AP World History Chapter 9 Buddhism and Hinduism

Hinduism Founder

• Began in India with the Aryan invaders who replaced the Indus Valley civilization. • They adopted some gods and religious ceremonies of the people of the Harappan civilization. • There is no one founder as with other religions. • Hinduism means "the ways of the people on the far side of the Indus River."

Hinduism Origin

• Began in ancient India with the Aryan invaders who replaced the Indus Valley civilization. • Hinduism means "the ways of the people on the far side of the Indus River." • The geographical boundary of the Hindu religion is India. • Hinduism is a mixture of beliefs and practices.

Buddhism diffusion

• Buddhism spread rapidly throughout Asia via the trade routes. • In India, Buddhism was reabsorbed into Hinduism. • It continues to thrive in China, Japan, and southeast Asia. • Buddhism arrived in China via the Silk Road. • Buddhism was popular in China since it worked well with Confucianism. • Buddhism came to Japan from China via Korea. • Buddhism was popular in Japan since it worked well with Shintoism.

Buddhism Founder

• Buddhism was founded by a young Hindu prince named Siddhartha Gautama who lived in Nepal from 563 to 483 B.C.E. • He rejected his wealth and went in search of the meaning of human suffering (ascetic wanderer). • After extensive meditation (sitting under a tree at Bodh Gaya) he became the Buddha, or 'Enlightened One.' • After Buddha died in 483 B.C.E., Buddhism split into two large movements: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Buddhism Origin

• Buddhism was founded by a young Hindu prince named Siddhartha Gautama who lived in Nepal from 563 to 483 B.C.E. • He rejected his wealth and went in search of the meaning of human suffering (ascetic wanderer). • After extensive meditation (sitting under a tree at Bodh Gaya) he became the Buddha, or 'Enlightened One.' • There is no supreme being in Buddhism. • After Buddha died in 483 B.C.E., Buddhism split into two large movements: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. • Theravada Buddhism emphasizes meditation and simplicity. • Mahayana Buddhism is more ritual than Buddha specified, relies on priests and scriptures, and includes other deities who have achieved nirvana but live on earth.

Buddhism characteristics / principles

• Buddhists follow the four noble truths. o All life is suffering. o Suffering is caused by desire. o One can be freed of this desire. o One is freed of desire by following the 'Eightfold Path.' • The Eightfold Path is made up of: o Right views o Right aspirations o Right speech o Right conduct o Right livelihood o Right endeavor o Right mindfulness o Right meditation • Following the path enables you to move toward nirvana- the state of perfect peace and harmony. • The goal in one's life is to reach nirvana - which may take several lifetimes (reincarnation). • Anyone can reach nirvana - it is not dependent on the caste system.

Hinduism Diffusion

• Hinduism spread to southeast Asia • Hinduism didn't spread there by merchants or trade but by priests • Spread to Funan people, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar • The initiative for conversion grew out of politics • Hinduism spread to southeast Asia through trade contacts and sailors

Buddhism Impact on Society

• It appealed to members of lower classes (castes). • Not attached to an underlying social structure so it can apply to anyone, anywhere. • Spread rapidly throughout Asia - via the trade routes. • In India, Buddhism was reabsorbed into Hinduism. • It continues to thrive in China, Japan, and southeast Asia.

Hinduism Impact on Society

• No strong organizational structure (lacks a unified system of beliefs and ideas) • Hinduism is a religion and a social system - caste system. • This explains why most faithful Hindus quietly accept their station in life - knowing they would gain social mobility in the next life. • The association with the caste system has prevented its acceptance in other parts of the world. • It remains a powerful force in India today.

Hinduism characteristics / principles

• One supreme being • Belief in the divinity of the 4 Vedas - hymns are god's word • Universe goes in cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution • Karma- create your own destiny • Reincarnation • All life is sacred - non-violence • No religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others - all genuine paths deserve tolerance and understanding • Values: truth, honesty, non-violence, cleanliness, and perseverance • Fasting • Bathing • Charitable work • Vegetarianism is encouraged • Going on pilgrimages

Buddhism sacred texts / epic stories

• The Tripitaka, or "the Three Baskets," is the sacred text of Buddhism. It is comprised of three parts: the Vinaya, on the proper conduct of Buddhist monks and nuns; the Sutta, with discourses attributed to the Buddha; and the Abhidhamma, supplementary doctrines. It is written in Pali. • The Mahayanas are the body of writings associated with the school of Buddhism dominant in Tibet, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan. It includes the famous allegory the Lotus Sutra, the Buddhist "Parable of the Prodigal Son." • The Milindapanha is dialogue between the Greek king Milinda and the Buddhist monk Nagasena on the philosophy of Buddhism. • Buddha's Four Noble Truths are that all life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, one can be freed of this desire, and one is freed of desire by following the Eightfold Path.

Hinduism Gods

• There are thousands upon thousands of gods in Hinduism. • Hindus believe that there is one supreme being, Brahma, the creator. • Hindu gods are manifestations of Brahma, notably Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer. • Lord Krishna will help you follow your dharma. • Ganesh is an elephant headed god and a bringer of good luck.

Hinduism sacred texts / epic stories

• There is no one central sacred text in Hinduism. • The Vedas and Upanishads guide Hindus. • Some of the most important texts include the Vedas, the Rigveda, the Brahmanas, and the Upanishads. • The Brahmanas set out guidelines for the brahmins or priests and the Upanishads include the concepts of reincarnation, dharma, and karma. • The most important epics in Hinduism are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, with the Bhagavad-Gita at the center of the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, a collection of stories.

Buddhism Gods

• There is no supreme being in Buddhism. • In Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha is a god-like deity. • Also in Mahayana Buddhism, it includes other deities who have achieved nirvana but live on earth (Bodhisattva- enlightened being)