Hinduism & Buddhism

Hinduism * A combination of a member of religious traditions in India * A polytheistic religion (More than one god) * God is Brahman – Creator and creation, made manifest in 3 persons: 1. Brahma – Creator 2. Vishnu – Preserver 3. Shiva – Destroyer * According to Hinduism, our true self is Brahman * The human soul is Atman * Basic Hindu phrase is â€Å"Atman is Brahman† or â€Å"Tat Tatum asi†, meaning â€Å"That Thou Art! † * Goal of Hindu life: 1. Become perfected to the extent that the soul merges with the soul of god 2. No need to be born again in another human body Hindus believe that the human soul journeys through one life and then dies and is born again into a new body through â€Å"reincarnation† or â€Å"transmigration† * Samsara: Cycle of Rebirth * Dharma: Ethical duties of a person * Karma: Law of receiving what one deserves * Hindus believe that the soul is reborn into a higher stage of existence if the person has lived a good life * Moksha: The liberation from the Hindus endless cycles of rebirth * The path to Moksha which most followed is devotion * Hindus believe in the Caste System.Social Groups in to which Hindus are born * 4 Main Castes: 1. Sedras – Laborers 2. Valeyas – Producers 3. Kshatrlyas – Administrators 4. Brahmias – Seers * 4 Stages of Hindu Life: 1. Student – (Brahmancarin) 2. Householder -(Grihartha) 3. Retirement – Working out the philosophy of life (Vanapratha) 4. Wonderer – Free from all attachments of life (Sannyasin) * Sannyasin: The Stage of Life where one renounces family, name and any memories of the past * 4 Wants of Hinduism: 1. Pleasure 2. Success 3. Duty 4. Liberation Classic Period of Hinduism: Era when Hinduism becomes distinguished as a religion * In regards to other religions, Hinduism is tolerant * Both Buddhism and Jainism grew out of Hinduism and were founded as reactions to Hinduism * Jainism and Buddhi sm advocate non-violence * Sikhism was founded by Guru Nank and has its roots in Hinduism. It's a symbol of Hinduism and Islam * One of the most popular aspects of Hinduism is â€Å"Yoga† * Yoga = Discipline – helps a Hindu rise above his self limitation * Bhagavad-Gita is an example of Hindu sacred literatureBuddhism * Siddhartha Gautama * Raised a Hindu in â€Å"warrior† caste * Became Buddha (Enlightened One) * Attained enlightenment when he realized the importance of understanding suffering as articulated in the â€Å"4 Noble Truths† * His Philosophy: * Doctrine of â€Å"middle way† * Middle Way: Living Half way between luxury and poverty (different than rich & poor) * Buddhism spread into the Far East – Broke into Sects. * Main Types of Buddhism: 1. Theravada – School of Elders * Stressing Individual Salvation * Holding Traditional Thoughts South East Asian, Buma, Cevalon and Malano 2. Mahayana – Great Vehicle – * S tressing Social Salvation * Having a number of sects and diverse thoughts (Zen Buddhism) 3. Vajrayana – Diamond Vehicle * Through growing out of Hinduism, Buddhism has lost influence as a religion in India * 4 Noble truths: 1. In Life, Suffering Abounds 2. Suffering is Caused by Desire – The Ego 3. Cure lies in overcoming selfish craving 4. Cure can be accomplished by following the â€Å"Eightfold Path† * Eightfold Path: . Right Understanding – Awareness of what is suffering (4 Noble Truths) 2. Right Thought – Purifying the Mind3. Right Speech – Speak Truthfully 4. Right Conduct – Don't Lie, Kill, Commit Adultery, Consume intoxications 5. Right Livelihood – Actions used to earn a living, not to harm others 6. Right Effort -Be diligent and cultivating good thoughts 7. Right Mindfulness -Knowing oneself 8. Right Concentration -Help see things as they really are * Since Buddhism outgrew Hinduism Kept Assumption that humans are reb orn into new bodies * God of life is the absorption of the self into the infinite * Nirvana (Meditation): Such absorption in Buddhism * Unlike Hindus, Buddhism ignores the caste systems and Hindu Rituals * Meditation is vital to all branches of Buddhism * Tripitaka: Sacred literature in Buddhism (Three Baskets) * Written from oral traditions about 150 years after Buddha lived * Like Hindus, most Buddhist festivals are local or religious events * Funeral rituals are important to Buddhists Strong interest in after life * 3 Jewels – Considered to be the core of Buddhism 1. Sangha – Community of Buddhists, monks, nuns and lay people 2. Buddha – Name for those enlightened according to Buddhist faith Buddha with â€Å"B† refers to Siddhartha Gautama3. Dharma – Buddha's Teachings * Symbols of Buddhism 1. Wheel of Law – 8 Spokes represent Eightfold Path 2. Bodhi Tree – Place of Enlightenment 3. Stupas/Pagooas – A dome/shaped monument u sed to house Buddhist relics (Pagodas are Larger stupas)