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Introduction to World
Religions and Belief
Systems
Quarter 4 – Module 5
Comparative Analysis of Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, and
Mahayana Buddhism

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 5: Comparative Analysis of Hinduism, Theravada
Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism
First Edition, 2020

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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to World
Religions and Belief
Systems
Quarter 4 – Module 5
Comparative Analysis of Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, and
Mahayana Buddhism

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and

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 Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Module 5 – Comparative Analysis of Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism,
and Mahayana Buddhism

What I Need To Know 1

Things to Remember To Get Through 1
What I Know 2
What's New 4
What Is It 4
What's More 11
What I Can Do 12
Post Assessment 12
What I Have Learned 14
Additional Activities 15
References 16

4
 Comparative Analysis of
Modul
e Hinduism, Theravada
5 Buddhism, and Mahayana
Buddhism

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

In the previous lessons, you have learned what Hinduism is all about, how this
world's oldest religion is considered a diverse and complex religion, and how Hindus
manifest their spirituality amidst the variety of their traditions and freedom of beliefs.
You have also learned what Theravada Buddhism is about, how its followers' belief
of salvation is attained without the assistance of any supreme or supernatural being,
and have cited the life story of Siddhartha Gautama and its influence on the
teachings of Buddhism. You also have learned the tenets of Mahayana Buddhism,
how it paved the way for the establishment and development of a variety of Buddhist
schools and, how Mahayana Buddhism seems to have an interesting appeal to a
vast majority of followers.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. compare and contrast the uniqueness and similarities of Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism.

THINGS TO REMEMBER TO GET

THROUGH

For the learners

Now that you are holding this module, do the following:
1. Read and follow instructions carefully in each lesson.
2. Take note and record points for clarification.

5
 3. Do the activities to fully understand each lesson.
4. Answer all the given tests and activities.
5. Write all your answers in your notebook.

For the Facilitators

1. Introduce the lesson on Reading Academic Texts. Engage learners to do the
activities religiously, and let the learners carry the tasks with ease and confidence.
2. Do the What I Know: Instruct the learners to answer the questions to test how far
they know about the topic.
3. Do the activity What’s New: Activate the learners' understanding of the topics by
letting them answer varied activities.
4. Allow students to read What is It. Let the learners fully discover and comprehend
all topics discussed in this module.
5. Let the learners answer the activities on What’s More. Check if they have
understood the topics. Deepen their understanding by completing the guided
questions on what I have learned section.
6. Assign the students to do What I can Do activities that
shall transfer knowledge /skills gained or learned into real
life situation.

WHAT I KNOW

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer and write this on your answer sheet.

1) Hinduism and Buddhism both originated in __________.

a. Arabia c. India
b. China d. Palestine

2) In Hinduism and Buddhism (Mahayana and Theravada), _________ is an integral

concept.
a. buddha c. dharma
b. dao d. karma

3) Hinduism evolved and developed during the ancient ____________. It is widely

regarded that both pre-Aryan and Aryan elements are found in Hinduism
a. Egyptian civilization c. Indus Valley civilization
b. Greek civilization d. Yellow River civilization

4) Buddhism is closely linked to its founder ______________ who is also referred to

as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.”
a. Kong Fu Zi c. Mother Teresa
b. Mahatma Gandhi d. Siddhartha Gautama

6
5) __________ is said to be the most tolerant of all religions as there are numerous
ways to manifest one’s set of beliefs.
a. Hinduism c. Theravada Buddhism
b. Mahayana Buddhism d. Daoism
6) The concept of ___________ involves the accumulation of one’s past deeds that
have a direct effect on one’s present condition; the universal law of causality.
a. dharma c. reincarnation
b. karma d. yoga

7) People are born in this world with specific duties to perform in accordance to their
status in society. This is the concept of _______ wherein people must accomplish
their tasks so that society can prosper as a whole.
a. dao c. karma
b. dharma d. samsara

8) Buddhist moral thoughts and actions are principally guided by the

_____________.
a. Five Pillars c. Four Noble Truths
b. Four Desirable Goals d. Ten Commandments

9) Unhappiness of life, ________, is principally caused by people’s unending

desires.
a. dukkha c. moksha
b. karma d. purushartha

10) All Hindus aim to achieve the four-fold purpose of life that includes dharma,
artha, kama, and moksha. The four desirable goals of life is known as
______________.
a. dharma c. noble eightfold path
b. dukkha d. purushartha

11) _________ is the final meaning of life that involves enlightenment, self-
realization, or union with god. For the Hindus, this is the most difficult goal of life
to accomplish.
a. artha c. kama
b. dharma d. moksha

12) In Buddhism, the principal purpose of one’s life is to terminate all forms of
___________ caused by attachment to impermanent entities.
a. evil c. suffering
b. hunger d. temptation

13) In ___________, the monastic way of life ensures the path toward enlightenment
a. Hinduism c. Mahayana Buddhism
b. Judaism d. Theravada Buddhism

14) _______________ offers enlightenment to anyone, not only for the members of
the monastic order, but also for those with families and secular careers.
a. Hinduism c. Mahayana Buddhism
b. Judaism d. Theravada Buddhism

7
15) Honoring women in Hindu society as a fundamental teaching has been laid down
in one of the supplementary arms of the Vedas, the ________________.
a. Lotus sutra c. Purushartha
b. Manusmriti d. Torah

WHAT’S NEW

Activity 5.1: Overview of Dharmic Religions

Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism are known as the
Dharmic religions. Based on what you have learned in the previous lessons, try to
fill out each column with information about the three Dharmic religions.
Religion Sacred Place of Population Relevant Fundamental
Text Worship Figures beliefs/teachings

Hinduism

Theravada
Buddhism

Mahayana
Buddhism

WHAT IS IT

In Hinduism and Buddhism (Mahayana and Theravada), dharma is an integral

concept. In Hinduism, dharma refers to the religious and moral law governing a
person’s conduct. It is also one of the four Hindu goals of life. For the two Buddhist
schools, it may pertain to the cosmic law and order or to Buddha’s teachings. Apart
from the Buddha and the sangha, the dharma is one of the “Three Jewels” to which
Buddhist followers go for refuge. Hinduism and Buddhism both originated in India.

8
Hindu followers comprise 80% of India’s population of more than a billion or about
14% of the world’s population. Meanwhile, there are more than 370 million Buddhists
around
the world that represent about 6% of the entire population. Quite interestingly, while
Buddhism began in India, it almost died out as a living religion in its place of origin
(Coogan 2005). Majority of its followers can be found in China Japan, Korea, and
Indochina Peninsula. The major sects of Buddhism include Theravada and
Mahayana schools of thought.

ORIGIN
Both Hinduism and Buddhism, two of the world’s great religions, trace their
origin in India. Believed to be the oldest living religion in the world, the early
beginnings of Hinduism with its forms and themes may have begun around the third
millennium B.C.E. (Hopfe 1983). As the precise time of its founding is very much
difficult to determine, Hinduism evolved and developed during the ancient Indus
Valley civilization. It is widely regarded that both pre-Aryan and Aryan elements are
found in Hinduism (Brown 1975). A timeless religion as it is and a way of life for its
adherents, Hinduism has no precise moment of origin and no one specific founder or
prophet unlike most other world religions. Throughout its long history, Hinduism
became the source of three other religions, namely, Buddhism, Jainism, and
Sikhism.

Buddhism also traces its origins in northern India around the sixth century
B.C.E. as another interpretation of the Hindu belief. This religion is closely linked to
its founder Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the Buddha or the
“Enlightened One.” A son of a Kshatriya chief, the once affluent Siddhartha
abandoned the comfort of his palace and family as he set to discover the remedy to
universal suffering he observed in this world. After long periods of abstinence and
meditation, he finally reached enlightenment (nirvana) and became known as the
“Buddha” or the “enlightened one.” He preached mainly in the eastern part of the
Indian subcontinent such as in Magadha and Kosala. About 500 years after
Buddha’s enlightenment, a schism within the Buddhist religion resulted in the
emergence of two major branches around the first century C.E, namely, the
Theravada and Mayahana schools of tradition. Both schools owe their fundamental
teachings to the Buddha whose life has become an inspiration to millions of followers
all over the world.

Around the third century B.C.E., Buddhism reached neighboring Asian

countries as a result of the missionary zeal of Indian rulers. A different outlook to
salvation attracted many Asian people to embrace the tenets of Buddhism as it
reached China, India, Korea, and Indochina Peninsula. However, while Buddhism
was successfully converting people in faraway places, Buddhist fervor gradually
waned in native India as a result of resurging Hinduism. The resurgence in Hinduism
is due to how Hinduism absorbed the rising challenge of other new religions as it
incorporated their elements into the Hindu belief.

9
MORALITY
Hinduism is said to be the most tolerant of all religions as there are numerous
ways to manifest one’s set of Hindu beliefs (Hopfe 1983). In short, the Hindus
themselves differ in the manner of practicing their religion. However, while Hinduism
may seemingly lack a cohesive system of beliefs and practices, most of its adherents
hold several key moral values such as karma and dharma. The concept of karma
involves the accumulation of one’s past deeds that have a direct effect on one’s
present condition. Karma is closely linked to the Hindu belief of reincarnation
(samsara) or the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Bad deeds, including actions and
thoughts, may result in one being born into an unpleasant circumstance in the next
life. On the other hand, good deeds generate an enjoyable disposition in one’s next
life. In short, karma is the universal law of causality.

The notion of balance and order in this universe is integral to the Hindu belief.
People are born in this world with specific duties to perform in accordance to their
status in society, such as those elements related to gender and caste. This is the
concept of dharma wherein people must accomplish their tasks so that society can
prosper as a whole. Evidently, dharma is a complex term that could mean law, duty,
order, justice, or norm within Hinduism. To disregard one’s dharma is tantamount to
reaping bad karma that could have an adverse effect in the next life. By performing
one’s dharma correctly, one gains good karma. Essentially, dharma brings morality
and ethics in the Hindu belief system.

While the Buddha embraced the general framework of Indian ideas, he

radically altered many of them (Bowker 1997). Similarly, the cycle of rebirth persists
in Buddhism and succeeding lives may be affected by the moral laws of cause and
effect or karma. Until one has achieved enlightenment, one’s deed in the present
lifetime will affect the course of future rebirths.

Buddhist moral thoughts and actions are principally guided by the “Four Noble
Truths” formulated by the Buddha, along with the basic guide called the “Eightfold
Paths” that are divided into three categories, namely, right view, right conduct, and
right practice. Unhappiness of life (dukkha) is principally caused by people’s
unending desires. People are advised to scrutinize their motivations and ponder
upon the outcome of their actions keeping in mind Buddha’s teachings. Anything
harmful to others, indeed and in thought, must always be avoided. The two major
schools of Buddhism, the Theravada and Mahayana sects, follow the “Four Noble
Truths” and the “Noble Eightfold Path.”

PURPOSE
In Hinduism, there are four desirable goals of life (purushartha). All Hindus
aim to achieve the four-fold purpose of life that includes dharma, artha, kama, and
moksha. Dharma means to behave appropriately and act righteously. In essence,
dharma is a path toward a pleasant rebirth through fulfillment of one’s destiny that is
often defined by class, family, social status, age, and gender. It also involves paying
debts to gods, fellow humans, and other living beings during their lifetime. Artha

10
pertains to the pursuit of legitimate worldly prosperity or material well-being. Wealth
must be gained by way of lawful measures. As one pursues success, dharma must
always be kept in mind. Kama refers to the pursuit of legitimate pleasure as one
obtains enjoyment in life, such as those related to arts, music, and dance. This could
also include satisfaction of one’s desire or sexuality. Moksha is the final meaning of
life that involves enlightenment, self-realization, or union with god. For the Hindus,
this is the most difficult goal of life to accomplish. While some can accomplish
moksha in just one lifetime, others may take several reincarnations in another
physical form just to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth. While ignorance and
illusion hinder the enlightenment of sentient beings, they can still escape these
bondages. In essence, the main purpose of their life is to obtain release from the
cycle of reincarnation or at least a better rebirth.

In addition to the four goals of life, traditional Hindus often pass the four
stages of life (ashramas). The first stage of Hindu life is that of being a student
(brahmacarya). As a bachelor, he lives in the house of a guru and studies sacred
scriptures under his guidance. The second stage is that of being a householder
(grihastha) wherein he takes in a wife, raises children, and contributes to the well-
being of society (Brown 1975). During the third stage (vanaprastha), he withdraws to
the forest with his wife as he undergoes meditation to understand the meaning of life.
Finally, the fourth stage (samnyasin) involves renouncing the world and all its
attachments as he now becomes a holy sage. The first three stages are obligatory in
nature while the fourth is only optional and not all men attain it.

In Buddhism, the principal purpose of one’s life is to terminate all forms of

suffering caused by attachment to impermanent entities, such as material things,
friends, and health. All these do not offer enduring happiness but sorrow. When one
recognizes the impermanence of all these things, an individual begins to free one’s
self from attachment thereby reducing suffering and ending the cycle of rebirth.
Buddha’s teachings on the “Four Noble Truths” and the “Noble Eightfold Path” form
the basic tenets of all Buddhist sects.

In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic way of life ensures the path toward
enlightenment. For the Buddhist laity, they must first be reborn as monks for them to
be eligible for enlightenment. As members of the laity perform good deeds, positive
karma may bring forth a pleasant condition in the next life.

In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, not only for

the members of the monastic order, but also for those with families and secular
careers. Moreover, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism attracts followers because it
offers a faster route to enlightenment than the Theravada sect.

DESTINY
Simply put, the destiny of all Hindus involves reincarnation until such time
they gain ultimate enlightenment. Hinduism believes that within the human is an
eternal soul (atman) that is being reborn millions of times and in many forms subject

11
to the moral law of karma (Bowker 1997). While the soul is immortal and naturally
blissful, it could plunge into darkness because of ignorance and delusion concerning
reality. Moral law enables souls to create their own destiny leading to a pleasurable
or repulsive state of existence. Hindu practices to achieve enlightenment involves
yoga, meditation, proper worship, rituals, devotion to gods and goddesses,
pilgrimage to sacred shrines, and performing one’s duties. For the Hindus, the idea
of an eternal heaven or hell is unfounded as it does not uphold genuine moral
behavior. In fact, the concept of heaven and hell can be exploited by religious groups
just wanting to lure or scare people.
Meanwhile, Buddhism holds that no soul is being reborn because there is no
permanence in anything (Bowker 1997). The Buddha preached to his followers to
achieve their own salvation conscientiously because external forces have no control
over their life and circumstances. They control their own fate as they are bound to
the law of causality. Buddhist destiny, therefore, is the direct result of natural law or
dharma and one’s accumulated deeds or karma. Here lies the glaring difference of
Buddhism as a dharmic religion when compared to other world religions that teach
the concept of fate or predestiny. For Buddhist followers, life and events are not
controlled by an all-powerful creator or universal force.

In contrast to Hinduism and other religions, the Buddhist goal is neither

absorption into Brahman nor union with God. Instead, Buddhists aspire to reach
nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing and suffering (Bowker 1997). When
one has achieved nirvana, one has attained the state of perfect peace wherein
attachment, aversion, and ignorance have ceased once and for all.

In the Theravada school of Buddhism, the trainings on the development of

ethical conduct, meditation, and insight assist in eradicating all forms of evil in order
to acquire goodness and purify the mind. All worldly things are momentary and
impermanent. By following the “Middle Path” and practicing the basic doctrines of
Buddhism, there is a realization that desire can be terminated and suffering reduced.
In the end, a perfected state of insight can be accomplished. A person who has
attained this position is called an arhat or a “worthy person” who must be emulated
by Theravada Buddhists. Adherents can reach an enlightened status through their
own ways without any assistance from any divine beings, such as gods or
goddesses. With the help of Buddha’s teachings, the journey toward nirvana
becomes possible.

Meanwhile, the Mahayana sect devotes much attention to the bodhisattvas or

“enlightened beings” who delay their own enlightenment for them to benevolently aid
other beings to reach their ultimate end. All beings can follow the path of the
bodhisattvas which is the ideal way for all Buddhists to live. Well-known
boddhisattvas in the Mahayana sect are Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha, and
Samantabhadra. The Theravada sect only accepts Maitreya as boddhisatva. The
vow of a bodhisattva is as follows:

12
 “However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save them. However
inexhaustible the defilements are, I vow to extinguish them. However immeasurable
the dharmas are, I vow to master them. However incomparable enlightenment is, I
vow to attain it.”

VIEWS ON WOMEN
The status of women in ancient India leaves much to be desired as they are
always seen as inferior to men in all aspects of life. Restrictions abound with regard
to their daily activities; tending household chores would be their primary role. Women
are to be cared for by their parents in their childhood days, by their husbands when
they marry, and by their sons when they reach old age. Religious and educational
liberties for women are severely lacking.

Honoring women in Hindu society as a fundamental teaching has been laid

down in one of the supplementary arms of the Vedas, the Manusmriti or the “Laws of
Manu.” Based on this standard book in the Hindu canon, women must attend
ritualistic practices despite the fact that they had no roles to play in these activities.
According to this basic text, the three-stage pattern for a woman include that a
woman child be protected by her father, a wife must be protected by her husband,
and an old woman be protected by her sons. As a married woman, she must become
a good wife and treat her husband as a god. She must serve and follow him, and
pray for him. She often eats when her husband has finished eating. In return, a
husband must also revere his wife as a goddess. The sacred text adds that the
happiness of the wife is crucial in the stability of the family.

Cases of having several wives also exist in Indian society that naturally breed
hatred and jealousies among the wives. More so, women are not allowed to remarry
after the death of their husbands. Shaving their head is a requirement to make them
unappealing to other interested men. The most difficult chores are given to widows
and they are forbidden to eat alongside family members. Widows are personification
of all the negative characteristics of a woman, ill-fated and wretched. Widows are
brought to the Indian city of Vrindavan by their families who eventually abandon them
there. A widow can opt to commit sati or the act of killing herself by jumping into the
funeral pyre of her husband. It is believed that immolating one’s self assures
immense rewards for the family and gives a chance to the wife to be with her
husband in the next life. The practice of sati has now been banned in India especially
with the passage of Sati (Prevention) Act of 1988 that criminalized any type of
involvement in sati.

On the other hand, women have enjoyed considerable freedom in their

religious life in Buddhism as compared to Hinduism. The Buddha himself allowed the
full participation of women in all major Buddhist rites and practices. For so long a
time when women’s duties were confined to household and kitchen duties, Buddha
radically changed this when he allowed women to join the monastic order and attain
enlightenment in equal footing with men. In the past, learned women members of
sangha include Dhammadinna, Khema, and Uppalavanna. Fully ordained Buddhist

13
female monastic members are bhikkunis. For the Buddha, men are not always wise
and women can also be wise. In Buddhism, women should not be treated as inferior
to men because both are equally valuable in society. Women as wives and mothers
have roles to fulfill in the family and society. Husbands and wives must equally share
responsibilities in the family with the same zeal. Wives must also familiarize
themselves in trade and business dealings so that they can also handle these affairs.
Men and women have equal status in Buddhist societies.

Comparison Chart of Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism
Origins & Indigenous religion of India as
History developed to present day
God(s) One Supreme Reality (Brahman)
and manifested in many gods and
Universe goddesses
Human Humans are in bondage to ignorance Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain
Situation and illusion, but are able to escape. enlightenment and release from cycle
and Life’s Purpose is to gain release from
rebirth, or at least a better
Purpose
Afterlife Reincarnation until gain
enlightenment
Practices Yoga, meditation, worship (puja),
devotion to a god or goddess,
pilgrimage to holy cities, live
according to one's dharma
(purpose/role)
Texts The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad
Gita, Ramayana, etc.
Buddhism
Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the
Buddha) in c.520 BC, NE India.
Varies: Theravada atheistic;
Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha
taught nothing is permanent
of rebirth, or at least attain a better
rebirth by gaining merit.
Reincarnation (understood differently
than in Hinduism, with no surviving
soul) until gain enlightenment
Meditation, mantras, devotion to
deities(in some sects),mandalas
(Tibetan)
Tripitaka (PaliCanon);
Mahayanasutras like the LotusSutra;
others.

Comparison Chart of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism Theravada Buddhism
Etymology Sanskrit, "Great Vehicle" Pali, "School of the Elder Monks"
Heavily influenced by local
Cultural religious ideas as transmitted to Mainly pre-Buddhist Indian influences
Influences new cultures (China, Japan, like concepts of karma, sangha, etc.
Tibet).
Scriptures Tripitaka plus many other sutras Pali Canon/Tripitaka only
Gautama Buddha plus Amitabha, Historical Buddha (Gautama) and past
Buddhas Medicine Buddhas, and others Buddhas only
Maitreya, Avalokitesvara,
Bodhisattvas Mansjuri, Ksitigarbha and Maitreya only
Samanthabadra
Goal of
Buddhahood via bodhisattva path Arhat
Training
Trikaya (3 Emphasized, including the
Very limited emphasis; mainly on
Buddha samboga-kaya or
nirmana-kaya and dharma-kaya
Bodies) reward/enjoyment body

14
Buddha's Many bodhisattvas that are not Historical disciples described in
Disciples historical figures Scriptures
Buddha Emphasized, especially in
Not taught
Nature practice-based schools
Bardo
Taught by all schools Rejected
(Limbo)
Many, owing to local cultural
Rituals influences
Very few; not emphasized
Emphasized in Vajrayana;
Mantras and
sometimes incorporated in other Some equivalent in the use of Parittas
Mudras schools

WHAT’S MORE

15
 Activity 5.2: Similarities and Differences
Use the Venn diagram to compare and contrast each of the three Dharmic
religions with each other.

HINDUISM

THERAVADA MAHAYANA
BUDDHISM BUDDHISM

16
 WHAT I CAN DO

Activity 5.3: Comparative Analysis

How do the three Abrahamic religions compare in terms of origin, morality,
purpose, destiny, and views on women? Use the table provided.
Origin Morality Purpose Destiny Views on
Women

Hinduism

Theravada
Buddhism

Mahayana
Buddhism

POST ASSESSMENT

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer and write this on your answer sheet.

1) Hinduism and Buddhism both originated in __________.

a. Arabia c. India
17
 b. China d. Palestine

2) Buddhist moral thoughts and actions are principally guided by the

_____________.
a. Five Pillars c. Four Noble Truths
b. Four Desirable Goals d. Ten Commandments

3) Unhappiness of life, ________, is principally caused by people’s unending

desires.
a. dukkha c. moksha
b. karma d. purushartha

4) In ___________, the monastic way of life ensures the path toward

enlightenment
a. Hinduism c. Mahayana Buddhism
b. Judaism d. Theravada Buddhism

5) In Hinduism and Buddhism (Mahayana and Theravada), _________ is an

integral concept.
a. buddha c. dharma
b. dao d. karma

6) __________ is said to be the most tolerant of all religions as there are

numerous ways to manifest one’s set of beliefs.
a. Hinduism c. Theravada Buddhism
b. Mahayana Buddhism d. Daoism

7) In Buddhism, the principal purpose of one’s life is to terminate all forms of

___________ caused by attachment to impermanent entities.
a. evil c. suffering
b. pain d. temptation

8) _______________ offers enlightenment to anyone, not only for the members

of the monastic order, but also for those with families and secular careers.
a. Hinduism c. Mahayana Buddhism
b. Judaism d. Theravada Buddhism

9) Buddhism is closely linked to its founder ______________ who is also

referred to as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.”
a. Kong Fu Zi c. Mother Teresa
b. Mahatma Gandhi d. Siddhartha Gautama

10) The concept of ___________ involves the accumulation of one’s past deeds
that have a direct effect on one’s present condition; the universal law of
causality.
a. dharma c. reincarnation
b. karma d. yoga

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11) Hinduism evolved and developed during the ancient ____________. It is
widely regarded that both pre-Aryan and Aryan elements are found in
Hinduism
a. Egyptian civilization c. Indus Valley civilization
b. Greek civilization d. Yellow River civilization

12) Honoring women in Hindu society as a fundamental teaching has been laid
down in one of the supplementary arms of the Vedas, the _______________.
a. Lotus sutra c. Purushartha
b. Manusmriti d. Torah

13) _________ is the final meaning of life that involves enlightenment, self-
realization, or union with god. For the Hindus, this is the most difficult goal of
life to accomplish.
a. artha c. kama
b. dharma d. moksha

14) All Hindus aim to achieve the four-fold purpose of life that includes dharma,
artha, kama, and moksha. The four desirable goals of life is known as
______________.
a. dharma c. noble eightfold path
b. dukkha d. purushartha

15) People are born in this world with specific duties to perform in accordance to
their status in society. This is the concept of _______ wherein people must
accomplish their tasks so that society can prosper as a whole.
a. dao c. karma
b. dharma d. samsara

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Complete the following sentences with your learnings in this module.

 I think the most important commonality among the three Dharmic religions is
______________________________________________________________
because _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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  I think that Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism are
considered as Dharmic religions because ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Activity 5.4: Pamphlet on Dharmic Religions

With your understanding and insight about the comparative analysis of Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism make a pamphlet that features
the doctrines of each Dharmic religions. Be guided by the provided rubrics.
Rubric for Pamphlet
Criteria Description Points
Analysis Presentation of analysis 10
is fair; ideas presented
are supported by facts.
Similarities and
differences are explained
well.
Content Information and pictures 9
used are accurate.
Presentation Parts of pamphlets are 6
clear and
comprehensive.
TOTAL 25

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REFERENCES:

Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief
Systems (Book). Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016

Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief
Systems (Teacher’s Manual). Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016

Religion Facts. Compare Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. 2017. Accessed July
14, 2020. http://www.religionfacts.com/charts/mahayana-theravada

Religion Facts. The Big Religion Chart. 2012. Accessed July 14, 2020.
http://mhs.magnoliaisd.org/ourpages/auto/2014/8/24/59015366/The%20Big
20Religion%20Comparison%20Chart_%20Compare%20World%20Religion
%20-%20ReligionFacts.pdf

ANSWER KEY
b a 10) d 15) 5)
c d 9) a 14) 4)
d c 8) c 13) 3)
c c 7) b 12) 2)
d c 6) b 11) 1)
What I Know (Pretest)

b 10) b 15) c 5)
d 9) d 14) d 4)
d 8) c 13) a 3)
b 7) c 12) c 2)
c 6) a 11) c 1)
Post Assessment

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