Religion & society in World History Mr. Bauer

Can you Identify these Symbols with a religious affiliation? = ________________? Buddhism Confucianism = _______________? Hinduism = _______________? Christianity = _______________? Jainism = _______________? Sikhism Judaism = _______________? = _______________? Shintoism = _______________? Islam = _______________? Taoism = _______________?

Animistic Beliefs Animism is the belief that nature is alive with spirits that have feelings and can be communicated with. It is often believed that the earth itself is alive and has anima (spirit). As a result almost any animal one can think of has been worshiped. Mountains, trees, and heavenly bodies have also been worshiped.

Hinduism Religious-Social-Political Implications Hinduism teaches of God as being beyond form and quality. (many interpretations) -This ultimate reality or “divine essence” is referred to as BRAHMAN. This divine essence 'appears' as the physical universe and also as all living things -Therefore all are sacred as they represent an image of God =“Ahimsa” (nonviolence) Hindus greet one another with the phrase, “namaste” recognizing this “oneness.” The name given to God as our true self is 'Atman'. Some adherents believe in the “dualistic” view of existence where they strive through fulfillment of dharma within one’s caste to attempt to break the cycle of karma. (Now read your handout on Dharma and the Caste System) Adjoining of Atman w/ Brahman = liberation of karma = “Moksha”(release) = A belief in Reincarnation, Ahimsa, Karma, and Dharma as a “way of life” = Brahmin priests having elevated status over Khsatriya rulers / warriors

“One’s own dharma, performed imperfectly, is better than another’s dharma well performed. Destruction in one’s own dharma is better, for to perform another’s dharma leads to danger.” (Bg. 3.35) -Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita

Dharma

The Indian-Hindu Caste System Nobody (No Hindu concept of a Deified Ruler) Brahmin Priests (Hindu Religion Reigns Above all else!) Kshatriya Kings, Warriors (Regional Political rulers) Vaisya Merchants, Farmers, Artisans Shudra Servants, Tenant Farmers This is a rigid religious- based hierarchy with Social-Political implications concerning: Karma Dharma reincarnation Untouchables (unclean laborers)

Buddhism !… as a reaction to Hinduism Living in a Hindu Kshatriya Caste family, Siddhartha (6th century BCE) still felt a need to discover the truth to life…. Life is suffering Suffering is caused by desire (Tahna) To end suffering, end desire To end desire, follow the Buddha = The Eightfold Path Nirvana (release)can be attained through right actions, intentions, meditation and the discipline of one’s mind. No creator gods, just the pursuit of enlightenment Everything is transient, life is an illusion One must discover individual way to Nirvana “Metta,” benevolence, and “Dharma,” (LAW of proper behavior through the Buddha’s teachings and actions) Which groups would find Buddhism so appealing? Why? Impact in world history?.....

Mandate of Heaven: Rise and Fall of Political Dynasties in Chinese History 1029 B.C.E. – 1912 C.E.

Fundamental Principles of Confucianism These are the principles and ethics by which a person should live by, according to Confucius (5th century BCE). If a person inculcates these principles he will be worthy of being called 'the ideal man' or “junzi”. Jen: The most important of all principles. It means being kind and humane to your fellow beings. It is about helping out others - benevolence. Li: The principle of self-restraint and sense of propriety that should be inculcated in a person – humility. A person should always act in a honorable way and respect his elders, his ancestors and his family members (Filial Piety). It includes following of all the social etiquettes and mannerisms – rites. Hsiao: Hsiao is love for the immediate family and then society. It's the principle of love of parents for their children and of children for their parents. If every family is united and happy, the society will prosper. Yi: The principle of righteousness. It is upholding what is right above everything else and sacrificing oneself for it, if need be. Shu: reciprocity; doing onto others…. Chung: Loyalty to one's family and to one's country. Loyalty is a quality which binds a country strongly together. The Five Relationships Confucius specified the five important relationships that an individual is a part of. If he maintained each of those relationships dutifully, the society will stabilize and prosper automatically. Ruler to subject Father to son Husband to wife Older brother to younger brother Friend to friend

Confucian Philosophy and the Greater Society “Mandarins” Not so much a religion, as a Socio-political system of principles and ethics! “Mean People” Question: Where is the Emperor in society? With the exception of the top, this pyramid does not necessarily reflect hierarchy, and is sometimes re-arranged by various scholars. Scholars are highly revered in a Confucianist society due to the admiration for EDUCATION and the learned “Gentleman” (merited status). The aristocracy were born into their status. Farmers by NO MEANS were more influential then the merchant class. They simply epitomize the Confucianist qualities of humility and obligation towards the welfare of the state, rather then seeking profit as merchants do.