Culture and Religion in SOUTH ASIA 1

CULTURE OF SOUTH ASIA A culturally fragmented region Religious and linguistic diversity Religions Islam is predominant in Pakistan and Bangladesh (165 million in India). Hinduism is predominant in India. Sikhism thrives in northern India. Buddhism is predominant in Sri Lanka. 2

Islam swept through central India from the 8th -10th centuries AD Hinduism emerged from the beliefs and practices brought to India by the Aryans. (6th century BC) Buddhism emerged during the 6th century BC; made the state religion of India in 3rd century BC Islam swept through central India from the 8th -10th centuries AD 3

HINDUISM One of the world’s oldest religions. Not just a religion; also a culture in itself. 4

MAJOR TENETS OF HINDUISM Three main ideas are important in understanding the Hindu religion and the caste system Reincarnation Karma Dharma 5

REINCARNATION Every living thing has a soul. When a living thing dies, its soul moves into another living creature. Souls are reborn in a newly created life. Hindus can escape the cycle of reincarnation if they combine ultimate achievement in their karma & dharma. 6

CASTE SYSTEM 1) Brahmans, the priestly and learned class; 2) Kshatriyas, the warriors and rulers; 3) Vaisyas, farmers and merchants; 4) Sudras, peasants and laborers. 5) Dahlit, “the untouchables” who performed the most menial tasks. Caste System is rigid! It has no movement between castes after reincarnation. A Hindu can only move higher up in their own caste (ex. Foot soldier to General) 7

KARMA Every action brings about certain results. There is no escaping the consequences of one’s actions. Good behavior is rewarded when the soul is reborn into a higher ranking living creature. 8

DHARMA A set of rules that must be followed by all living things if they wish to work their way up the ladder of reincarnation. Each person’s dharma is different. 9

THREE BASIC PRACTICES Puja or worship Cremation of the dead Regulations of the caste system 10

RELIGIOUS CONTRASTS ISLAM HINDUISM Monotheistic Polytheistic No idols One sacred book Uniform dogma - 5 pillars Intolerant (of other religions) Eat beef/Sacrifice cows Bury Dead Social Equality (in theory) Theocratic society HINDUISM Polytheistic Many idols Various sacred writings Varying beliefs Absorbed other religions Venerate cows Burn dead (& alive) Caste separation “State” of secondary importance 11

BUDDHISM Founded by: Siddhartha Gautama (563 - 483 B.C.) Gautama came from high royal Hindu social caste. Left it all behind to wander Northern India after he detected problems in the world. After wandering for many years he decided the root of all problems for humans is the desire for earthly possession. Focuses on knowledge, especially self-knowledge Elimination of worldly desires, determination not to hurt or kill people or animals 12

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS Sorrow and suffering are part of all life. People suffer because they desire things they cannot have. The way to escape suffering is to end desire. To end desire, follow the “middle path.” 13

EIGHTFOLD PATH TO THE MIDDLE WAY Right understanding Right purpose Right speech Right conduct Right means of earning a living Right effort Right awareness Right meditation 14

Buddhism spread quickly because: It did not follow the rigid Hindu caste system Allowed more personal freedom Included women and low Hindu caste members as equals