2. Hinduism
God is one-but goes by many names
Brahman- the main universal god, who is comprised of
other gods.
Three forms of the Brahman
Brahma-has four heads facing all directions to see all.
Shiva-the destroyer, represents forces that destroy what
is old and begin what is new.
Vishnu-the preserver, maintains the order of all things.
There is no single founder of the religion; it
contains a combination of beliefs (from the Aryans
– cultural diffusion)
Sacred texts-Vedas
3. Goal of Life
Atman-the essential self - every person has one.
Want to achieve moksha-being one with Brahman
Caste System-strict, cannot move up or down.
(Think of wearing a caste, you can’t move that body
part)
The caste system groups you according to class,
occupation, or gender.
You are born into your caste. If your parents are farmers,
you are farmers.
You CANNOT move up or down during the same lifetime.
4. Reincarnation
reincarnation-the process through which a
person goes from one life to the next.
Hindus believe that when a person dies,
he/she is eventually reborn as another
person.
Reincarnation is the only way a person can
move up or down in the caste system.
For example: If you are a serf, you can be
reincarnated into a ruler or warrior if, in
your last life, you lived a good life. If you
were a warrior and lived a bad life, you can
come back as a lower caste, such as a
serf.
5. Karma and Dharma
Karma-actions in this life that affect
one’s next life.
Dharma-the religious and moral
duties of an individual during his/her
lifetime (rules for living).
8. Buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Guatama
Buddha
Buddha was an Indian Prince who lived in
luxury and comfort inside the palace.
One day he left the palace gardens and
saw an old man, a sick man, and a dead
man.
9. Buddhism
From this, Buddha realized: Life is full of suffering.
He became the “Enlightened One”.
He explained the 4 Noble Truths:
1. All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.
2. The cause of suffering is desire for things such
as riches, power and long life.
3. The only cure for suffering is to overcome
desire.
4. The way to overcome desire is to follow the 8-
fold path.
10. Cure for Suffering
The only cure for suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path, a
middle road between a life devoted to pleasure and a life of
harsh self-denial.(A way to help the people find relief from
their suffering)
Eightfold path recommends that people develop 3 qualities:
wisdom, mortality, meditation.
It is important to live a moral life.
Enlightenment (state of pure goodness) is achieved through
meditation.
The ultimate goal is nirvana, union with the universe and
release from the cycle of rebirth. This is where you become
“one” with Braham.
