Buddhism

Buddhism

1. Culture

   • Ashoka built roads, hospitals, buddhist rest houses, and buddhist temples called "Stupas".
   • Buddhist schools emerged.
   • Meditation was popular and a big part of the buddhist rituals.
   • Ignorance and desire are the root of all suffering.
     • Idea that suffering would end if one gives up their material things.
   • Achieving enlightenment was the goal of Buddhism.
     • The Eightfold Path was the buddhas instructions on how to achieve enlightenment.

2. Government

   • Ashoka converted into buddhism during his reign.
     • He spread buddhism across india.
     • Attempted to end animal slaughter.
     • Attempted to implement buddhist style caste system.

3. Environment

   • Buddhism began in the hills of the Himalayas, where Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) is from.
     • Buddha spent time in the hills of the Himalayas, meditating alone and performing asceticism.
   • Animals were well respected and not to be killed.

4. Economy

   • Merchants were not do despised by hindus anymore
     • Many merchants converted to buddhism.
   • Later on, when economic changes arised, merchants had to depend on brahmans to help them.
     • Downfall of Buddhism.

5. Society

   • Buddhism offered a flexible caste system, one you can work to improve.
     • Buddhism was popular amoung the poor and low caste.
     • Karma from past life influences caste.
   • Women and members of any caste could become buddhist.
   • Women could become artist and be educated.
     • Women's status rose.

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