HINDUISM (PREHISTORIC)

Hinduism Roots in India Vedic Age Aryans Sanskrit-Vedas Upanishads

Beliefs Hinduism is a Religion, Philosophy, Culture Belief in Re-incarnation, nothing ever dies Entirely Searching for Eternal Truth, Perfect Understanding This life effects the next Brahman: Mighty spirit that creates and destroys. It is all-powerful and unifying spirit. Atman: Aspect of Brahman = self or soul

Brahman : A closer look Seen as having personalities of three Gods: Brahma: the creator Vishnu: the protector, also Krishna, the divine cowherder, and Rama, the perfect king. Shiva: the destroyer

More Beliefs Dharma: Ultimate moral balance of all things. Each Caste has a duty! A good member. Karma: Cause – Effect “Destiny for your next life” Samsara: Reincarnation Moksha: Heaven - Eternal Bliss: perfect understanding “Reincarnation ends”

Divisions amongst the people CASTES 1 Preists “Brahmins” (God’s Mouth) 2 Warriors (God’s Arms) 3 Land Owners (God’s Legs) 4 Servants-Slaves (God’s Feet) 5 Untouchables – outcasts, not part of the Caste system (Butchers, gravediggers, collectors of trash)

BUDDHISM (563 BC)

Beliefs Southeast Asia, Japan, China Buddha “Siddhartha Gautama” is the teacher Continuing cycle of death and rebirth

Sought an Answer to life’s pain 4 Noble truths Everthing in life is suffering and sorrow The cause is people’s self-centered cravings To end pain, is to end desires True enlightenment (NIRVANA) is to follow the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path Knowledge of the truth Resist Evil Say nothing to hurt others Respect life, morality, and property Have a job that does not injure others Free your mind of Evil Control your feelings and thoughts Practicing proper forms of Concentration

CONFUCIANISM (551 BC)

Beliefs A philosophy that people must live in a well-disciplined society in order to achieve HARMONY. Stress attention to ceremony, morality, duty, and public service. Concerned about the family and society. In reaction to a failing Chou dynasty. At he heart of Chinese Civilization was a love of order, harmony, and respect for authority. The Chou Dynasty brought about chaos, arrogance, and defiance.

5 BASIC RELATIONSHIPS RULER-SUBJECT FATHER-SON HUSBAND-WIFE OLDER BROTHER-YOUNGER BROTHER FRIEND-FRIEND

FILIAL PIETY RESPECT FOR PARENTS AND ELDERS THIS IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT (THE GOLDEN RULE)

TAOISM (600 BC – 200 BC)

LOA TZU

Taoism A philosophy started in a reaction against CONFUCIANISM His earthly presence may be a myth! May be a pen name for Tao Te Ching!

Beliefs: TAO - ”THE WAY” The NATURAL ORDER was most important. A mystical way to personal and social harmony. A person who avoids conventional social obligations Leads a simple, spontaneous life Leads of meditative life Avoid personal glory