Hinduism & Buddhism

Key Vocabulary

Hinduism began in India over 2,000 years ago. The goal of a Hindu is for the soul to become one with Brahman. Hinduism focuses on four goals: pleasure, success, dharma, and moksha. Buddhism also began in India. Hindus and Buddhists both believe in reincarnation and karma. However the goal of Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment and reach nirvana. As Buddhism spread, monasteries were built and missionaries traveled throughout Asia.

Assignment

• Create a table on a blank sheet of paper.

• For each term, allow space to write:– Vocabulary Term– Definition– Synonym or Example– Sketch

Hinduism• Definition: religion of the

people of India• Developed from Vedic

tradition• Rituals & many gods -

Polytheistic• Sacred scriptures called

the Vedas• Caste system• Which other ancient

civilizations believed in polytheism?

Brahman• Definition: One supreme

God in Hinduism• Takes the form of many

different gods/goddesses• Every Hindu’s goal is for

their soul to become one with Brahman

• What similarities can you find in these Hindu gods?

dharma• Definition: Living a moral

life• Fulfilling the duties

assigned to your caste• Your dharma depends on

your age and caste• “Better to do one’s own

duty imperfectly than to do another’s well.” Bhagavad Gita

• What duties do you have?As a member of your family?As a student at NHMS?

moksha• Definition: release from

life• Soul becomes one with

Brahman• Live forever in a state of

joy• Hindu’s goal in life• What is one goal you

have for your life?

reincarnation• Definition: rebirth of

a soul in a new body• May be born into

higher or lower caste, or as animal or insect

• Depends on how you lived your life

• Continues until you reach moksha

karma• Definition: the sum of

a person’s actions and consequences, words and thoughts

• Bad karma = rebirth into lower life form

• Good karma = rebirth into higher life form

• How does the cartoon show karma?

Buddhism• Definition: a religion

based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

• Siddhartha was a prince who gave up everything to search for wisdom and truth

• He became the Buddha• What do you think is

more important - wealth or wisdom?

enlightenment• Definition: the state of

perfect wisdom• Ends the cycle of

reincarnation• Goal of Buddhists• Buddha meditated for 49

days to reach enlightenment

• Discuss - what would be difficult about meditating for 49 days?

nirvana• Definition: a state of

blissful peace without desire or suffering

• Buddhists follow the Eightfold Path to reach nirvana

• No more death and rebirth

• How are Buddha’s 8 R’s similar to the 3 R’s at NHMS?

missionary• Definition: a person who

goes to another place to teach about his or her religion

• Buddhist missionaries spread the Buddha’s teachings throughout Asia

• Who spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire? (Hint: His name started as Saul)

monastery• Definition: the home of

a religious community• A place for Buddhist

monks and nuns to live, meditate, and spread Buddha’s teachings

• Think of a building in our culture where anyone can go to read and think quietly…