CULTURES AND RELIGIONS IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN ASIA STANDARD: SS7G12 – THE STUDENT WILL ANALYZE THE DIVERSE CULTURES OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN ASIA Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in southern and eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and the philosophy of Confucianism. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.

Religious group vs. Ethnic Group Religious Group – group made up of common beliefs. Can have different languages, cultures, and race. They may be spread over many countries. Ethnic Group – group made up of people with similar language and culture. They may or may not share religious beliefs or values. Usually of the same race with common ancestors.

Origins Hinduism is an ancient religion with no known founder or known date of origin.

Origins The term "Hinduism" simply derives from the word "India" and refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years.

Adherents Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. Approximately 900 million people follow Hinduism worldwide.

Adherents A follower of Hinduism is called: Hindu

Views Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs, a fact that can be initially confusing to westerners.

Views Hinduism = monotheistic There are multiple manifestations of one supreme being (named Brahman)

Three Major Forms of Brahman Brahma the Creator

Three Major Forms of Brahman Shiva the Destroyer

Three Major Forms of Brahman Vishnu the Preserver

Everyone has a soul or Atman Common Hindu Beliefs Everyone has a soul or Atman

Common Hindu Beliefs The Ultimate Goal: To reunite one’s soul with Brahman, the universal spirit

Reincarnation - Souls are born and reborn many times Common Hindu Beliefs Reincarnation - Souls are born and reborn many times

Karma – the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul. Common Hindu Beliefs Karma – the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul.

Common Hindu Beliefs Moksha – Salvation from the cycle of rebirth. This happens after building enough good karma.

Common Hindu Beliefs Dharma – each person has a duty to accept his or her place in the world without complaint.

Common Hindu Beliefs (Rulers)

Life’s Purpose Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. The purpose of life is to gain release (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, or at least a better rebirth.

Afterlife Uniting with God (Brahman) as a drop of rain merges with the sea.

General Practices Yoga meditation worship (puja) pilgrimage to holy cities live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role)

Holy Text(s) The Vedas (Book of Knowledge, most sacred) Upanishads (means “Sitting near a teacher”) Forms the theoretical basis for the Hindu religion Bhagavad Gita

Buddhism Originated in India Fourth largest religion in the world. Siddhartha Gautama was the first “Buddha” or “enlightened one” Traveled all over India spreading his teachings and philosophies and gathered a following. Buddhists do not believe in a god. They follow the teachings of one man “Buddha” Basic ideas of their beliefs include:

Buddhist Teachings 1. The Four Noble Truths – basic instructions that say suffering exists in the world and humans must reach enlightenment to rise above the sufferings. You cease suffering by following The Eightfold Path 2. Holy Book – Tripitaka – tells Buddha’s teachings. 3. Man worship – they do not worship a god, but they instead thank Buddha through reading the tripitaka to become more enlightened. 4. Ultimate Goal – Nirvana – a state of enlightenment where one can achieve peace and happiness through meditation. 5. Reincarnation – a belief in a cycle of birth and rebirth. They believe one’s behavior in this life determines what they will be in the next life. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhists do not believe the soul passes on to the next body.