S OUTHERN & E ASTERN A SIA ’ S D IVERSE C ULTURES

SS7G12 The student will analyze the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southern and Eastern Asia a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group. b. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism and the philosophy of Confucianism.

E SSENTIAL Q UESTION : H OW ARE S OUTHERN AND E ASTERN A SIA ’ S DIVERSE CULTURES SIMILAR AND DIFFERENT ?

H OWEVER, WE MUST FIRST REVIEW AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION OF CULTURE : R ELIGIOUS AND E THNIC G ROUPS Today we will look at the culture in Southern & Eastern Asia, more specifically, the religions of Southern & Eastern Asia.

Culture: Ethnic & Religious Groups Ethnic Groups Share history, common ancestry, language, religion, traditions, beliefs, holidays, food, etc. All of these things make up a common culture that is shared by the members of the ethnic group. Religious Groups Share God(s), prophets, prayers, history, sacred text, religious laws, holy days, etc. Members with different cultures, languages, and races and is usually spread over an entire region or many countries. People from different ethnic groups may share the same religion; however, they may be from different cultures.

Eastern Philosophy: The BuddhaEastern Philosophy: The Buddha [5:43] The Fourteen Teachings of BuddhaThe Fourteen Teachings of Buddha [3:59]Buddha’s ThoughtsBuddha’s Thoughts [2:45]

What is Buddhism? Began in India around 500 BCE and spread throughout SE Asia Buddhism is about 2500 years old 4 th largest religion in the world

What is Buddhism? Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also called Buddha) Based on suffering caused by greed and the need to get rid of it Give up greedy desires and end suffering and achieve Nirvana - the enlightened state.

Siddhartha Gautama Born in India around 580 BCE Prince- lived a life of luxury Troubled by poverty and suffering Wanted to find a way to end suffering Became a monk Known as “The Buddha” by his followers - means enlightened one

The Four Noble Truths Buddha taught that there were four noble truths: 1.Suffering exists in life 2.There is a cause for this suffering – greed for things 3.There is an end to this suffering and reach Nirvana 4.In order to end this suffering, follow the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path

Additional Facts Buddhists do not believe in god(s) Worship in Stupas – Pagodas Shrine has a statue of Buddha, candles – incense Buddhists meditate and read from Tripitaka – holy book

The Philosophy of

What is Confucianism? Not a religion, but philosophy or a code of ethics Confucius born in China in 551 BCE Very learned - educated man First private teacher in China Talked about responsibility and moral character

Confucius Born in China Was a teacher Wanted to make world a better place Peace and order was important to him

Additional Facts Became popular 100 years after Confucius Followers in China and East Asia Philosophy of behavior – children must respect and listen to their parents - elders Teachings of Confucius to guide conduct - behavior

T HINK, P AIR, S HARE Identify one similarity and one difference between Buddhism and Confucianism.

A Short Introduction to HinduismA Short Introduction to Hinduism [stop after 5:43]

What is Hinduism? Began about 4000 years ago in Northern India near Indus River which flows from Tibet to Pakistan World’s oldest existing religion 3 rd most popular religion in the world Primary religion of India – 80% of India’s population follow it

What is Hinduism? Holy books: Vedas and Upanishads Written in ancient language – Sanskrit Oldest text – Vedas (means knowledge) The Ganges is considered holy

Hinduism Brahma is the universal god Based on the idea of reincarnation (rebirth of soul) People can dictate how they are reborn by how they live at present Karma involves our actions in life Dharma is the code for living Moksha is being one with Brahma

Three Basic Practices of Hinduism Worship: Pooja Cremation Following the rules of Caste System

The Caste System Means division in society Dependent on someone’s occupation Four levels of caste system: 1.Brahmans: Philosophers 2.Kshatriyas: Rulers – Warriors 3.Vaisyas: Business people 4.Sudras: Servants

Additional Facts Polytheistic Religion: believe in more than one god Three important gods 1.Brahma : Generator-Creator 2.Vishnu: Operator – Preserver 3.Shiva: Destroyer Pilgrimage to rivers, temples, mountains in India – believe gods appeared there

Islam in Asia 9 out of 10 people in Indonesia are Muslims – 90% follow Islam A collection of religious beliefs based on the teachings of Muhammad Believes in one god - it is a monotheistic religion

Islam in Asia Pray 5 times a day – facing the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia It is considered an Abrahamic religion, which means it can trace its roots back to Abraham in the Bible Founder: Muhammad (Mohammed) Holy book: Qur’an (Koran)

T HINK, P AIR, S HARE Identify one similarity and one difference between Hinduism and Islam.

Shintoism The largest religion in Japan Believers worship gods in the form of Earth’s natural resources (animistic religion where followers worship spirits in nature) Believe that the emperor is a human descendant of the sun goddess Believers in Shinto might visit a shrine to pray or worship the spirits who reside there

Shintoism Shintoism is almost exclusively associated with Japan. Most Japanese people practice Shinto rituals, and most people who practice Shinto rituals are Japanese. Observing Shintoism is part of nationalism in Japan. In addition to honoring Shinto obligations, many Japanese also follow other teachings, such as those of Buddhism or Confucianism. The Gods of ShintoThe Gods of Shinto [2:00]