Rader World History – Hinduism/Buddhism

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belief that there is one essence or ultimate reality, which is within many forms (Brahman, in the form of Deites)

gods/goddesses 1) Brahma the creator (sets world in motion) 2) Vishnu the sustainer (keeps world in motion) 3) Shiva the destroyer (rejects dharma)

scriptures divinely revealed to holy men, includes Vedas and Upanishads

attributed to human creation, include stories or gods, civil code, mythology, royal families

Rig Vedas - creation of universe Yajur Vedas - ceremonial Sama Vedas - chants Artharva Vedas - practical prayers

- ways to worship the gods with hearts and minds - basic understanding of the universe - how people should live

includes human soul (atman), greater reality

cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth

universal law of action, driving behavior based on individual dharma - positive and negative things happen in one's life and past lives - how they have observed religious duty (dharma)

duty or responsibility in life, can gain positive karma and minimize negative karma by following dharma

elimination of negative kharma, atman released from samsara

illusion, one should not become too attached to the physical world and lose sight of the interconnectedness of existence (all is Brahman)

temple, have one deity. Images of deites are dressed but not worshipped, the concept of Brahman is worshipped

simple prayers, meditation to bathing, and dressing of deites

Specific families determine deity of shrine, usually only one, but can have additional based on need

pathway to union with Brahman - Karma yoga: charity or action union - Jñana yoga: acknowledging truth of reality - Raja yoga: meditation and mental focus - Bhakti yoga: temple and home puja

festival of lights, recognition of light within, exchange gifts

spring festival, youthful and joyous spirit

1) Priests (Brahmans) 2) Warriors (Kshatriyas) 3) Merchants (Vaishyas) 4) Laborers (Shudras) 5) Untouchables

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by King and Queen in Warriors/Rulers caste (Shudras) in Northern India, Queen had a dream that white elephant stabbed her belly, Siddhartha could walk and talk at birth

master of universe, if endured suffering he'd be spiritual leader. Dad gave him no suffering

grew up, was rich with family, felt something missing. Saw suffering outside and a happy old guy. Decided to try and be like him

no possessions, extreme ascetic disciplinary practices to achieve enlightenment. Almost died, realized extremes are not the answer

under Bodhi tree, confronted image of ego as an "illusion", achieved Nirvana, shared what he learned

Universal truths that apply to all being 1) Anatta: No personal or eternal soul, only consciousness 2) Anicca: everything is always changing 3) Dukkha: since nothing lasts forever, we suffer when they are gone

1) Life includes suffering 2) The cause of suffering is desire 3) In order to eliminate suffering, eliminate desire 4) The Eightfold path will help you eliminate suffering and desire

Right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration

orthodox, Tripitaka, monks and nuns

widespread and diverse, Bodhisattvas are "enlightened beings" who have achieved nirvana and help others, Buddha is greater

Tibetan, Dalai Lama is reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, who found nirvana. TENZIN GYATSO is 14th. Mystical traditions and magical practices.