• Read your assigned article.

• Identify key takeaways.

2️⃣ Create Your Padlet Mini-Presentation

• Summarize the key points from your reading.

• Explain how your topic connects to other traditions (e.g., how Confucianism contrasts with the Bhagavad Gita).

• Write one critical thinking question for the class.

3️⃣ Present (3-5 min per group)

• Share your summary and connections.

• Pose your critical thinking question to the class.

4️⃣ Class Discussion

• Listen, react, ask questions, and make connections.

Similarities:

• They both focus on compassion and non-violence towards all living beings.

• They both believe in multiple heaven and hell.

• They both originated in the Indian region

• Both believe in the concept of karma, transmigration of souls and the cycle of births.

Differences:

• Buddhists organize themselves into s monastic Order (Sangha) and the monks live in groups and Hinduism is a religion of the individual.

• Buddhism doesn't believe in in the existence of souls and Hinduism believes in the existence of Atman.

• They differ in the manner in which they operate and impact of the existence of individual beings even though they both believe in karma and rebirth.

Both Buddhism and Hinduism focus on the concept of energies constantly changing forms, how does this reflect with modern day understanding and ideals?

A. Stupas and Their Influence on Hindu Temple Design

• Stupas: Dome-shaped structures housing sacred relics, became a key inspiration for Hindu temples.

• Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum):

• Modeled after the central relic chamber of stupas.

• Houses the deity’s idol in Hindu temples.

• Shikhara (spire):

• Inspired by the dome-like structure of stupas, symbolizing spiritual ascent.

• Mandalas served as integral Hindu temples, these spaces were used as spaces for worship. The Mandalas were originally used as complex living quarters for monks.

As Buddhism declined in India, many viharas were repurposed into Hindu temples, leading to the seamless incorporation of their architectural features into Hindu religious structures.

Similarity’s between Buddhist and Hindu art

• In both Hindu and Buddhist art their were depictions of the lotus flower which symbolized purity enlightenment in both traditions

• Another similarity between both religions is in how they carved and made their diets pose. They are depicted in a dynamic poses illustrating their various attributes.

  
  

Religious Similarity’s between Buddhism and Hindu

They lived in close proximity with each other meaning they constantly shared their view and cultures helping them blend their ideals leading them to being so closely related.

Was the blend of these two religions truly benefit each other or would they have been better off never connect

•The central teaching of Gita is to attain life perfection, eternal and prescribed duties in life.

Comparison - Military duty vs Gita

•Duty to your country

•Integrity

•Follow orders

•Protect Citizens

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Gita

•Personal Duty

•No attachment to duty

•The journey of duty is more important than result of duty

• It plays a role of the idea of the Mandate of Heaven was crucial in justifying rulers' authority, relying on their moral character and ability to keep society in balance and peace. It suggested that rulers were given power by divine approval, which was earned through good governance and maintaining harmony within the state.Filial piety was a key principle in Confucian ethics, deeply shaping family roles and social norms. Honoring and caring for one’s parents and ancestors was seen as a crucial virtue. Confucianism emphasized respect for authority and reinforced hierarchical relationships both within families and society, reflecting the overall social structure and fostering stability and harmony.

• While Confucianism, Hindu ethics, and Buddhist teachings all stress the importance of moral conduct, personal responsibility, and social harmony, they each present unique paths for achieving societal and spiritual well-being.

• Confucianism focuses more on social roles, moral leadership, and the importance of education within a structured society. Hinduism emphasizes cosmic order, moral law, and spiritual

How do you think the concept of filial piety in Confucianism influences modern family dynamics and societal expectations?