Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism – Study Guide

* You will also need to know the geography of the region.  Most specifically the nations that surround India, the nations that were carved out of India, and areas where religions emerged (think Sikhism).

Key Beliefs & Concepts

  1. What do karma and samsara mean in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism?

Karma: the effect’s of one’s actions

Samsara: the cycle of rebirth

  1. What is the ultimate goal of life in each religion?

Hinduism: moksha

Buddhism: nirvana

Sikhism: merge with God so you are free from the cycle of rebirth

  1. How do meditation and self-discipline play a role in these religions?

Meditation is largest in Buddhism.

  1. What is the Middle Way in Buddhism?

Buddha’s enlightened view of life.

  1. What does Waheguru mean in Sikhism?

God

Founders & Important Figures

  1. Who founded each of these religions?

Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama (or the Buddha)

Sikhism: Guru Nanak

  1. How did Ashoka the Great help spread Buddhism?

He was an emperor who sent missionaries across Asia. 

  1. Who were the Sikh Gurus, and why are they important?

First ten leaders of Sikhism.

  1. What was Guru Nanak’s main message?

There is one God, and social equality.

Sacred Texts & Places of Worship

  1. What are the main holy books of each religion?

Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita

Buddhism: Tripitaka (from Buddha)

Sikhism: Guru Granth Sahib

  1. Where do followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism worship?

Hinduism: Mandir (temple)

Buddhism: Vihara (temple)

Sikhism: Gurdwara

  1. How do worship practices differ between these religions?

Traditions & Practices

  1. Name a major holiday or festival for each religion.

Hinduism: Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors)

Buddhism: Vesak (celebrates Buddha)

Sikhism: Vaisakhi, Gurpurab (celebrating the birthdays of the Gurus)

  1. What is seva (selfless service) in Sikhism?

  2. What is the Langar, and why is it important?

Community kitchen in the Gurdwara. 

Spread of Religion

  1. How did Buddhism spread to other countries?

Ashaka the Great

  1. What role did trade routes play in spreading these religions?

  2. How did Sikhism develop as a separate religion?

Similarities & Differences

  1. Name two things these religions have in common.

  2. Name one major difference between Sikhism and the other two.

  3. How does each religion view social class and equality?

  4. What do they believe about life after death?