Hinduism

No Historical Founder Started in India Based in the Vedas Initial focus on sacrifices Later on devotion to a god A lot of diversity Wide variety of beliefs and practices

Eastern vs. Western No specific beginning No single deity (god) that is responsible for creation Sacred Texts No identified author No identified origin

The Vedas Wide variety of literature Instructions for sacrifice Offered by priests to various gods. Understood to result in children, wealth or the attainment of heaven Creation stories Philosophical teachings No authors Said to exist eternally Said to be source of creation

Other Sacred Texts Ramayana Focuses on Vishnu Mahabharata Focuses on Krishna Bhagavad Gita Dharma Modern focus on these texts rather than the vedas.

Hindu Gods Described in various creation stories Most Hindus are henotheistic Worship one god, but don’t deny existence of others Deities appear in different forms with similar characteristics Primary deities often selected based on family belief or region of India Primary deities include: Shiva Vishnu Devi

Hindu Gods Often other deities worshipped Examples include Hanuman Ganesha Some offerings at set times Completed by professional priests Puja Prayer Chanting Offerings Fruit, Rice, Clothing

Other Beliefs Reincarnation Moksha Karma Atman Samsara Dharma

Holi

Diwali

Sacred Places India Locations such as Mountains and Rivers associated with gods. Temples Located throughout the world

Current State of Affairs Castes Social ladder Born into a caste Affects many aspects of life Rural vs Urban areas

Confucianism

Confucius zBorn in 551 B.C. zdied in 479 B.C.

Confucianism zConcerned primarily with restoring social stability and order yWhat is the basis of a stable, unified, and enduring social order? za system of social and ethical philosophy y“only when character is cultivated are our families regulated; only when families are regulated are states well governed.”

Confucianism zli yrituals, norms, institutions, or mores ythe outer, conforming aspect of Confucianism zren yhumaneness, love, kindness, benevolence, or virtue ythe inner, reforming aspect of Confucianism

Li zRites, ceremonies, proper behavior, and good manner zperformed in good faith, with everyone keeping to his or her proper role zuniversal harmony zno need for physical sanctions, laws, or punishment

Ren zRelationship between "two persons” zextension of filial piety to all human beings zeach role in the hierarchy of social relations had clearly defined duties yreciprocity or mutual responsibility

Five relationships zfather-child zruler-subject zhusband-wife zelder brother-younger brother zfriend-friend

Confucianism zPersecuted in Qin Dynasty y221 B.C B.C. zpromoted by later rulers

Confucianism zreinforced by the civil examination system y“keju”: civil examination yfrom 605 to 1905