Religion in India
Agenda for Today
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Bell Ringer: What is the purpose of the Caste System?
Lecture: The Mauryan Empire, Religion in India
Caste System Video Clip
Socratic Seminar: Defending the Caste System.
Comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism
Jared Diamond Q and A
HW: Finish reflection on Chapters 2 and 3, due Monday in
class.
Read Jared Diamond Article, be ready to respond to that
question in class on Monday.
Brahmanism and Hinduism
• Early Religious Beliefs of the
Aryan population.
• Polytheistic initially, relying on
several gods.
– Represented the needs of
humans, such as fire,
fertility, wealth, and
weather conditions.
• Ascetism- Self-discipline or
painful stimuli to
communicate with gods.
– Gradually turns into yoga.
Reincarnation
• Appeared around the time of
the Upanishads
• Individual soul is reborn in a
different form after death.
• Karma – one’s rebirth is
dictated by their actions in the
previous life.
• Dharma- Moral Law
– Higher castes held to a
stricter standard.
• Eventually a trinity of gods is
the norm.
– Brahman, Vishnu, and
Shiva
Buddhism
• Founded by Siddhartha
Gautama.
• He was wealthy, but he
saw the death and
illness of the lower
castes.
• Dedicated life to
determining causes of
human suffering.
Basic Beliefs
• Reformist version of
Brahmanism.
• Agreed on the concept of
Nirvana, reaching
enlightenment.
• Remove material possessions,
this is the cause of pain and
poverty.
• Four Noble Truths
• Eightfold Path
• Rejected the Caste System,
even though he believed in
reincarnation.
Ashoka and the end of Mauryan
Dynasty
• Ashoka begins reign as a
ruthless leader, killing anyone
as he wished.
• Converted to Buddhism, and
considered the greatest ruler
of the Mauryan dynasty.
• People convert and the
religion spreads East.
• Why did it die out?
– Decline in Regional Trade
– Tribal rivalries
The Caste System
As a class you will either defend the Caste System or
argue for its demise.
1. You will have 15 minutes to prepare your
argument. (If you are defending, use Jared
Diamond article for reference and points. If you
are against the Caste System, use the video and
other documents to support your view)
2. Socratic Seminar
1. Everyone must participate in some fashion. Whether
it is research or debate.