Hinduism and Buddhism

Vedic Age (1500–500 BCE)

Named for the Vedas; Aryans contact with native Dravidians; development of caste system ("varna" = color).

Aryan Caste/Varna Structure

Brahmins = priests & scholars; Kshatriyas = warriors & gov't officials; Vaishyas = landowners, merchants, artisans; Sudras = peasants & laborers (mostly non-Aryans).

Brahmins

Priests and scholars; intellect and knowledge; top of caste system.

Kshatriyas

Warriors and government officials; second caste.

Vaishyas

Landowners, merchants, artisans; third caste.

Sudras

Common peasants, laborers, and servants; mostly non-Aryans; lowest caste.

Jati

Birth groups within each caste; had own occupations, duties, and rituals.

Hinduism - Origins

Developed from the Vedas (Rig Veda most important); Upanishads blended Aryan and Dravidian beliefs.

Hinduism - Core Beliefs

Belief in Brahman (universal spirit); reincarnation and karma.

Brahma and the Caste System

Religious justification for caste; caste tied to dharma and cosmic order.

Buddhism - Founder

Siddhartha Gautama (6th century BCE); sought meaning of life; became "Buddha" or the Enlightened One.

Buddha

Title meaning "Enlightened One"; given divine status by followers.

Four Noble Truths

(1) Life is suffering; (2) Cause of suffering is selfish desire; (3) To end suffering, end desire; (4) The Eightfold Path leads to Nirvana.

Eightfold Path - Right View

Know the truth.

Eightfold Path - Right Mindfulness

Control your thoughts.

Eightfold Path - Right Intentions

Free your mind of evil.

Eightfold Path - Right Concentration

Practice meditation.

Eightfold Path - Right Effort

Resist evil.

Eightfold Path - Right Speech

Say nothing that hurts others.

Eightfold Path - Right Action

Work for the good of others.

Eightfold Path - Right Livelihood

Respect life.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal of Buddhism; release from suffering and cycle of reincarnation.