The student will be able to:

Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Hinduism

Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Buddhism

Essential Questions What are the beliefs of the Hindu religion? How did Hinduism influence Indian society and culture? What are the beliefs of Buddhism? How did Buddhism spread?

Objectives WHI.4

Hinduism

Origins

Aryan tribes from Central Asia invaded India around 1400 B.C. brought Indo-European

language and religion

Aryans first settled in Punjab (Northern India) Migrated later to Ganges River

Valley

No specific founder, no single theology, no agreement on origins

Word Hinduism sixth century B.C. to refer to people living in the area Hinduism existed long before

recorded history

Earliest surviving documents written in 1500 B.C.E. Objects related to Hinduism

date back to 2500 B.C.E.

The Vedas

Hindu’s prefer term Vedic

Veda are Vedic text that provide the only written source for understanding religious life in ancient India Considered sacred writings

Vedas compromised of 1,000 hymns followed by chants and prose works

Over time only highly-trained priest could perform the complicated Vedic rituals

Sacred Writings

Upanishads Record wisdom of Hindu teachers

and sages as far back at 1000 B.C.E.

Nature of morality and eternal life Transmigration of souls Causality in creation How to achieve moksha – a

perfect understanding of all things

Bhagavad-Gita Part of the Mahabharata- one of

the longest books in the world Dialogue between Arjuna (hero)

and Krishna Incredibly important cultural text

Five Basic Beliefs

One God that takes multiple forms

Brahman Supreme God everything is part of

Brahman the goal in life is to unite

atman with Brahman

Dharma sacred duty individual dharma is

determined by personality, age, sex, and social class

following dharma promotes harmony

Karma Knowledge that all

thoughts and actions result in future consequences the sum of good and bad

actions are carried from one life to the next

Reincarnation Rebirth based upon your

karma Reincarnation ends when you

reach Moksha Liberation of the soul

Practices

Rituals Marriage: match must be

approved by both parents, usually arranged, horoscopes drawn up, bride’s family pays dowry

Death: body cremated, body not required after death due to reincarnation

Worship called Puja Worship often takes place in

home No particular day or time

Deities

Brahma: the Creator Vishnu: the Preserver

Deities

Siva: the destoyer Krishna

Hinduism and Society

Karma and reincarnation reinforced caste system

Dominated every person’s life

Determined How one ate Personal cleanliness Who one could be friends

with How one dressed

Hinduism spread along major trade routes

Buddhism

Around 500’s B.C.E.

Founder Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha or

“Enlightened One”

Story of the Buddha

Siddhartha came from a kingdom in Himalayas Son of a ruling family, born

563 B.C.

Raised in luxury At 16 married a princess Had everything

In late 20’s became aware of illness, sickness, death and old age

Gave up his royal life to find the true meaning of life

At first followed the ascetics But he almost died of

starvation! Turned to meditating

Reached “Enlightenment”

Spent his life preaching His teachings became

basis of Buddhism

Four Noble Truths

Ordinary life is suffering

This suffering is caused by our desire to satisfy ourselves

The way to end suffering is to end desire for selfish goals

The way to end desire is to follow the middle path

Principles of Buddhism

Eightfold Path

Right Views: knowledge of the 4 Noble Truths

Right Aspirations: discard desire and avoid hurting others

Right Speech: telling the truth

Right Conduct: not stealing or cheating

Right Livelihood: earning a living in a way that does not harm or cause bloodshed to others

Right Effort: thinking positively

Right Mindfulness: being aware of the effects of thoughts and actions

Right Meditation: allowing a peaceful state of mind

Buddhism in India

Missionaries spread Buddhism throughout India Asoka’s missionaries and

their writings spread Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia

Hinduism dominated India

Most widespread religion in East Asia Thanks to Asoka

The student will be able to:

Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Hinduism

Describe the origins, beliefs, traditions, customs, and spread of Buddhism

Essential Questions What are the beliefs of the Hindu religion? How did Hinduism influence Indian society and culture? What are the beliefs of Buddhism? How did Buddhism spread?

Revisit Objectives WHI.4