South Asia: Religion

Cultural Hearth Early cultures developed along Indus River Major religions emerged Hinduism Buddhism Islam

Hinduism Not just a religion- also determines social and economic elements Hindu Religion Major faith of India and Nepal Forms of worship differ by region Over 33,333 gods due to the different denominations Complicated faith without a uniformly accepted belief system

Basic Hindu Beliefs Reincarnation Living things have souls, upon death souls transfer into new living creature Karma Every action brings certain results No escaping consequences of one’s actions Dharma Set of rules that need to be followed to be reincarnated up a caste

Buddhism Philosophy that began in India Based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Objects to the harsh features of Hinduism based on caste Focus on knowledge- esp. self knowledge Eliminate worldly desires- peaceful Goal to reach enlightenment- reincarnated until fully reached Dhammapada- Way of Truth Mostly considered a philosophy more than a religion, Buddhists are forbidden to worship any god, even buddha

All hardships and suffering comes from inappropriate desire The Four Noble Truths Life is difficult All hardships and suffering comes from inappropriate desire To avoid suffering, avoid inappropriate craving To stop inappropriate craving, follow the Eightfold Noble Path.

The Eightfold Noble Path Proper views Proper aspirations Proper speech Proper conduct Proper livelihood Proper effort Proper mindfulness Proper meditation Views- know 4 Truths Aspirations- rid self of desire and avoid causing pain to others Speech-tell truth Conduct- no lying/stealing/cheating Livelihood- earn living in non-harmful way Effort- think positive Mindfulness- be aware of thoughts/actions Meditation- attain peaceful state of mind

Islam Arrival of Islam Around 700 A.D. Arab armies conquered lower Indus Valley Mughal Empire, a powerful Muslim state, dominated Conversion in northwest (Pakistan) and Northeast (Bangladesh) and island nations (Maldives/Sri Lanka)

Other Religions Jainism Religion that emerged around 500 B.C. as protest to orthodox Hinduism Stressed extreme non-violence Sikhism Faith incorporating elements of Hinduism and Islam Monotheistic and believes in reincarnation Originated in Punjab in 1400s Sikh men noted for work as soldiers and bodyguards

Other Religions Zoroastrian Ancient religion focusing on struggle between good and evil Found in Mumbai area Christians British missionaries converted animists to Protestantism

Comparison of Hinduism and Islam Hindus tend to be vegetarians (ahimsa and reincarnation beliefs foster this) Cows are sacred animals Believe in reincarnation Brahman, if it is God, is an impersonal one Follow caste system – no social or religious mobility within one lifetime Formerly practiced sati (widow would throw herself on husband’s funeral pyre) Muslims see Hindus as polytheistic infidels not to be tolerated Muslims eat meat (cows) – not pork Muslims are strict monotheists Muslims believe in a personal God Muslims reject the concept of castes – equality of believers Reject reincarnation Globalization & Diversity: Rowntree, Lewis, Price, Wyckoff