Buddhism ​
Religion or philosophy originated in South Asia
Inspired by Hinduism and Jainism
Open-minded
Tolerant of other religions
Non-materialist
Egalitarian, casteless
Initially misogynistic
History ​
Founded partly as a reaction to the unequal caste system
Reflects the emergence of Vaishya (merchants) held back in power by Brahmin (priests) & Kshatriya (warriors)
At first, Gautama denied women from Buddhism, then he accepted, but created misogynistic rules that place nuns in subordinate position to monks.
Monks set up the earliest universities in history.
Declined in South Asia, but flourished throughout Asia
Deities ​
Buddha is regarded as the teacher, not the divine
Concepts ​
3 Jewels ​
Noble truths ​
Noble truths:
- The world is full of suffering
- Suffering is caused by desire
- Eliminate suffering by eliminating desire
- Eliminate desire by following the 8-fold path
Nirvana ​
Freedom from hatred, greed, and delusion
Escape from the cycle of reincarnation
Ultimate goal of the Buddhist quest
Sangha ​
Buddhist community
Ajitani Hifumi