The Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia

1. The Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia Buddhism. Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and the philosophy of Confucianism SS7G12 b

2. Lets Review FirstSS7G12a • What is the difference between an ethnic group and religious group? Ethnic Groups share common cultural ideas and beliefs and has been a part of their community for generations Religious Groups share a belief system in a god or gods with specific set of rituals and literature

4. Buddhism • Originated in India and spread quickly • The 4th largest religion in the world • Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha or “enlightened one” after spending time pondering the ways of life • He traveled all over India to share his newfound enlightenment with others and developed a following devoted to his teachings • Buddhists do not believe in a god, but rather follow the teachings of Buddha

5. Basic Ideas of Buddhism • The four Noble Truths are the basic instructions of Buddhism that teach that suffering exists in the world and humans must reach the enlightenment of Buddha to rise above them • Tripitaka- - Holy Book of Buddha’s teachings • Buddhists do not worship a god but rather Buddha by thanking him for his teachings

6. Basic Ideas of Buddhism • Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhists- It is a state of enlightenment where one can have happiness and peace. It is often found through meditation • Buddhists believe in reincarnation, a cycle of birth and rebirth, where one’s present life determines what one becomes in the next life

8. Hinduism • Largely practiced in India where over 80% of Indians claim to be Hindu • Hinduism does not come from the teachings of one man. Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses who are images of a single god.

9. Basic Ideas of Hinduism • Each person’s karma, or good or bad behavior, determines his or her position in life • The ultimate goal of Hindus is to achieve moksha, which is freedom from the cycle of reincarnation. • There is not one text the Hindus consider sacred, rather there are many texts like the Vedas that teach Hindus proper behavior

10. Basic Ideas of Hinduism • Hindus live by a caste system that divides people into classes

12. Islam • We have studied this already in great detail • It is a religion found in this region- Southern and Eastern Asia

14. Shintoism • A religion unique to Japan • Unlike other religions, it has not spread to other parts of the world • Based on a traditional Japanese teaching that everything in nature consists of kami, or the spirit of gods.

15. Basic Ideas of Shintoism • Shintoists are expected to be reverent to nature, life, and birth • Physical purity is more important than moral impurity • Many Shintoists build shrines and worship their ancestors who they believe became kami when they died • Since Shinto offers no ideas of moral code or one God, many people who practice Shinto also practice another religion such as Buddhism

17. Philosophy of Confucianism • Is not a religion but a philosophy that is often said to be the foundation of modern Chinese culture. • Confucius- founder of the ideas of Confucianism • He believed he knew how to bring peace to ancient China • He created a moral structure for social life and politics that every person should follow • GOLDEN RULE • Confucianism is based on tradition and does not teach about one ruling God

18. Basic Ideas of Confucianism • Each person has a place in society and they must accept their positions so that society can function well • China’s rulers are to be respected by the people as long as they are fair and care for the people • Family relationships are essential to having a good society and family respect was the foundation of all ethics

19. Basic Ideas of Confucianism • There are five basic types of relationships where one must understand their role of being superior or inferior. They are: • ruler and subject • father and son • husband and wife • older brother and younger brother • friend and friend

20. The Religion Chart