1. Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia

2. Major Religions
Hinduism
Buddhism
Islam
Shintoism
Confucianism

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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