Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region

Marty Schmidt
Hong Kong International School
"Who is Buddha?" Fall, 2004-2005

Syllabus

Glossary

HKIS Service Learning

The Hindu World of Siddartha Gautama

Hinduism Worldview:
1. Historical background: Indo-European vs. Dravidian
- Sky gods vs. earth gods
- Caste system
- Sacrificial system
- Sanskrit

2. Hindu synthesis
- Karma
- Reincarnation
- Moksha
- Atman and Brahman
- Monotheism and Polytheism

3. Hindu religious beliefs
- 4 Aims of Life: Artha, Kama, Kharma, Moksha
- 4 stages of life: Student, householder, Hermit, Wanderer
- Dharma = Duty
- No eternal hell: Everyone wins
- Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

4. Hindu religious practices
- 4 Paths: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma,
- Puja
- Dharma and merit
- Religious festivals and Pilgrimage
- Meditation
- Renunciation

What are the strengths of this worldview? What weaknesses do you see?