The Vedic religion/Brahminism

Question 1

What is the origins of Brahminism

Answer 1

Brought to the region by Aryans, based on the Vedas

Question 2

What class was Brahminism taught in

Answer 2

Higher class

Question 3

What were their beliefs? (4 things)

Answer 3

• Believed in reincarnation
• ‘gods’ of nature
• Animal sacrifice to gods
• Believed in atman which they aim for moshka (liberation) from samsara and to become one with the true god Brahman

Question 4

What are the 4 social divisions in aryan society in order (most important to least)

Answer 4

Brahmins - priests
Kshatriyas - warriors, governors
Vaisyas - merchants
Sudras - farm worker servant’s labourers

Question 5

What are some similarities of Buddhism and Brahminism?

Answer 5

• Both believe in the cycle of life and death governed by karma
• Both believe in karma
• Both believe in liberation (moshka)

Question 6

What are some differences of Buddhism and Brahminism?

Answer 6

• Brahminism believes karma is built into rituals rather than ethical actions
• Brahminism is reunited with Brahman upon reincarnation but Buddhism is not
• Brahminism believes in higher good whereas Buddhism believes in another realm
• Brahminism believes in the existence of a soul but Buddhists do not
• Buddhists do not believe in reincarnation Brahmins do because we have an atman - Buddhists believe in anatta
• Buddhism rejects the Varna (caste) system