

Origins of Buddhism: Buddhists also believe in karma and reincarnation. Buddists do not believe in POLYTHEISM!

Who started Buddhism? Buddists follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Buddha = Enlightened One

Siddharatha Gautama (Buddha) ü Siddhartha lived from about 563 -483 BC. ü He was a prince and very wealthy. ü As a young man, he left the palace and saw the pain and suffering in the world. ü He was shocked by the poverty, disease, and death he saw, so he left his comfortable life and traveled across India looking for a greater truth.

ü He meditated and fasted to the point of starvation while searching for truth. ü Through meditation and sacrifice, he finally gained NIRVANA (a state of happiness and peace). ü After he gained Nirvana, he travelled and taught his ways to others. This became Buddhism.

Beliefs of Buddhism: The teachings of Buddhism are known as The Four Noble Truths: 1. ) Suffering is Everywhere 2. ) Suffering is caused by Desire 3. ) Removing Desire Ends Suffering 4. ) Follow 8 Guiding Principles to Remove Desire & Suffering

8 Guiding Principles of Buddhism include rights to: understanding, purpose, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration

Learn More: Introduction to Hinduism: http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=KFgw. RCs. RWq 4 The story of Buddha: http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=_3 g. K 4 VO 9 ro. E