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Religions of South Asia

Explore the origin, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism in South Asia. Learn about caste systems, reincarnation, key deities, teachings, and the unique principles of each religion.

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Religions of South Asia

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  1. Religions of South Asia Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism

  2. Hinduism • Today, 13%of world’s population • Oldest organized major religion • Originated in Indus River Valley

  3. Caste System • Over time, society was divided into groups • Brahmins: Priests and scholars • Rulers and warriors • Traders and farmers • Menial laborers and servants • Untouchables,or outcasts

  4. Reincarnation • Cycle of life and rebirth: Samsara • Karma determines the next life • Dharma is the path to a good rebirth

  5. Four Aims of Hinduism • Dharma: righteousness • Artha: material prosperity • Kama:gratification of the senses • Moksha: liberation from the cycle of samsara • Supreme goal

  6. Dieties (Gods) • Henotheistic • One God represented by many manifestations or aspects of that god • Worshipers may offer gifts and chant mantras believed to summon gods • Hindus often make pilgrimages to sacred sites

  7. Buddhism • About 6% • Born as an offshoot or reform of Hinduism • Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

  8. Legend • While sitting under banyan tree, Gautama passed through four stages of meditation • Attained enlightenment • Buddha: “Enlightened one”

  9. Teachings • He did not claim to be divine, nor inspired by divine revelation • Four Noble Truths • Life is filled with anguish (suffering) • Materialism leads to anguish • Nirvana exists • The Eightfold Path leads to Nirvana

  10. Eightfold Path • Forbids theft, lying, strong drink, sexual promiscuity, and killing • Stresses that no harm shall be done to any creature

  11. Buddhism in Asia • In time, Buddhism disappeared in India • But spread… • Over the Himalayas to • And to SE Asia

  12. Jainism • 4.2 million adherents in India • Like Buddhism, grew in environment of Hinduism

  13. Beliefs • Immediate consequences of one’s physical and mental behavior • Every soul’s place is determined by its karma • Every Soul is the architect of its own life • A soul freed from its karma has good-consciousness

  14. How to? • Right view, right knowledge, right conduct • Control your senses • Limit your possessions • Don’t waste life • All life worthy of respect • Strive to rise up ladder of spiritual evolution

  15. Sikhism • Began in 15th century (1400s) in Punjab • Controlled by Muslims • Founded by Guru Nanak • “I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim” • Followed by 10 gurus • The Guru GranthSahib • Scriptures • 1604 AD

  16. Beliefs and Principles • One God-infinite qualities and names • Reincarnation, with the goal of salvation • Remember God • Brotherhood • The 5s • 5 Ks • 5 thieves • 5 weapons

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