Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia

Major Religions Hinduism Buddhism Islam Shintoism Confucianism

Hinduism Most practiced in India 3rd largest & 1 of the oldest religions in the world Vedas= “Book of Knowledge” Polytheistic (worship many gods) All lesser gods are part of BRAHMAN the supreme spirit

Karma= a person’s actions determine their next life Reincarnation The soul doesn’t die with the body but enters another being (human or animal) Karma= a person’s actions determine their next life

Caste System Social class is hereditary (from parents) Only way to change is to be reincarnated

4 main Castes Priests and wise men (brahman) Warriors and rulers (kshtriyas) Merchants, traders, farmers (Vaisyas) Peasants and field workers (Sudras) Untouchables (Pariah) lowest class.. Do the work no one else will do (dig ditches, wash clothes, haul water)

Buddhism 4th largest religion in the world Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama Aka…BUDDHA Aka… The ENLIGHTENED ONE Based on Hinduism without the caste system or the priests

4 Noble Truths Life is full of pain Suffering is caused by greed and the need for material things Give up greedy desires and end suffering to reach NIRVANA (perfect peace) The reach Nirvana one must follow the Middle Way using the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path Recognize the truth Avoid evil actions and evil people Don’t say things that hurt others Respect others and their belongings Choose a job that doesn’t harm others Don’t think evil thoughts Avoid excitement or anger Practice meditation

Shintoism Means “The way of the gods” Earliest religion of Japan Kami= supernatural beings that live in objects and in nature (mountains and rivers) Worshippers build small alters in their homes to offer prayers to the spirits that will bless and protect them

Confucianism Founded by Kongfuzi aka Confucius Philosophy based on good deeds and morality Key to peace is for people to behave with good character and virtue

Golden Rule of Behavior “ What you don’t want done to you, don’t do to others”

5 Basic Relationships Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and wife Older brother and younger brother Friend and friend Each relationship should be based on kindness and this would achieve peace and harmony