Chapter 6 - Religion and Philosophy

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Hinduism – ‘the dominant religion’ or ‘way of life’ *** at least 3000 years old – oldest religion in India *** developed through a mixing of the beliefs of the Aryans & Indus people

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Three main features of Hinduism they worship of many gods Brahma – the Creator Shiva – the Destroyer Vishnu – the Preserver

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Three main features of Hinduism the belief in non-violence *** all life is sacred – therefore human beings & animals should not be killed

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Three main features of Hinduism the belief in reincarnation *** believe that when a person dies, his soul is reborn into a new body

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Impact of Hinduism affected almost every aspect of life the caste a person was born into was the result of his actions in the past life kings – as divine rulers must make sure everyone follows the caste system

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Spread of Hinduism between 200 CE to 1200 CE spread to Southeast Asia Asian kingdoms rulers adopted the idea of divine kingship (did not adopt the caste system) 83% of India’s population are Hindus (caste system became less important)

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Buddhism – began over 2000 years ago ‘Buddha’ – enlightened one developed form the teachings of Prince called Gautama Siddharta freed himself from craving, hatred & ignorance taught for 49 years the Dharma (the Truth)

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Buddhism as a religion did not claim to have any special powers his teachings did not mention any god or gods his belief that all men are equal and that all men can achieve enlightenment his followers raised him to the level of god

Religion & Philosophy – Ancient India Impact of Buddhism spread quickly in Ancient India many Hindus converted to Buddhism especially those from lower castes Ashoka, from Mauryan Empire did much to spread Buddhism from 6th century CE onwards popularity of Buddhism in India declined

Religion & Philosophy – China Confucianism – originated in China by Confucius (Kong Fuzi) 551 BCE - 479 BCE was troubled by the destruction caused by wars he wanted people to live in peace & harmony believed that people should live by code of conduct or set of rules in their relationship with others

Religion & Philosophy - China Impact of Confucianism few were convinced banned by Qin Shihuang (221-210 BCE) became popular during the Han Dynasty 202 BCE- 220 BCE) has to be studied to pass the Civil Service Exams

Religion & Philosophy – China Confucian Teachings proper social behaviour others before self filial piety

Religion & Philosophy - China Legalism - philosophy of ‘good government’ rather than one that guides people in their daily lives duty of the government to rule strictly people who broke the law must be severely punished

Religion & Philosophy - China Legalism under Qin Shuang Qin Shuang adopted legalism from 221 – 210 BCE People who broke the law were executed or had to do forced labour it was adopted later by other dynasties but without the severe punishments

Religion & Philosophy - China Taoism – teaches that there can be peace and harmony if people follow the Tao (Way) of nature

Religion & Philosophy - China Taoism began during the Zhou dynasty (1027 – 221 BCE Lao Zi (founder) Zhuang ZI (contributor

Religion & Philosophy - China Taoism began as a philosophy eventually developed in to a religion people combined their own early beliefs with teachings of Taoism Took many god & goddesses from Chinese folktales Ancestor Worship – practice paying respect to dead relatives & forefathers

Religion & Philosophy Southeast Asia Hinduism came to SEA around 1st Century spread by Hindu priests from India Did not survive long in the region except in Bali

Religion & Philosophy – Southeast Asia Buddhism – came to SEA c. 300 CE brought by Indian and Chinese traders and Buddhist missionaries Buddhist monk Yijing studied Sanskrit and Buddhism as practiced by Indian & Chinese

Religion & Philosophy – Southeast Asia Islam – followers are called Muslims religion was revealed through the Prophet Muhammad came to Southeast Asia c. the 11th Century brought by traders

Religion & Philosophy – Southeast Asia Role of Melaka in the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia conversion of local leaders marriages conquests missionaries trade