AN01d2b Unit01: Beginnings of Civilization Ch.

03
Timeline: 6th C. BCE
FQ: To what extent is Buddhism a protest or 'clarication' of Hinduism?

Main Idea: The Buddhist faith of today originated from a philosophy derived from the teachings of a Hindu
prince (Siddhartha Gautama of the Kshatriya caste). The philosophy shares a great deal with its parent
faith- Hinduism, but the differences are signicant. The people of South Asia have a long history of adopting
and adapting philosophies and faiths. Buddhism, as a movement, should be viewed in light of this historical
trend.

CCSS...

I. Vocabulary: Refer to the crossword puzzle.

II. Historical Context
By the time of Siddartha Gautama's birth (6th C. BCE in modern Nepal), Hinduism is already an ancient
faith. The story of Siddharthas enlightenment (when he becomes The Buddha) offers a simple explanation
for the incredible changes that the Hindu prince will initiate. The almost childish act of asking Why? leads
to change on a global level.

III. Path to Enlightenment (Prezi Presentation: http://www.prezi.com/g3vvf46p2hju/)

Remembering that Siddhartha Gautama is a Hindu, we can organize his life in a fashion similar to the
stages of life for any Hindu.
A. Student Stage: Siddhartha receives an education preparing him for his responsibilities as a
Kshatriya.
B. Householder Stage: Begins with the creation of a family (marrying, having and nurturing children,
providing for familys well-being). Siddhartha begins this phase upon his marriage during his teens.
C. Vanaprasta Stage: This should have begun for Siddhartha AFTER the householder stage.
However, the householder stage is cut short signicantly because of a series of events and
encounters revealed in Life of the Buddha. This stage lasts seven years for Siddhartha and requires
the abandonment of family and home.
D. Senyasa Stage: After several ordeals/ trials (Indulgence or Gluttony, Deprivation, asceticism or
Hermit), intense meditation and speaking with many people over seven years, Senyasa is achieved
while sitting beneath a Bodh tree (transcended earthly pleasures and desires). Siddartha returns as
'The Buddha' to teach and guide people toward enlightenment.

It was these stages in the Buddha's quest for Truth that generated different images of the Buddha. A 'fat'
Buddha statue reects the excesses the Buddha partook of during his indulgence phase. An emaciated or
skinny Buddha statue reects the hunger he experienced during his deprivation phase.

IV. The Four Noble Truths (Prezi Presentation: http://www.prezi.com/g3vvf46p2hju/)

A. The Noble Truth of Suffering: All life is suffering
B. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering: Desires is the source of suffering
C. The Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering: To eliminate suffering you must eliminate desires
D. The Noble Truth that leads to the Extinction of Suffering: To eliminate desires you must follow the
Eight-fold Path
V. Wheel of the Law (Prezi Presentation: http://www.prezi.com/g3vvf46p2hju/)
AN01d2b Unit01: Beginnings of Civilization Ch.03
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VI. The Hindu Foundation of Buddhism
Buddhism contains several key concepts that are clearly Hindu originals. There are other similarities
within the body of myths and societal values that cant be ignored either.
A. Ahimsa
B. Charioteer (Arjuna & Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita, Coachman and Siddhartha Gautama)
C. 9th (Avatar) Incarnation of Vishnu => The Buddha

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VII. Adaptability, Popularity, Schools of Buddhist Thought (refer to 'Buddhist Schools of Thought' for an
explanation of each 'school's' focus.)
Theravada Mahayana Chan (Zen) Tibetan

Today, Buddhism is considered a Global Religion along with Christianity and Islam. Buddhism's
popularity, partially attributable to its adaptability, is an amazing phenomenon. So strongly has The Buddha
been accepted by non-Indians, that the physical characteristics of The Buddha vary along with the cultures
that have adopted the faith/ philosophy. To followers of the faith, Buddhism may be too important to focus
on the different outward appearances of Buddha images. Like in the multi-faced images of Hinduism, the
images may carry deeper meaning than our poor sense of sight can detect.

Teacher Note: The presentation, here, of any philosophical/ religious text is to facilitate study, acquire appreciation, and enliven
discussion of the traditions that produced works. In no form, content or intent, are the materials presented to teach and/ or
proselytize any belief system. No particular denomination, if applicable, is chosen over another.

Materials/Sources: Refer to the course calendar for additional assignments and pertinent due dates.
! Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 20 Nov. 07
! World History: Patterns of Interaction
! Prezi Presentation: http://www.prezi.com/g3vvf46p2hju/
Hindu Beliefs (Values) Buddhism's Equivalent
Dharma: Determined by Varna & Jati Dharma: The Eight-Fold Path (for everyone)
Karma: (+/-) Impacted by your success in performing your dharma. Karma: (+/-) Impacted by your success in performing The
Eight-Fold Path.
Samsara: Cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth. Samsara: Cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth.
Moksha: Cessation of samsara cycle. The soul becomes 'one' with
the 'all-encompassing being'- Brahman.
Nirvana: Cessation of samsara cycle. The soul achieves a
'blissful' condition.
Guru: 'Ideal' teacher. One who can assist you in your quest toward
Moksha by providing guidance on proper conduct.
Bodhisattva: 'Ideal' teacher. One who can assist you in your
quest toward Nirvana by providing guidance on proper
conduct.