Notes
Buddhism began in northern India in the 500s or 400s BCE with Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha ("Enlightened One").
- Siddhartha was a prince who saw old age, sickness and death, left his palace, and searched for the cause of suffering. He gained enlightenment while meditating.
- Four Noble Truths: (1) life involves suffering; (2) suffering is caused by desire or craving; (3) ending desire ends suffering; (4) the way to end it is the Eightfold Path.
- The Eightfold Path includes right understanding, right speech, right action and right meditation. It is a Middle Way between luxury and extreme self-denial.
- The goal is nirvana, release from suffering and from the cycle of rebirth.
- Buddhism accepted karma and rebirth but rejected the caste system and the authority of Brahmin priests, so it appealed to many people of lower status.
- It spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Theravada) and to China, Korea and Japan (Mahayana), but later declined in India.
| Hinduism | Buddhism | |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | None | Siddhartha Gautama |
| Goal | Moksha | Nirvana |
| Caste | Part of tradition | Rejected |
Practice
According to the Four Noble Truths, what is the cause of suffering?
The Buddha taught that craving leads to suffering.
Why did Buddhism appeal to many people in lower castes?
The Buddha rejected birth-based ranking.
Which belief do Hinduism and Buddhism share?
Both traditions teach that actions shape rebirth.
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