Transcript Syncretism in Hinduism and Buddhism 600BCE to 600CE

Syncretism in Hinduism and
Buddhism 600BCE to 600CE
Origin of Hinduism
• Hinduism, a collection of traditions, is one of few ancient religions to
survive into modern times. It developed over 5000 years ago in the Indus
Valley of India, the largest civilization in the ancient world. Hindus believe
their religion has no identifiable beginning or end, and refer to it as
Sanatana Dharma or the Eternal Way. The Vedas, one of Hinduism’s
primary religious texts, means “knowledge” in the Sanskrit language and
were preserved through a rigorous oral tradition for thousands of years
before being written down. They present key Hindu teachings through
hymns on the divine forces of nature. Hindu philosophy was further
developed in the Upanishads; restated in story form in the Puranas, the
Ramayana, and the Mahabharata; and through countless life stories,
devotional poetry, and commentaries by learned sages.
Universal Spirit
•
Accordingly, Hindus see the variety
of
religions and philosophies as different
paths to God. The core philosophy of
Hinduism is the search for truth, not the
specific path taken. A quote from the Vedas
that summarizes the Hindu perspective on
God is “Truth is one. The wise call It by
various names.”
Brahman
•
•
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•
The Absolute or God that is:
1) the all pervading and absolute reality
2) beyond description
3) may be worshiped in various form(s) or no
form, male or female.
Dharma
• 1) Mode of conduct most conducive to
spiritual advancement;
• 2) includes universal human values and values
specific to an individual’s stage in life (i.e.
student, parent)
Karma
• 1. An individual’s every action produces an
appropriate outcome for him/her.
• 2. Outcomes many span over lifetimes
Samsara
• 1. Cycle of reincarnation (the soul survives
death to be reborn in a new body)
• 2. Ultimate goal is moksha, or freedom from
the cycle, achieved by self-realization and
elimination of material desires or
attachments.
Pluralism
• Acknowledgement of multiple paths to
Brahman
Scriptures
• Vedas, Agamas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita,
etc.
Caste System
• Caste system developed in India, but is not
synonymous with the ideals of Hinduism…(just
like Christianity was used to justify slavery, but
is not considered synonymous with it)
Buddhism Origins
• Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (c.563-483BCE)
• Prophesy that Siddhartha would either be a
great spiritual leader, or a great king
• Father, isolated Siddhartha…eventually saw
the pain and suffering in world, became an
ascetic
• Eventually became the Buddha “Enlightened
One”
Four Noble Truths
First Noble Truth: Everything in life is suffering and sorrow
Second Noble Truth: The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish
desire for the temporary pleasures of this world
Third Noble Truth: The way to end all suffering is to end all desires
Fourth Noble Truth: The way to overcome such desires and attain
enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path, the Middle Way
between desires and self-denial
*****Eightfold Path: Right Views, Right Resolve, Right Speech,
Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness,
and Right Concentration. This is the Middle Way
Syncretism
• Theravada School: “lesser vehicle”, more focus
on original teachings of the Buddha,
introspection, meditation, appealed to elites
• Mahayana School: “greater vehicle”, greater
appeal to the masses, Buddha as a God, focus
on devotion
• Greco-Buddhism: blend of Greek culture
Buddhism (ex: art, architecture)
Bodhisattvas
• Primarily in the Mahayana School, the concept
that a soul that could reach nirvana, instead is
reincarnated to help others reach salvation
• Ex: Dali Lama in Tibetan Buddhism