Unit 5 Lesson 1 Word History

Four Noble Truths

the central tenets of Buddhist philosophy, as related by the Buddha

What sequence of events after the Buddha's death caused Buddhism to spread beyond India?

1. Buddha's teachings were collected in a series of texts; 2. Missionaries and traders spread the Buddha's teachings to other parts of Asia; 3. Buddhism gradually divided into two sects, helping it adapt in new countries.

How did the caste system provide a sense of order in Indian society?

Although it was unequal, the caste system gave each person a specific place and role in society. It gave people a sense of identity and interdependence. Each caste had its own occupation, its own leaders, and its own special role in Indian society.

How were Aryan society and government structured?

Aryan society was divided into groups based on a person's occupation. The top group were the priests (Brahmins), the second were the warriors and rulers (Kshastriyas), the third were farmers and herders (Vaisyas), the fourth were non-Aryans who became servants or laborers (Sudras), and there was a group outside the system who performed the work no one else wanted to do (Dalits).

What are the two main Vedic epics? How were they developed, and what are they about?

Both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana were epic poems, first recited orally by priests, then eventually written down. The Mahabharata tells the story of a struggle by five royal brothers to regain their kingdom. The Ramayana tells the story of Rama's rescue of his kidnapped wife Sita.

How did Siddhartha Gautama become the Buddha?

Gautama left his palace and wandered for years, seeking answers from scholars and holy men about the "realm of life with no suffering or death." One day, he sat under a tree to meditate. Tempted by evil spirits throughout the night, when he rose he believed he understood the cause of and cure for suffering and sorrow. He was no longer Gautama; he had become the Buddha, or "Enlightened One."

How did Hindu beliefs influence the development of different caste levels in India?

Hinduism grew out of a combination of beliefs from diverse groups that settled in India. Aryans added gods of the Indus civilization to their own gods. Later migrants to India brought new gods, beliefs, and practices that blended with Hinduism.

How is nirvana in Buddhism similar to moksha in Hinduism?

Nirvana and moksha are the ultimate goals in Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively. They are achieved through proper actions, and unite the faithful with higher powers while ending the cycle of rebirth, or reincarnation.

How has geography affected where people live on the subcontinent?

People settled in fertile areas such as the Gangetic Plain, near river valleys, where they could easily grow crops. Areas such as the fairly arid Deccan plateau are sparsely populated. The coastal plains are more populated because of the seasonal rains that provide water for farmers and the seas that allow fishing and trade.

Study the map on Geography of the Indian Subcontinent. Based on the map, what effect did water have on where people settled on the Indian subcontinent?

People settled near oceans and rivers because they provided access to water and transportation, as well as food sources such as fish. River valleys provided fertile soil for farming.

What were the most important characteristics of the Aryan civilization?

Students might point to various aspects of the Aryan civilization such as their religious beliefs, Aryan literature, or the way the society was organized into ranked groups based on occupation.

How do the Hindu gods relate to the concept of Brahman?

The gods give concrete form to the concept of Brahman, which resides in all things. The various Hindu gods are representations of different aspects of Brahman, such as a destroying, creating, or preserving.

Compare and contrast the two major sects of Buddhism that developed after the death of the Buddha. What factors do you think led to the growth of the Mahayana sect?

Theravada Buddhism was closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. Theravada Buddhism calls for a commitment to virtuous living in order to achieve nirvana. Mahayana Buddhism, in contrast, promoted the Buddha as a god-like figure, to whom followers could turn for compassion and guidance. Ordinary people followed Mahayana Buddhism in order to achieve salvation.

In what economic activities did the Indus people engage?

They farmed, wove cloth, and traded.

What did Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa both have at their city centers? What did they have under the city streets?

a citadel built on a human-made hill; sewer systems

Vedas

a collection of prayers, hymns, and other religious teachings developed in ancient India beginning around 1500 B.C.

rajah

a king or prince in India

subcontinent

a large area of land that is a part of a continent

plateau

a large flat area of land that is higher than other areas of land that surround it

acculturation

cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture

How many large cities do archaeologists think the Indus Valley civilization built?

five, including Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa

When did the earliest Indus Valley civilization exist?

from 2600 to 1900 B.C.

nirvana

in Buddhist belief, union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth

karma

in Hindu belief, all the actions that determine a person's fate in the next life

atman

in Hindu belief, the innermost essence of each individual

dharma

in Hindu belief, the religious and moral duties of an individual

moksha

in Hindu belief, the ultimate goal of existence, which is to achieve union with Brahman

Mohenjo-Daro

largest known city of the ancient Indus civilization, located in the Indus River Valley of modern Pakistan

Eightfold Path

n Buddhist philosophy, the way by which people may obtain enlightenment and release from suffering

caste

one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism that restrict the occupation of their members and their association with the members of other castes

veneration

respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication or talent of a person

monsoon

seasonal wind that regularly blows from a certain direction for part of the year

Harappa

site of an ancient civilization in the Indus River Valley of modern Pakistan

sect

subgroup of a major religious group

reincarnation

the idea or belief that people are born again with a different body after death

ahimsa

Hindu belief in nonviolence and reverence for all life

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama (circa 563 B.C. - 483 B.C. ) was born a prince in India. Encounters with human suffering led him to leave his royal life to seek out the cause of suffering and sorrow. He sought answers from scholars and meditated until he developed a spiritual explanation for life. He became known as the "Buddha," and began teaching his beliefs to others. He taught the Four Noble Truths and encouraged the faithful to follow the Eightfold Path.

What evidence of writing exists, and what does it show?

Simple notations on clay seals are the only evidence of writing. They show that merchants had a standardized system of weights and measures.

How do the Vedic epics reveal important information about the political, religious, and cultural life of the Aryans?

The stories of the Vedas reveal Aryan religious beliefs, and the importance of duty. They teach lessons about correct moral behavior and echo the history of wars between the different Aryan tribes.