Name ______Date ______Class ______

HINDUISM REVIEW READING Read the following paragraph (Pay attention to the italicized print terms)

Hinduism had its origins in the religious beliefs of the Aryan peoples. Many of these beliefs were based on the Vedas , collections of hymns and religious ceremonies that were passed down orally through the centuries by Aryan priests and then eventually written down. Early Hindus believed that Brahman, or God, was the ultimate reality that every person had to seek through his or her atman, or individual self. Hinduism incorporated the ideas of reincarnation by the sixth century B.C. Through reincarnation, an individual is reborn after death in a different form, until after numerous reincarnations, the earthly soul finally unites with Brahman. A person’s reincarnation is dependent on one’s karma, the force generated by one’s actions. A person’s status in life, therefore, was based on his or her prior karma. Thus, Indians of a high social caste felt justified in their positions while lower castes had hope for improvement. Yoga, a method of physical training and exercise, was another way for Indians to achieve unity with Brahman. The Hindu religion features three main gods and goddesses including Braham the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Siva the destroyer, as well as numerous other humanlike gods and goddesses. Hinduism is the religion of the vast majority of the Indian people and ranks 3 rd in the world for followers. INSTRUCTIONS : Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES .

1. What group of people brought Hinduism to the Indian sub-continent?

2. To Hindus, what is the ultimate reality that every person had to seek through his of her individual self?

3. How do Hindus purify their soul to finally unite with the Brahman?

4. What is a Hindus’ status in life based on?

5. What is another way for Indians to achieve unity with the Brahman?

6. Looking at your notes on Hinduism and the above reading, how does reincarnation justify the caste system (write a paragraph to explain this question 5 points )?

BUDDHISM REVIEW READING Read the following paragraph (Pay attention to the italicized print terms—they will be on your quiz)

In the sixth century B.C., Buddhism appeared in northern India and soon became a rival of Hinduism. The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, is also known as the Buddha , or “enlightened One.” Siddhartha rejected the material world, claiming that pain, poverty, and sorrow resulted from human attachment to worldly possessions. Once people give up worldly cares, then they can achieve wisdom, which is key step in achieving nirvana, the ultimate reality. The Buddha based his message on the Four Noble Truths , which emphasize that suffering is part of daily life because our desire to satisfy ourselves. Siddhartha’s solution to human suffering was outlined in the Middle Path, or the Eightfold Path . The eight parts include right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Among other principles, the Eightfold Path urges people to seek the truth, speak will of others, find an uplifting occupation, control their thoughts, and meditate. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism allows for an individual’s ability to nirvana during one lifetime. Most Buddhists live in Asia (Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia). The Buddhist faith ranks fourth among the major religions of the world at over 360 million followers.

INSTRUCTIONS : Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES .

1. Who is the founder of Buddhism? 2. What was his background prior to becoming Buddha?

3. According to the founder, what caused people’s pain and suffering?

4. Look in your notes and list the Four Noble Truths. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5. What must a person do to overcome their suffering?

6. What is the ultimate goal of a Buddhist?

7. Identify two similarities and two differences between Buddhism and Hinduism (look on pages 39 & 40 in textbook).

Similarities:

Differences:

8. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, how does a HINDU become one with the Brahman and a BUDDHIST reach Nirvana (also look in your notes)?

HINDU:

BUDDHIST: