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