Unit 2.2 - Hinduism and Buddhism Develop

Unit 2.2 - Hinduism and Buddhism Develop

1. Hinduism

   • a collection of religios beliefs that develops slowly over a long period of time
   • religion is a way of liberating the soul from illusion, disappointment, and mistakes
   • Upanishads - written dialogues between a student and a teacher where the two explore how to achieve moksha
   • Moksha - the goal of Hinduism, a state of perfect understanding of all things (Brahman and atman)
   • Brahman - the world soul hat contains and unites all atmans
   • atman - the individual soul of a living being
   • Reincarnation - cycle of rebirth
   • Karma - follows from one reincarnation to another
   • 3 different paths of achieving moksha - right thinking, right action, or religious devotion
   • Brahman split into three gods - Brahma (creator), Vishnu (protector), Shiva (destroyer)
   • Justified and enforced caste system through the idea of karma

2. Buddhism

   • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
   • Four Noble Truths lead to enlightment
     • 1) Life is filled with suffering and sorrow
     • 2) The cause of all suffering is people's selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world
     • 3) The way to end all suffering is to end all desires
     • 4) The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path, which is called the Middle Way between desires and self-denial
   • Eightfold Path - a step by step way to master enlightment
   • Nirvana - the goal of Buddhism, the release of selfishness and pain
   • Accepted the idea of reincarnation, but rejected some gods and the caste system
   • Sangha - - community of Buddhis monks and nuns (eventually the entire of all of the community)
   • Dharma - Buddhist teachings
   • Spread by traders (Silk Road) and missionaries

3. Jainism - founded by Mahavira who believed that everything has a soul that should not be harmed

   • preached nonviolence and religious tolerance
   • Often became traders or merchants due to their beliefs