1. HINDUISM (PREHISTORIC)

2. Hinduism
Roots in India
Vedic Age
Aryans
Sanskrit-Vedas
Upanishads

3. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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)

8. BUDDHISM (563 BC)

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. CONFUCIANISM (551 BC)

13. 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.

14. 5 BASIC RELATIONSHIPS RULER-SUBJECT FATHER-SON HUSBAND-WIFE
OLDER BROTHER-YOUNGER BROTHER
FRIEND-FRIEND

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

16. TAOISM (600 BC – 200 BC)

17. LOA TZU

18. 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!

19. 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