Asia Cultural Geography

1. Some religions that are found in Asia are: A. BuddhismE. Shintoism B. HinduismF. Islam C. ConfucianismG. Christianity D. Taoism

2. Hinduism is an ethnic religion because it appeals mainly to people in India. Most Hindus in the world live in India. 3. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It’s origins can be traced back to 3000 B. C. or earlier. 4. Hinduism does not have a founder. It is based on the teachings of holy men and revealed truths over a long period of time.

5. Some sacred texts in Hinduism are: A. The Vedas B. Sutras C. Upanishads

6. Some basic beliefes of Hindus are: A. Brahman is the supreme spirit, but it can take many forms. Hinduism is considered by some to be polytheistic B. Atman – The soul of a person. C. Karma D. Reincarnation E. Moksha – The ultimate goal of life is the union of Atman and Brahman.

7. The Caste system is a system of social organization in India that is connected with Hinduism. Basically when you are born yo are born into a certain “level” of society. The castes are: A. Brahmans (Teachers/Priests B. Kshatriyas (Kings/Warriors) C. Vaishyas (Skilled workers) D. Shudas ( Manual laborers) E. Dalits ( untouchables/people outside the caste system)

8. The Caste system led to discrimination in India and it has been outlawed, but some people still believe in it and practice it. 9. Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs. The relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism is similar to the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. 10. Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha Gautama, who was born around 500 – 400 B.C. in Nepal.

11. The religion quickly spread to other parts of Asia and was a major religion in India for a long time, however, most people are Hindus in India today. 12. The four noble truths: A. life is suffering. B. suffering is caused by want or desire. C. There is a way to end suffering. D. The way to end suffering is the eight fold path.

13. Buddhists believe in Karma and Reincarnation. 14. Buddhism is a major religion in Southeast Asia and is practiced in China, Korea, and Japan. Countries that are predominately Buddhist are: ▫A. Thailand ▫B. Laos ▫C. Cambodia ▫D. Myamar

15. Taoism is a religion or philosphy that began in China around 500 – 400 B.C. 16. Tradition says that Taoism is based on the teachings of Laozi. 17. The Tao Te Ching is a collection of Laozi’s teachings.

18. Confucianism is a philosophy that began in China around 500 – 400 B.C. 19. It is based on the teachings of Confucious. 20. Confucianism is concerned mainly with social organization. It emphasized respect for elders and education

21. Shintoism is a native religion of Japan. 22. Shinto's worship kami (spirits). Sometimes kami live in specific places such as rivers, mountains, and lakes, and sometimes they are major natural objects such as the sun or moon.

23. Islam started in Saudi Arabia around 600 A.D. and it spread into parts of South, Southeast, and East Asia. Countries that are predominately Muslim are: A. Pakistan B. Bangladesh C. Indonesia

24. Christianity was brought to Asia by Europeans who colonized parts of Asia and controlled some countries. 25. The Phillipines is predominately Roman Catholic. 26. There are many Catholics in Vietnam and East Timor.

27. Many Asian countries venerate and even worship ancestors. This belief has been incorporated into Asian religions and belief systems. 28. India, and Pakistan both claim a region called the Kashmir. Part of the problem is based on religion. Pakistan is a Muslim country and India is Hundu.