 Do Now: What do you think the following quote means?  Philosophy is a walk on the slippery rocks/ Religion is a light in the fog  What is the difference between philosophy and religion?

 Philosophy=the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.  Greek (philosophia- love of wisdom )

 Religion=the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.  Latin- religare (to bind); religio (obligation, bond, reverence)

 Polytheistic-belief in many gods  As we read, be sure to take notes/highlight ways early civilizations were similar to/different from each other

 Originated with the Hebrews  Semitic people  Influenced by Babylonian civilization  Diaspora- a scattering of people (and their ideas/beliefs)  Other religions (Christianity and Islam) influenced by this spread  Jewish concept of God  More abstract  Less human  All knowing/all powerful

 Official religion o f the Persian empire  Based on the teachings of Zoroaster (ancient Persian prophet)  Centered on one supreme being  Ahura Mazda  Opposed by evil spirit (Angra Mainyu)  Humans free will- Universal struggle between good and evil  Beliefs faded, but strong influence on other monotheistic religions

 Read pp  Vocab terms  Universalizing religion  Karma and Dharma  Nirvana  Yin-yang principle  Reciprocity  Daoism

 Do Now: What makes this a good thesis statement?  “Though attributes such as intelligence and bravery were valued in the rigid social classes of ancient Chinese society where religion was not very central, in the theocratic society of ancient Egypt material wealth and power were more valued, and social mobility was more attainable.”

 What was the significance or importance of the Great Hymn to Aten ?  What evidence from the source supports this?

 Summarize the passage. What appears to be its main point/message?  What connections/similarities do we find to other monotheistic religions (hint: go back and highlight/underline at least two examples)? What does this suggest about cultural diffusion?  What can we learn about the values of Persian civilization from this excerpt (hint: drink your SPRITE)?  Which of the following best describes Zoroastrianism? Why do you feel this way?  Zoroastrianism is…  A monotheistic religion.  A philosophy centering on the universal struggle between good and evil.  A combination of monotheistic religion and philosophy. 

 Roots in the caste system (position in society based on heredity)  A blend of the Aryans and Dravidians (remember them from ch. 1?)  Changes after Buddhism to be more inclusive  Still tied to Indian society and culture (castes)

 A universal spirit responsible for all that happens  No body, but everywhere  Atman- human souls are pieces of the spirit trapped in physical bodies  Karma- a destiny shaped by choices/actions (cause/effect)  Dharma- set of duties to fulfill  may gain higher caste  Brahmins-could gain Moksha -reunion with the universal spirit  All gods are part of the universal spirit  Shiva-destroyer  Vishnu-preserver  Sacred texts-the Vedas  Epic poems (Human/deity interaction, fulfillment of dharma,etc.)

 Started in the Ganges River Valley (Indus River Civilization)  Siddhartha Gautama  Abandoned privilege to seek meaning of life  Buddha-enlightened one  Everyone (regardless of caste) could achieve nirvana  Union with the universal spirit

 Nirvana can be reached by understanding the four noble truths  All of life is suffering.  All suffering is caused by desires that won’t fulfill us.  Desire can only be overcome by ending all desire.  Desire can only be ended by following the eight fold path (see previous picture).  Spread rapidly along trade routes (between 600 BCE and 600 CE)  Blended with native religions  Theravada-monastic life for men and women (Buddha just an enlightened man)  Mahayana-other Buddhas appeared after Siddhartha; Boddhisatva -a person who delayed nirvana to help others