Eastern Religions

1
Eastern Religions

• Hinduism
• Buddhism

2
Hinduism

• More than a religion its a way of life

3
The Beginning

• Aryans
• From central Asia move into India
• Were mostly nomadic herders
• Had no formal system of writing kept their
  history from generation to generation by
  memorizing long hymns and poems called
  Upanishads

4
Basic Truths of Hinduism

• One true reality Brahman, the mighty spirit
  that creates and destroys
• Atman comparable to Christianitys Holy Spirit
• Reincarnation spirits reborn in another body
  could go thru many to gain
• Moksha gaining a state of perfect understanding

5
Caste System

• Like the class system found in all societies
  with some differences no moves up or down
  possible in this lifetime only in the next life
• Karma ethical law of cause and effect moral
  behavior in one life would guarantee rebirth in
  higher caste
• Dharma duties of each caste that needs to be
  fulfilled

6
Typical Castes

• Brahmins Priests (Gods mouth)
• Kshatriyas Rulers and Warriors (Gods arms)
• Vaishyas Landowners, merchants and artisans
  (Gods legs)
• Shudras Servants and Slaves (Gods feet)
• Untouchables

7
Buddhism
8
Siddhartha Guatamawww.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddh
ism/images/pop1-3.jpg

• Born into a wealthy warrior class family
• Had not seen poverty or pain until into his 20s
  seeing it had major impact on life
• Left wife and child to go search for answers
• Tried everything finally clicked

9
Four Noble Truths

• Life is full of pain and suffering
• Life bites because of our greed
• To end pain and suffering must end greed
• To end greed must follow Eight-fold path

10
Eight Fold Path

• Right knowledge
• Right purpose
• Right speech
• Right action
• Right living
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right meditation

11
Nirvana

• Something like our heaven
• Can be obtained by following Eight-Fold Path
• Believe in Reincarnation but unlike Hindus
  Nirvana can be obtained in one lifetime.