Religion in Ancient India
Hinduism
The Aryans Aryans Invaders from Central Asia Raja king / ruler of Aryan village Sanskrit स स क त व क writing system of the Aryans
The Vedas Vedas most important Sanskrit religious text
Social Classes Varnas social classes Caste System class system based on birth, wealth, and occupation
Varnas (Social Classes) Brahmins priests and teachers Kshatriyas rulers and warriors; rajas
Varnas (Social Classes) Vaisyas farmers, craftspeople, merchants Sudras laborers
Varnas (Social Classes) Untouchables outcasts
Gods of Hinduism Thousands of gods (devas) or one god with many forms? 10 forms of Vishnu
Gods of Hinduism Brahma the Creator universal spirit
Gods of Hinduism Vishnu the Preserver preserves dharma order, goodness, religion, law and duty
Gods of Hinduism Siva (Shiva) the Destroyer destroys the old so that the new can form
Reincarnation Reincarnation cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth the transfer of one s soul after death into another body
Reincarnation Karma sum of good deeds + bad deeds determines how you will live your next life
Reincarnation Supreme goal of mankind break cycle of reincarnation by achieving enlightenment
Meditation Meditation eliminate outside distractions, achieve peace, focus Om Yoga the most common form of meditation
Jainism Jainism teachings injure no life tell the truth do not steal own no property Ahisma non-violence
Jainism Swastika 卐 or 卍 ; derived from Sanskrit, meaning well-being used by Nazi s Adolf Hitler picked the swastika as the Nazi symbol because it was used by the Aryans Hitler considered the Aryan race to be superior blonde hair, blue eyes, white skin
Buddhism
Founder Siddhartha Gautama A Hindu prince in the Kshatriya caste
Reason Founded Luxury is Unfulfilling Gautama saw suffering; sick, old, etc. life of luxury was unfulfilling Poverty is Unfulfilling turned to religion and fasting life of poverty is unfulfilling
The Middle Path Middle Path (Middle Way) rejecting both luxury and denial; moderation
Awakening Great Enlightenment Gautama meditated gained understanding about suffering and overcoming it grew a second brain!?!? The Buddha the Enlightened One
Reincarnation Reincarnation birth, life, death, and rebirth Karma good Karma / bad Karma
Ultimate Goal Goal of Buddhism break cycle of reincarnation achieve enlightenment, or nirvana Nirvana state of bliss that comes from enlightenment
Comparison with Hinduism Unlike Hinduism Buddhists don t believe in the Caste System Buddhists don t follow the Vedas Buddhists don t worship Hindu gods
Four Noble Truths four realizations and guiding principles that became the heart of Buddhist teaching
Four Noble Truths 1. Suffering is a normal part of life.
Four Noble Truths 2. Our desire for pleasure and material goods is what brings us our suffering.
Four Noble Truths 3. It is possible to end suffering and reach nirvana if we overcome desire and ignorance.
Four Noble Truths 4. People can overcome ignorance and desire by following the Eight-Fold Path.
Eight-Fold Path eight guiding principles to help Buddhists follow the middle way to achieve nirvana
Eight-Fold Path 1. Right Thought (Understanding) Understanding that our selfish desires bring suffering
Eight-Fold Path 2. Right Intent Practice goodness and kindness to others.
Eight-Fold Path 3. Right Speech Be honest and kind. Avoid lies and gossip.
Eight-Fold Path 4. Right Action Do the right thing. Golden rule of Buddhism: Do no harm
Eight-Fold Path 5. Right Livelihood (Lifestyle) Live your life to end suffering and bring peace.
Eight-Fold Path 6. Right Effort Seek freedom from desire with the same effort as a drowning man struggles for breath. Prevent evil and do good.
Eight-Fold Path 7. Right Mindfulness (Awareness) Control your feelings and thoughts.
Eight-Fold Path 8. Right Concentration Focus on following the path to peace (the Eight-Fold Path) in order to achieve nirvana.