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 Buddhism 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 "Yoga" * Yoga = Discipline - helps a Hindu rise above his self limitation * Bhagavad-Gita is an example of Hindu sacred literature
Buddhism * Siddhartha Gautama * Raised a Hindu in "warrior" caste * Became Buddha (Enlightened One) * Attained enlightenment when he realized the importance of understanding suffering as articulated in the "4 Noble Truths" * His Philosophy: * Doctrine of "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 - * Stressing 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 "Eightfold Path" * Eightfold Path: . Right Understanding - Awareness of what is suffering (4 Noble Truths) 2. Right Thought - Purifying the Mind
3. 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 reborn 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 "B" refers to Siddhartha Gautama
3. 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 used to house Buddhist relics (Pagodas are Larger stupas)
