Origins of two belief Systems Hinduism and Buddhism
Hinduism: INtro Hinduism is an ancient religion whose origins predate recorded history. It has no single human founder, and it has developed over thousands of years. Its most sacred scriptures are the Vedas, which means knowledge in Sanskrit. The Vedas began as an oral tradition(6500b.c.e.) and historians believe that they were written down in about 1000B.C.E.
Hinduism The word Hindu was first used by the Persians to describe the religion practiced by the people that lived east of the Indus River. Hindus call their religion Sanatana Dharma (the eternal religion) or Vedic Dharma (the religion of Knowledge). Over the millennia Hinduism has continued to evolve and in modern times it incorporates a wide variety of religious beliefs. Hinduism has been tolerant of other religions, believing that all religions can be legitimate paths to God.
In this picture we see Hindus praying in a temple in Palitana, India
What are some details that make this image unrealistic? What might the relationship Between these objects be?
Brahman Brahman is the name of the Hinduism s one supreme God or Spirit. Brahman creates, maintains, destroys, and recreates the universe in a never ending cycle Everything in the world, including each human soul, or atman, is apart of Brahman. The atman is both separate from and one with Brahman. A Hindus spiritual goal is to unite his or her soul with Brahman.
What do you see here? How are they the same? In wha ways are the figures in this image different from one another? What do you think they might represent?
Multiple Gods Hindus worship many gods and goddesses, but they believe that all Gods are aspects of the one Supreme God. Some Hindu god have humanlike personalities, and others represent such things as success, good luck and war. Each Hindu person or family may be especially devoted to a particular god or Goddess. Three most important gods are Vishnu(preserver), Shiva(destroyer), and Brahman(creator).
What types of objects are shown? Why is this arrange as a flower? How does the figure in the center differ from the figures around it?
Dharma Part of Dharma relates to sacred(holy) duty or moral support. It is the system of rules and values that Hindus follow in their everyday life. Hindus believe in universal Dharma that include values all Hindus accept and practice, such as nonviolence. Hindus also believe they have individual Dharma which is determined by one s personality, age, sex, and Varna.
How would you describe the behavior shown in each section? What message is the artist trying to convey?
Karma The total of good and bad actions a human soul carries Hinduism teaches that people s good and bad actions in one life influence their destiny in then next.
What might the breath rising in the lower right represent?
Samsara The continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The goal of Hindu life is to be released from Samsara Hindus call this release Moksha Moksha is achieved by following the path of the Dharma, balancing their karma and worshipping god faithfully.
Buddhism The religion called Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha a man who lived in India in the fifth century. Siddhartha Gautama became know as the Buddha or the awakened one after an enlightenment experience at the age of 35. From the age of 29 Siddhartha spent six years seeking the answer to the problem of human suffering The Siddhartha s life is often told as a legend, where he is depicted as the ideal man.
What do you see in this image? What would you use to describe the setting in this scene? What aspect of this scene suggest the birth is unique? Why do you think the man on the right is weeping?
What do you see here? Why is prince Siddhartha holding a bow? What do the detaills reveal about Siddhartha s early life? How large is prince Siddhartha in relation to the elephant? What does this signify?
Old age, sickness, and Death What are five interesting details you see in this image? Who is the man in the carriage? Why do you think he is pointing? The figures in the upper left represent old age sickness and death. How might Siddhartha be affected by his encounter with this reality?
What do you see in this image? How is Siddhartha dressed? Where is he? Why is he carrying a bowl? How does this image compare to the previous? Why do you think he is alone?
What intersting or important details do you see in this image? How has Siddhartha s appearance changed? Why do you think he is sitting in this position? What might happen to him as he is meditating?