Unit 3 - The “Classical Era” in the East

1. Unit 3 - The “Classical Era” in the East Hindu, Buddha, Confucianism, Daoism

2. Hinduism Where did it begin? • Around 900 B.C. with the Aryan in India.

3. Hinduism Main Beliefs: • Gods / Religion • Believed that there are many gods & goddesses. • Each of these gods is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being. • Hindus provided its believers with an entire way of life. • Explained everything a person should do from birth to death. • Hindus had no single holy book, but various writings provided guidance. • Such texts were the Vedas &Upanishads.

4. Hinduism Main Beliefs: • Caste System • A social order – (social & religious rules) • Under this system, people were divided into five hereditary classes. • Caste lines were rigid & based on birth; people lacked all social mobility. • Marrying outside of one’s caste was not permitted. • Untouchables performed the lowest tasks (handling dead bodies or sweeping streets).

5. Hinduism Main Beliefs: • Reincarnation • Hindus believed that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing. • This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul.

6. Hinduism Main Beliefs: • Karma • Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life. • People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste. • Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste.

7. Hinduism Main Beliefs: • Sacred Objects • Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred & has the power to wash away sin & evil. • The cow is also considered sacred, & religious Hindus do not eat beef.

8. Hinduism

9. Buddhism • Where did it begin? • India around 500 B.C. • Founded by Siddhartha Guatama

10. Buddhism Main Beliefs: • Basic Philosophy • Based on self-denial & meditation. • Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

11. Buddhism Main Beliefs: • Gods & Holy Books • Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God). • They do not have a primary holy book. • Their basic beliefs are found in books called Sutras.

12. Buddhism Main Beliefs: • Four Noble Truths • These truths explain life’s meaning. • They explain that pain & suffering is caused by human desires (such as material wealth & selfish pleasures). • Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace & harmony.

13. Buddhism Main Beliefs: • Eightfold Path • To give up selfish human desires, Buddhists believe one should follow this path: • Have the right goals • Have the right perspective • Be aware • Act in a worthy manner • Speak truthfully • Live righteously • Respect all living things • Meditate

14. Buddhism Main Beliefs: • Nirvana • By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations & achieve nirvana. • A state of eternal peace & bliss

15. Confucianism Where did it begin? • China • Founded by Confucius

16. Confucianism Main Beliefs: • Natural Order • There is a natural order to the universe & to human relationships. • Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her position in the universe.

17. Confucianism Main Beliefs: • Role of Each Person • Each person’s social role brings a number of obligations. • If everyone fulfills these rolls by meeting their obligations, people & society will be in harmony.

18. Confucianism Main Beliefs: • Relationships • In each relationship, there is a superior & an inferior. • The superior must show love & responsibility, while the inferior must show loyalty & obedience.

19. Confucianism Main Beliefs: • Mandate of Heaven • If the ruler benefits his people & provides them with food & protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of Heaven (the right to rule).

20. Daoism – the “way” (the Dao) • Where did it begin? • China • Based on the teachings of Lao Tzu (Laozi)

21. Daoism – the “way” (the Dao) Main Beliefs: • Rejection of conflict. • Daoists have a deep respect for nature & harmony, & accept things rather than trying to change them. • Sought to live in harmony with nature. • Believed that government was unnatural.