1. Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
When: Around 500 BCE, spread to China in 150 CE
Location: Started in India, spread to China, Korea, and Japan

2. Buddhism
Major beliefs: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, freedom from desire = freedom from suffering
Why it succeeded in China: Many Chinese people were suffering; Buddhism offered an escape from suffering

3. Ancestor Worship Founder: Unknown, but promoted by Confucius
When: Rose to popularity/official around Han Dynasty (200s BCE)
Location: China

4. Ancestor Worship
Major beliefs: After ancestors die, they become a connecting force between the living and the gods/forces of nature.
Why it succeeded in China: Ancestor worship allowed people to connect with the gods. It also easily mixed with other religions that came to China.

5. Bellwork Take a sheet from the tray Get in your seat
A wise person learns and lives a long life-but a fool refuses instruction

6. Taoism
Founder: Lao Tzu
When: 300s BCE
Location: China

7. Taoism
Major beliefs: Live in harmony with nature, do good, and avoid conflict.
Why it succeeded in China: Ancient Chinese were heavily influenced by nature. Taoism gave meaning to the natural world.

8. Confucianism
Founder: Confucius
When: Around 500 BCE
Location: China

9. Confucianism
Major beliefs: People need to take care of their families, be good citizens, help others, and choose wise leaders.
Why it succeeded in China: Confucianism places importance on family and community. Chinese were already doing this (ancestor worship), so it blended well with Chinese traditions.