Ch. 3 Ancient Indian Civilizations

Ch. 3 Section 3: Hinduism and Buddhism

Caste System Complex social organization that began

after Indo-Aryan migration Varnas- four distinct social classes

› Jati- smaller subgroups Born into your parents subgroup Could only marry within it Determined what job you could hold and who you could eat with

Today gov’t has abolished caste system, but remains influential part of Indian society

Foundation of Hinduism Upanishads- written explanation of

Vedic religion› Most people illiterate; teachings shared

in two epicsMahabharata- great battles in the Northern India kingdom Bhagavad Gita- most famous Hindu Scripture

Ramayana- depicts duties and relationships of humans

Battle of Kurukshetra

Om- sacred Hindu Symbol

Rama on the shoulders of Hanuman fighting the demon-king Ravana

Hinduism India’s major religion and world’s 3rd

largest Developed from Brahmin priest’s

explanation of the Vedas Monism- belief in the unity of God and

creation Brahman- divine essence that fills

everything in the world Self or Atman- individual essence

Hindu Beliefs Maya- belief that the world is an

illusion› People need to accept the illusion

to gain salvation Reincarnation- belief in rebirth of

souls› A soul doesn’t die; reborn into the

body of another human or animal Hindus believe it takes many

lifetimes to recognize maya and that requires reincarnation

Hindu Gods Brahma can be represented as

many gods› Brahma the Creator› Vishnu the Preserver› Siva the Destroyer

Other gods represented as spirits of trees, animals, and people

Not polytheistic, or monotheistic, but monistic

Hindu Beliefs Dharma- doing one’s moral duty in this

life so the soul can advance to the next Karma- the good or bad force created by

a person’s actions› Reborn into a higher social group or

lower or possibly animal Nirvana- perfect peace of the soul;

reincarnation complete and soul unites with Brahman

Hindu Religious Practices Yoga- a set of mental and physical

exercises to bring the body and soul together

Origins of festivals- to honor returning seasons

Sacred Animals› Ex. Cows› provided power for plows and carts› Produced milk and butter for food› Protected by law

Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama- founder;

Buddha or “Enlightened One”› Wealthy in his youth; shocked by

tragedies of life› Great Renunciation- left his family to

discover truth and meaning› Understood the truth that forms the

basis of life while mediating under a tree

› “Way of Life”

Buddha’s Teachings

Accepted some Hindu teachings; reincarnation

The Soul- good is rewarded/ evil punished Salvation = knowing the “Four Noble

Truths” & following the “Eightfold Path” Did not accept Hindu gods Denied importance of caste system Any person of any caste could reach

nirvana

The Four Noble Truths 1. All human life involves suffering and

sorrow 2. The desire for a life of pleasure and

material gain causes suffering and sorrow 3. Renouncing desire frees people from

suffering and helps their souls attain nirvana

4. The Eightfold Path leads to renunciation, or denial of desire and attainment of nirvana

The Eightfold Path Right Views- seeing

life as it really is Right Intentions-

living a life of good will; striving toward perfection

Right to Speech- avoiding lies and gossip

Right Action- trying to be law-abiding and honest

Right Living- avoiding work that harms others

Right Effort- seeking to prevent evil

Right Mindfulness- constant awareness of one’s self

Right Concentration- directing the mind in meditation

Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism Traditional beliefs Buddha is a great

teacher and spiritual leader

Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Laos are followers of this branch

Buddha is a god and savior

More elaborate ceremonies

China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan are followers of this branch

• Spread during Buddha’s life; wide acceptance in Asia

• Buddhism rose then declined in India; opposed by Brahmins

Spread of Buddhism