Lesson 14 // Hinduism and Buddhism

Lesson 14 // Hinduism and Buddhism

(Click here to see a Bodhnath Stupa.)
Further Reference Microsoft Encarta 99 – Find: Virtual Tour – Swayambhunath Temple

Objective:

The students will be able to compare and contrast the beliefs of the Hindu and Buddhist religions.

Guided Practice:

1. Introduce the lesson by discussing how important the religion of Nepalese people is in their everyday life. Be sure to tell the class that Hinduism and Buddhism are the largest religions in the country.
2. Have the students read the paragraphs on Hinduism and Buddhism either orally or silently. Discuss the reading, restating the key issues

Independent Practice:

1. Read the paragraphs and answer the questions.
2. Compare and contrast the two religions.

Optional Extensions:

1. Have the student compare their religious beliefs with that of Buddhism and Hinduism. Share this information with the class.
2. Write a paragraph that answers these questions: Are the actions of the people in the United States governed by religious beliefs? Why or why not?

Reading and Questions:

Nepal is known for its diverse land and people. When it comes to religious beliefs, the country is more similar. The two main religions of Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism. Approximately 85 percent of the people in Nepal are Hindus with approximately 25 percent Buddhist, percentages that are slightly misleading because many Nepalese consider themselves to be both Hindus and Buddhist.

The Hindu religion is a religion of tolerance. A person of any faith can practice Hinduism. There is no formal doctrine or governing structure to the religion. There is no formal doctrine because Hinduism holds that each person is different and each person perceives god according to his or her own desires. The Hindu religion has a caste system, which stems from Brahma (the Hindu god figure). If a man in the Brahma priest class is believed to have come from Brahmas' mouth. The warriors' caste is said to have come from Brahmas' arms. Artisans and traders were created from Brahmas' thigh, and serfs were from Brahmas' feet. The most important aspect of the Hindu religion is that people remain true to their family and their social class group.

The Buddhist religion was formed by Siddhartha Gautama around the year 500 BC. Gautama is often called the "Enlightened One" and Buddha because of his vision, which started the Buddhist religion. The Buddhist religion believes that all the problems' people have is due to their "self." Buddha believed that the "self" is in an endless cycle of rebirth. Life is a continuous series of cause and effect experiences referred to as "karma." Buddha states that the only way to escape the effects of karma is to follow the doctrines of Buddhism. Some Buddhist even believe that one can escape karma by following the example of little Buddhas-to-be who have reached Nirvana (the extinction of self) through many lifetimes and experiences.

1. What does the term "caste" mean?
2. What does the term "serf" mean?
3. Compare and contrast Hinduism and Buddhism.

References:

Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Coyright 1994-1999, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

Religion

Brahmin—a term used to indicate the priest class

Buddhism—one of the principal religions of eastern and central Asia which stems from the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Its tenets hold that suffering is inherent to life and only through purification of the self can one hope to diminish the degree of life's suffering.

Dharma—good karma or actions used to generate good karma

Gompa—a Buddhist temple. Gompas are found all over the Nepal countryside.

Guru Rinpoche—founder of Tibetan Buddhism 1250 years ago.

Jutho—ritual pollution. Once you have eaten food from a plate it is jutho and no one may eat the remaining food. A dead body is considered to contain jutho and may not be touched by a Sherpa.

Karma—spiritual force generated by a person's actions

Kata—white scarf presented as a sign of honor. These may be blessed and become sacred relics.

Lama—Tibetan Buddhist teacher or priest

Mani Rimdu — One of the holiest festivals for the Sherpa, Mani Rimdu celebrates the completion of 10 days of prayers for the benefit of all beings dedicated to Pawa Cherenzig, the god of compassion. Marked by dances from all over the region, the festival dancers wear various masks which depict different gods. The Sherpa believe that for each god, there are different forms of worship, chants or movements that help bring that god closer to the dancer and eventually become a part of him which is considered to benefit all people. Some believe that prayers, deep thinking, or meditation can be done to achieve the same harmony and make people more peaceful.

Mani wall—stone wall carved with Buddhist mantras

Mantra—religious incantation

Miyo Lungsangma—goddess of humans residing on Mt. Everest

Prayer Flag—long strips of colored cloth printed with prayers that are "said" whenever the flag flaps in the wind. Prayer flags are located along the trekking and climbing routes and are used by the Sherpa to decorate and bless their homes, school, gompas, etc.

Puja (pooja)—prayers offered. It is also the act of praying or chanting and offering gifts to the gods. Before any climb of Mt. Everest a large puja is performed asking the gods for protection and permission to climb within their heights. The puja will last several hours and each member will smear a little tso on their face in respect.

Rinpoche—reincarnate lama. Title for high lamas and reincarnates, "precious one."

Stupa—a Buddhist shrine

Tanka—embroidered or painted, elaborately colored wall hanging. Usually tankas depict scenes from the life of the deities. They are magnificently ornate and rich with symbolism.

Trisul—trident symbol of follower's of Shiva

Tso—offerings made of cooked rice. May be smeared across the forehead and on the face and neck as a symbol of respect and homage to the gods.