Foundations Flashcards
What religion was prevalent prior to Buddhism?
It was Brahmanism, which developed during the Historic Vedic Era (1500-500BCE) and was the religion of the Vedas.
What were the Vedas?
The Vedas were a set of religious scriptures dating back to 1700BCE. These become central to Hinduism but the main one which is useful with regards to Buddhism is the final part of the Vedas, called the Upanishads.
Who or what is Brahman and Atman?
Brahman is a universal spirit that was present before time. Atman is the soul and is considered to be a source of all vitality among humans.
What happens to the souls of people?
In Brahmanism and other religions from that area, there is a belief in reincarnation (Samsara). If the person has collected good karma they move up in the caste system, if they collect bad karma they move down.
What is the aim/goal in Brahmanism?
The goal of every atman is to attain Moksha, liberation from rebirth. This is when the atman (soul) merges back with Brahman, like a drop of water in the ocean.
What is Sramana?
It is a branch of Brahmanism and means, one who seeks the truth through means of asceticism. Asceticism is the denial of bodily pleasure for the purpose of achieving spiritual goals.
What is Jainism?
It is a branch of Sramana. Jainism had 24 original Jain teachers called ‘Tirthankaras’. They accept in a soul substance, reincarnation and karma; but reject the Vedas caste system, creator God and Brahmanism. Jain believed all actions resulted in Karma whereas Buddhists only believed intentional actions do.
What was the Sramana school of Ajivika?
The Sramana school of Ajivika is a branch of Sramana with slightly differing teachings and way of life. The founder Makkhali Gosala taught nyati, the determinism of the universe down to the smallest atom. Believed in rebirth and were ascetic, practicing rigorous asceticism.
What is the Sramana school of Ajana (Skeptics)
This was a philosophical movement with a strong sceptical bent, calming that knowledge of philosophical propositions was impossible and useless. Would not commit themselves to saying that others people’s views were wrong.
What is the Sramana school of Charvaka (materialists)
This was an empiricist movement, holding that direct perception is necessary for knowledge. It rejected Vedism and all supernaturalism. They rejected karma and rebirth - something which the Buddha and Buddhism believe in.
