Ancient India and the Spread of Buddhism Exam Study Guide 1

Ashoka - South Asian ruler who embraced the teachings of Buddhism and tried to spread them throughout South East Asia Dharma - correct conduct according to law or custom South Asia Government - divided into separate regions governed by various rulers Importance of religion in southeast asia - major unifying roce Indo-Europeans - pastoral nomads who had horses. Spread religion Rig Veda - ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit Hymns Karma - the sum of one's deeds in this and earlier existences that determines one's rebirth in the next life Jainism - an indian religion with 2 mil followers today that emphasize the obligation to harm no living beings Who founded Buddhism - Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Why did Buddha found Buddhism? - he was seeking enlightenment Noble Eight-fold path - 8 steps that would lead to enlightenment What did Buddha preach? - ○ Preached that you could end the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth by following a clear series of steps called the Noble Eightfold Path 8-fold path - It's the right understanding, resolve, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and mediation what does nirvana mean? - extinction Why was Buddhism started? - people did not like the Caste System of Buddhism Mauryan Dynasty - A dynasty that unified much of the Indian subcontinent. Relying on trunk roads, it exercised more control in the cities than in the countryside.