Introduction
Comparing and Contrasting Eastern Religions
a painting of Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths

Painting from a Sanskrit manuscript of Buddha teaching the Four Noble Truths, 700 - 1100 A.D. (C.E.)

Religion was an integral part of life in classical India and continues to be so today. During the rise of classical India, two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, emerged and flourished in Indian culture. These two religions helped Indians explain daily life and occurrences, and offered ways to a better life, especially for those in lower castes. In this topic, you will explore the history and beliefs of these two major world religions.

Essential Questions

 

Warm-Up

warm-up iconA KWL chart is used to understand a subject in the following ways: What an individual "Knows" about a topic; what an individual "Wants" to know about a topic; and what an individual has "Learned" about a topic. For this warm-up, you will begin a KWL chart. First take a moment to read the below principles found in the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism.

a KWL chart with the first heading reading What I know about Hinduism based on the principles; the second heading reading What I want to know about Hinduism and Buddhism; and the third heading reading What I have learned about Hinduism and Buddhism

On a separate document, create a KLW chart regarding the two eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Draw a table or chart similar to the one on this page. Instead of using the headings, K, W, and L, your chart should have the following headings: "What I Know about Hinduism and Buddhism Based on the Principles or Prior Knowledge," "What I Want to Know about Hinduism and Buddhism," and "What I Have Learned about Hinduism and Buddhism." Complete the first two columns of your KLW chart. Save your diagram to use later in this topic.