2. Hinduism
Religion based on ancient prayers &
hymns called Vedas
Strict, practice included: prayers, sacrifices,
pilgrimages, and bathing in sacred rivers
The Upanishads was an ancient text that
teaches existence of a universal soul
(Individualism)
3. People of the Hindu faith
Were born into specific social classes
called castes, at the top were Brahman
(priests) followed by; nobility, merchants,
servants, and at the very bottom, the
untouchables
Believed individuals must follow their
Karma (fate) through reincarnations until
united w/ universal soul
Must understand Maya (illusion of time
and space)
4. Origin of Buddhism
Firstappeared in 5th century BC
Wealthy man with family name of Prince
Siddhartha went on a search for an end
to suffering, became known as Gautama
Buddha, the enlightened one
Through meditation he was able to reach
Nirvana
The map shows
the spread of the
Buddhist religion
5. The Buddhist Religion
Differs from Hinduism by offering a code for
living, and the promise of eternal salvation
Nirvana- “nothingness” or escape from the
cycle of rebirths
The four noble truths: 1- existing is suffering. 2-
suffering comes from desire. 3- suffering ends
when desire ends. 4- the way to end desire is to
end the eight-fold path to nirvana:
a. right belief b. right resolve c. right speech d.
right conduct e. right occupation f. right effort g.
right contemplation h. right ecstasy
6. Buddhism & the novel Siddhartha
Part one of the novel has four chapters to
it, parallel to the four Noble Truths
Part two of the novel has eight chapter, just
as the Eight-Fold path to nirvana
Hesse presents Buddhism as a guideline to
his novel as well as a starting point to
seeking out peace
7. Names in the novel ant their
meanings
Siddhartha –he who attains his goal
Govinda –keeper of cows
Kamala -lotus blossom
Kamaswami –love, owner/master
Vasudeva- one who abides in all things
Om – this word represents creation,
preservation, and destruction
