AP Eastern Religions and Belief Systems HW: Fill in your religion chart. Be ready to discuss what you read in class.

Origins Hinduism Buddhism Taoism 2500 BCE Indus river valley. *NO single founder Siddhartha Gautama broke away from Hinduism 300 BCE, Nepal Laozi founded Taoism in the 6th century BCE during the Warring States Periods following the fall of the Zhou dynasty.

Warring States Era, China 403 – 221 BCE

Symbols Swastika The swastika, om, and… yin-yang Om Dharmachakra Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Swastika The swastika, om, and… yin-yang Om Dharmachakra Mandala

Sacred Texts Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Vedas (Sanskrit) Sutras The Way of Virtue by Laozi Mahabharata (Sanskrit) is an epic poem. Upanishads

Sacred Places Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Ganges river Temples and shrines Temples and shrines (often in nature)

Beliefs Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Most Hindus are monotheistic; they believe in one god Brahman that takes on different forms. Belief in a deity is not necessary to be a Buddhist. Polytheistic Dharma and Karma Reincarnation. Follow the eightfold path to reach enlightenment and nirvana Ch'i is the life force that is in all things. Reincarnation with the goal of Mokasha 4 Noble Truths It is virtuous to avoid conflict. Government should be limited. Caste system REJECTS the caste system Taoism needs to be experienced.

All these deities are different forms of Brahma, the one Hindu god.

Caste System

Untouchables/ Dalits “The Dalits, also known as the “untouchables” make up nearly one quarter of India’s 1.2 billion society.. In 70% of India’s villages, for example, non-Dalits will not eat or drink with Dalits. The UN experts say Dalit women and girls are exposed to multiple forms of discrimination and sexual violence. Hundreds of thousands of children in India are forced to eke out a living to support their families by sweeping streets, cleaning toilets and clearing garbage from public places. www.dalitnetwork.org

The Eightfold Path of Buddhism

Practices Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Prayer/meditation at shrines and temples Tai Chi (moving meditation) No consumption of beef Many are vegetarian or vegan Prayer/meditation at shrines and temples, often outdoors (respect for nature). Ganges is sacred Monastic tradition. Unlike Christianity it is not for life Yoga

Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration. Yoga is a form of meditation. Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration.

Hindu and Buddhist Temples Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the world, New Delhi, India

A man practicing Tai Chi in Shanghai.

Taoist Temple, Wudang Mountains

Role of Women Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Patriarchal practice of Sati (Suttee) at the death of their husbands, women were to throw themselves on his funeral pyre, joining him in death

Holidays Hinduism Buddhism Taoism Holi Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) The Lantern Festival Diwali

Confucianism Origins Sacred Texts Beliefs & Practices Confucius founded Confucianism in the 6th century BCE during the Warring States Periods following the fall of the Zhou dynasty. The Analects is a collection of Confucian beliefs and wisdom written by his students. Filial piety; respect must be given to your elders and ancestors. Confucius believed there are 5 key relationships in any society. Only friends are equals. Superiors AND inferiors must show respect to the other, in order to keep harmony.

Confucian 5 Key Relationships SUPERIOR INFERIOR Ruler Ruled Husband Wife Parent Child Elder brother Younger Brother Friend

Confucius Day is celebrated in China on September 29th.

Key Vocabulary Confucianism Filial Piety Five Key Relationships of Confucius Lantern Festival Laozi Philosopher The Analects The Way of Virtue Shrines Tai Chi Taoism Warring States Era