Catie Buddhism Response

The core beliefs of Buddhism were a reaction to Vedic beliefs. Vedic religion created a strict caste system that was connected to the idea of reincarnation. People were born into one of four classes and could not move to a different class within their lifetime. In order to be reborn into a higher social class, followers of the Vedic religion had to live life admirably. People were unhappy with the idea that there was no escape from the caste system, but Buddhism offered the chance to achieve enlightenment and the escape of the caste system altogether. Buddhism also was based on the idea of reincarnation, but the idea of nirvana brought hope to people who felt trapped in the caste system.