Hinduism & Buddhism – Made Easy(Sort of)

• India’s Rich Religious Traditions

Hinduism “Eternal Religion”• 80% pop of India are Hindus• 900 million world wide- 3rd largest• Considered the oldest since it was created before time

existed• Tolerant of diversity makes it popular • Yoga

What are their beliefs in god(s)?

• The Hindu religion is extremely complex. The saying goes that if you admit to understanding Hinduism then you really don’t! Hindus believe that the religion is beyond human understanding. The devotion to the god and gods of Hinduism is known as Bhakti.

Hindu Founders

• None• Only authority is the Vedas and Brahman

priests• Customs / beliefs borrowed from the IVP

and the Aryans

Hindus are Monotheistic• Supreme Being- Brahman• 333 million other gods who are

extensions of Brahman• Vishnu- the Preserver• Brahma-the Creator • Shiva –the destroyer

Brahma• The Creator• In order to create

the world he made a goddess out of ½ of his body

• 4 books of the Vedas are to have come from his 4 heads

Lord Vishnu• Preserver of Life• He is the atman

that manifests itself in mind, body, and intellect

• Represents the individual in all of us

Shiva• He is the

Destroyer• Responsible for

change as in death and destruction

• Usually seen with snakes which represent that he is beyond death

Hindu Rituals

• Shrines in homes • Meditation• Spend time fulfilling social and moral

obligations • Namaste Greeting• Notice her Bindi

Buddhism

• Founded in India 2500 yrs ago by the Buddha- an Indian prince

• 360 million world wide- 4th largest• China, Japan, SE Asia, Korea and growing

in USA (Richard Geer)

Lotus Flower

Interesting Belief• Buddhists believe that when Siddhartha

was born his mother envisioned a white elephant. Today Buddhists believe that the white elephant was the “mother of god”. The Dalai Lama is considered the incarnate spirit of the Buddha. There are another 2000 llamas that live around the world. When a llama dies a world wide search is performed to search for the next llama.

Founder of Buddhism• Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha (enlightened

spirit- attained wisdom and compassion) upon his death- did not want to be worshipped as a god

• His Story• White Elephant- mother of god

Dalai Lama Visit Bloomington, IN – 2004 & 2007

Purdue University- 2009•

Leader of Tibet- Lives in Exile

Buddhists are Monotheistic

• Buddha- Supreme Being

• Also known as the Enlightened One

• Any guesses why he is shown fat and happy?

What is the goal for Hindus and Buddhists?

Hindu• Follow dharma (duties) to achieve moksha• Free self from selfish desires to achieve

moksha (union with all powerful spirit)• Reincarnation provides many chances to

achieve moksha

Buddhism• Attempt to

reach Nirvana or union with universal spirit

Continued…• Hindus believe that good or bad

karma (actions) decide into what existence you will be reborn

• Extra Credit: Look up and be able to share the “rules” of karma

• Must follow 4 Noble Truths * Life is suffering * Suffering is caused by desire * By overcoming desire you lessen your suffering * Must follow 8 Fold Path

8 Fold Path: You must possess…

• Rightful views• Rightful aspirations• Rightful speech• Rightful actions• Rightful livelihood• Rightful efforts• Rightful mindfulness• Rightful contemplation

Other Beliefs…• Both believe in ahimsa

(nonviolence)• Both believe in reincarnation

although Buddhists do not believe in the caste system. Nirvana is available to all regardless of birth.

Sources

• http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism• http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism• World History text book• Nettrekker