Two great paths were born in ancient India. Which journey will you follow today?
Welcome to the Library of Nālandā University. Around you are several sacred books that hold the wisdom of Hinduism. Click on each book to “open” it and discover its teachings. FIND the password to unlock the door and continue your journey.
Next
HINT: Seven letters hidden, waiting for you — Search each text, find each clue. Place them together, strong and true, Type my name, and I’ll open for you.
Back
The Buddhist Path
The Hindu Path
Life is a cycle — birth, death, and rebirth — called samsara.
"His skin burns, his breath trembles, and yet he still fights to live. I’ve been told life is a blessing — but how can suffering be part of life? The palace walls never spoke of sickness or hunger. If this can happen to one man, it can happen to all. No comfort or wealth can stop it."
History of the Hindu Religion
Hinduism began in India more than 4,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest religions in the world. Today, it has nearly a billion followers, mostly in India and Nepal, but also worldwide. Hindus practice yoga, meditation, and puja (worship), and many make pilgrimages to sacred rivers like the Ganges. At its heart, Hinduism focuses on connection to Brahman, the ultimate reality.
“The journey inward leads to the truth beyond.”
The First Lesson
Until this day, Siddhartha believed youth and strength lasted forever. His father’s walls had hidden the truth. Seeing the old man made him realize that aging is inescapable—for rich and poor, powerful and powerless alike. For the first time, Siddhartha saw that change is part of life, and that no one—no matter their caste or comfort—can escape it.
Father, You have given me every comfort a person could want. But I find myself looking past the castle walls, wondering what lies beyond. You say there is only peace inside these gates and danger outside of them. Yet, I cannot help but feel that truth must live outside these walls, not within.
— Your son, Siddhartha
The Story of the Monkey King
Even with his powers, Hanuman made mistakes. He sometimes played too many tricks, and sages made him forget his powers until a friend reminded him. This shows that Hanuman wasn’t “perfect”—he was proud, curious, and learned through trial and error. Still, he used his powers to help others, especially Prince Rama. When Rama’s wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, Hanuman leapt across the ocean in one bound to find her. He gave Sita Rama’s ring as hope and later escaped captivity by setting Ravana’s city on fire with his burning tail. Because of his courage and loyalty, Rama was able to rescue Sita. Hanuman is still remembered as a symbol of bravery, faith, and bhakti (devotion).
Hanuman is a mischievous trickster. When he was a child, he thought the sun was a giant mango and tried to eat it! Indra, the thunder god, struck him down, and he fell to earth with a broken jaw. That’s where the name “Hanuman” comes from—“one with a broken jaw.” His father, the wind god Vayu, was upset and demanded that the other gods give Hanuman special gifts to make up for it. Each god gave him a unique superpower, making Hanuman incredibly strong.
The Third Lesson
Siddhartha’s encounter with death revealed that life is temporary.• Every living thing must eventually die.• Wealth, status, or faith cannot stop it.• Yet love and remembrance continue — even when life ends.This moment taught Siddhartha that nothing in life is permanent. Understanding this truth would later lead him to search for a way beyond suffering — a way to peace.
“I have seen the truth of life and death, but now I see beyond them. The body grows old. The body grows sick. The body dies. But suffering is not only in the body — it begins in the mind. When we cling to what we love or reject what we hate, we create pain. But when the mind is calm and aware, when it neither holds nor fears, peace appears — like the lotus that blooms from the mud.”
The three lived in the forest, but trouble soon came when the demon king Ravana set his eyes on Sita. Disguised as a holy man, Ravana tricked Sita and carried her away to his island kingdom of Lanka. Heartbroken, Rama and Lakshmana searched everywhere, eventually gaining the help of Hanuman, the mighty Monkey King. Rama then built a great bridge to Lanka with the help of his allies and waged a fierce battle against Ravana. After days of fighting, Rama defeated Ravana and freed Sita. The trio returned home, where Rama was finally crowned king. The Ramayana teaches that duty, loyalty, and honor must guide us even through hardship, and that courage and faith can overcome great evil.
The Ramayana
Prince Rama was the eldest son of King Dasharatha and was known for his courage and virtue. Just as Rama was to become king, one of the king’s wives, Kaikeyi, demanded that her own son be crowned instead and that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. Loyal to his father’s word, Rama accepted his exile without complaint and left the palace with his wife, Sita, and his devoted brother, Lakshmana.
This door is locked and needs a key.
The Hindu Pantheon
“All gods are one, seen in many forms.”
The Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest Hindu scriptures, written more than 3,000 years ago. They contain hymns, chants, and instructions for rituals that honored the gods. These texts were memorized and passed down for centuries before being written in Sanskrit. Hindus believe the Vedas hold eternal truths.
“Truth is one, but people call it by many names”
“That man’s back is bent like the trees after a storm. His hands tremble, and his steps are slow. My teachers spoke of peace and duty, but never of this. I have never seen skin so lined or eyes so dim. Is this what time does to every person, no matter their birth or wealth? Even a prince?”
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a great war begins. Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot, torn between fighting against his own family and following his duty as a warrior. Unsure of what to do, he turns to his charioteer — who is revealed to be the god Krishna in disguise. Krishna teaches him about dharma (duty), selflessness, and devotion to God, reminding him that courage and faith must guide his actions.
"It is better to follow your own path poorly than another’s path well."
You may use the key within the chest to see the world whenever you think you're truly ready
“There is no ‘me’ and ‘you,’ no high and low — only the endless rhythm of life. Suffering ends when one sees things as they are — changing, temporary, and connected. Every being carries the seed of peace within them, just as every lotus blooms from the mud. May all who suffer find this stillness. May all who search find their way home.”
The Second Lesson
What Siddhartha learned:• Suffering is unavoidable. Even the healthiest body will someday weaken.• Compassion is powerful. The healer’s care showed that kindness can exist even in pain.• Ignorance is fragile. The comfort of the palace had hidden this truth — but it could not protect him from reality.This moment taught Siddhartha that suffering is universal, and that understanding it may be the first step toward ending it.
“He owns nothing. He eats little. Yet there is peace in his eyes — more than I’ve ever known inside the palace. The old man grew weak, the sick man suffered, and the dead man found silence. But this man has found something else — a kind of freedom. Could peace come not from escaping suffering, but from understanding it?”
The Fourth Lesson
From the man meditating, Siddhartha learned that true peace does not come from luxury or power — it comes from self-control and understanding.• Pain cannot be avoided, but the mind can rise above it• Peace is not outside of us — it begins within• The path to truth requires patience, focus, and compassionThis encounter awakened in Siddhartha the desire to seek wisdom — to find a way that ends suffering for all living things.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a great war begins. Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot, torn between fighting against his own family and following his duty as a warrior. Unsure of what to do, he turns to his charioteer — who is revealed to be the god Krishna in disguise. Krishna teaches him about dharma (duty), selflessness, and devotion to God, reminding him that courage and faith must guide his actions.
"It is better to follow your own path poorly than another’s path well."
The Upanishads
The Upanishads focus on deep questions: What is the soul? How is it connected to the universe? They teach that the inner self (atman) is linked to a universal spirit (Brahman). Instead of focusing on rituals, these texts guide people toward wisdom and reflection. They also introduce ideas like meditation and self-discipline as paths to understanding truth. Many Hindu beliefs about karma, rebirth, and liberation (moksha) come from the Upanishads.
“You are what your deepest desire is.”
The Legacy of the Buddha
After his enlightenment, the Buddha chose not to remain in silence. Instead, he shared his wisdom with others, teaching the Middle Way — a life balanced between luxury and hardship. His first teaching took place in a Deer Park in Sarnath, where he explained the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to his followers. His message spread through Asia and beyond:• All life is sacred.• Peace begins within.• Compassion is the path to wisdom.
Life is a cycle — birth, death, and rebirth — called samsara.
As Siddhartha meditated, he saw the truth clearly for the first time.
The Four Noble Truths:1. Life is full of suffering (dukkha)2. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment3. Ending desire ends suffering4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path
These were the steps to Nirvana — a state of perfect peace, free from greed, hate, and ignorance
“He was once alive, breathing, laughing — and now he is still. My teachers spoke of rebirth, but how can the soul continue when the body stops? If age weakens us and sickness breaks us, then death ends us all. No walls, wealth, or prayers can prevent it. I, too, will face this one day.”
You may use the key within the chest to see the world whenever you think you're truly ready
Everything that exists is part of Brahman.
Everything that exists is part of Brahman.
Father, You have given me every comfort a person could want. But I find myself looking past the castle walls, wondering what lies beyond. You say there is only peace inside these gates and danger outside of them. Yet, I cannot help but feel that truth must live outside these walls, not within.
— Your son, Siddhartha
Indian Religion
Kristopher Negrete
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Transcript
Two great paths were born in ancient India. Which journey will you follow today?
Welcome to the Library of Nālandā University. Around you are several sacred books that hold the wisdom of Hinduism. Click on each book to “open” it and discover its teachings. FIND the password to unlock the door and continue your journey.
Next
HINT: Seven letters hidden, waiting for you — Search each text, find each clue. Place them together, strong and true, Type my name, and I’ll open for you.
Back
The Buddhist Path
The Hindu Path
Life is a cycle — birth, death, and rebirth — called samsara.
"His skin burns, his breath trembles, and yet he still fights to live. I’ve been told life is a blessing — but how can suffering be part of life? The palace walls never spoke of sickness or hunger. If this can happen to one man, it can happen to all. No comfort or wealth can stop it."
History of the Hindu Religion
Hinduism began in India more than 4,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest religions in the world. Today, it has nearly a billion followers, mostly in India and Nepal, but also worldwide. Hindus practice yoga, meditation, and puja (worship), and many make pilgrimages to sacred rivers like the Ganges. At its heart, Hinduism focuses on connection to Brahman, the ultimate reality.
“The journey inward leads to the truth beyond.”
The First Lesson
Until this day, Siddhartha believed youth and strength lasted forever. His father’s walls had hidden the truth. Seeing the old man made him realize that aging is inescapable—for rich and poor, powerful and powerless alike. For the first time, Siddhartha saw that change is part of life, and that no one—no matter their caste or comfort—can escape it.
Father, You have given me every comfort a person could want. But I find myself looking past the castle walls, wondering what lies beyond. You say there is only peace inside these gates and danger outside of them. Yet, I cannot help but feel that truth must live outside these walls, not within.
— Your son, Siddhartha
The Story of the Monkey King
Even with his powers, Hanuman made mistakes. He sometimes played too many tricks, and sages made him forget his powers until a friend reminded him. This shows that Hanuman wasn’t “perfect”—he was proud, curious, and learned through trial and error. Still, he used his powers to help others, especially Prince Rama. When Rama’s wife, Sita, was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, Hanuman leapt across the ocean in one bound to find her. He gave Sita Rama’s ring as hope and later escaped captivity by setting Ravana’s city on fire with his burning tail. Because of his courage and loyalty, Rama was able to rescue Sita. Hanuman is still remembered as a symbol of bravery, faith, and bhakti (devotion).
Hanuman is a mischievous trickster. When he was a child, he thought the sun was a giant mango and tried to eat it! Indra, the thunder god, struck him down, and he fell to earth with a broken jaw. That’s where the name “Hanuman” comes from—“one with a broken jaw.” His father, the wind god Vayu, was upset and demanded that the other gods give Hanuman special gifts to make up for it. Each god gave him a unique superpower, making Hanuman incredibly strong.
The Third Lesson
Siddhartha’s encounter with death revealed that life is temporary.• Every living thing must eventually die.• Wealth, status, or faith cannot stop it.• Yet love and remembrance continue — even when life ends.This moment taught Siddhartha that nothing in life is permanent. Understanding this truth would later lead him to search for a way beyond suffering — a way to peace.
“I have seen the truth of life and death, but now I see beyond them. The body grows old. The body grows sick. The body dies. But suffering is not only in the body — it begins in the mind. When we cling to what we love or reject what we hate, we create pain. But when the mind is calm and aware, when it neither holds nor fears, peace appears — like the lotus that blooms from the mud.”
The three lived in the forest, but trouble soon came when the demon king Ravana set his eyes on Sita. Disguised as a holy man, Ravana tricked Sita and carried her away to his island kingdom of Lanka. Heartbroken, Rama and Lakshmana searched everywhere, eventually gaining the help of Hanuman, the mighty Monkey King. Rama then built a great bridge to Lanka with the help of his allies and waged a fierce battle against Ravana. After days of fighting, Rama defeated Ravana and freed Sita. The trio returned home, where Rama was finally crowned king. The Ramayana teaches that duty, loyalty, and honor must guide us even through hardship, and that courage and faith can overcome great evil.
The Ramayana
Prince Rama was the eldest son of King Dasharatha and was known for his courage and virtue. Just as Rama was to become king, one of the king’s wives, Kaikeyi, demanded that her own son be crowned instead and that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. Loyal to his father’s word, Rama accepted his exile without complaint and left the palace with his wife, Sita, and his devoted brother, Lakshmana.
This door is locked and needs a key.
The Hindu Pantheon
“All gods are one, seen in many forms.”
The Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest Hindu scriptures, written more than 3,000 years ago. They contain hymns, chants, and instructions for rituals that honored the gods. These texts were memorized and passed down for centuries before being written in Sanskrit. Hindus believe the Vedas hold eternal truths.
“Truth is one, but people call it by many names”
“That man’s back is bent like the trees after a storm. His hands tremble, and his steps are slow. My teachers spoke of peace and duty, but never of this. I have never seen skin so lined or eyes so dim. Is this what time does to every person, no matter their birth or wealth? Even a prince?”
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a great war begins. Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot, torn between fighting against his own family and following his duty as a warrior. Unsure of what to do, he turns to his charioteer — who is revealed to be the god Krishna in disguise. Krishna teaches him about dharma (duty), selflessness, and devotion to God, reminding him that courage and faith must guide his actions.
"It is better to follow your own path poorly than another’s path well."
You may use the key within the chest to see the world whenever you think you're truly ready
“There is no ‘me’ and ‘you,’ no high and low — only the endless rhythm of life. Suffering ends when one sees things as they are — changing, temporary, and connected. Every being carries the seed of peace within them, just as every lotus blooms from the mud. May all who suffer find this stillness. May all who search find their way home.”
The Second Lesson
What Siddhartha learned:• Suffering is unavoidable. Even the healthiest body will someday weaken.• Compassion is powerful. The healer’s care showed that kindness can exist even in pain.• Ignorance is fragile. The comfort of the palace had hidden this truth — but it could not protect him from reality.This moment taught Siddhartha that suffering is universal, and that understanding it may be the first step toward ending it.
“He owns nothing. He eats little. Yet there is peace in his eyes — more than I’ve ever known inside the palace. The old man grew weak, the sick man suffered, and the dead man found silence. But this man has found something else — a kind of freedom. Could peace come not from escaping suffering, but from understanding it?”
The Fourth Lesson
From the man meditating, Siddhartha learned that true peace does not come from luxury or power — it comes from self-control and understanding.• Pain cannot be avoided, but the mind can rise above it• Peace is not outside of us — it begins within• The path to truth requires patience, focus, and compassionThis encounter awakened in Siddhartha the desire to seek wisdom — to find a way that ends suffering for all living things.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a great war begins. Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot, torn between fighting against his own family and following his duty as a warrior. Unsure of what to do, he turns to his charioteer — who is revealed to be the god Krishna in disguise. Krishna teaches him about dharma (duty), selflessness, and devotion to God, reminding him that courage and faith must guide his actions.
"It is better to follow your own path poorly than another’s path well."
The Upanishads
The Upanishads focus on deep questions: What is the soul? How is it connected to the universe? They teach that the inner self (atman) is linked to a universal spirit (Brahman). Instead of focusing on rituals, these texts guide people toward wisdom and reflection. They also introduce ideas like meditation and self-discipline as paths to understanding truth. Many Hindu beliefs about karma, rebirth, and liberation (moksha) come from the Upanishads.
“You are what your deepest desire is.”
The Legacy of the Buddha
After his enlightenment, the Buddha chose not to remain in silence. Instead, he shared his wisdom with others, teaching the Middle Way — a life balanced between luxury and hardship. His first teaching took place in a Deer Park in Sarnath, where he explained the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to his followers. His message spread through Asia and beyond:• All life is sacred.• Peace begins within.• Compassion is the path to wisdom.
Life is a cycle — birth, death, and rebirth — called samsara.
As Siddhartha meditated, he saw the truth clearly for the first time.
The Four Noble Truths:1. Life is full of suffering (dukkha)2. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment3. Ending desire ends suffering4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path
These were the steps to Nirvana — a state of perfect peace, free from greed, hate, and ignorance
“He was once alive, breathing, laughing — and now he is still. My teachers spoke of rebirth, but how can the soul continue when the body stops? If age weakens us and sickness breaks us, then death ends us all. No walls, wealth, or prayers can prevent it. I, too, will face this one day.”
You may use the key within the chest to see the world whenever you think you're truly ready
Everything that exists is part of Brahman.
Everything that exists is part of Brahman.
Father, You have given me every comfort a person could want. But I find myself looking past the castle walls, wondering what lies beyond. You say there is only peace inside these gates and danger outside of them. Yet, I cannot help but feel that truth must live outside these walls, not within.
— Your son, Siddhartha