Prominent Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia

Hinduism One of the oldest religions in the world Practiced most widely in India 3rd largest religion in the world Developed in India, it’s origins are based upon the religion practiced by the Aryans (invaded the country from the north around 1500 BC). Rituals and hymns known as Vedas, of The Books of Knowledge led to the development of the religion known as Hinduism

Hinduism is polytheistic, meaning they worship many gods Hindus believe that all of these gods are part of a supreme spirit named Brahman Believe that all living things have souls (including animals) Some animals, like the cow, are considered especially sacred Many Hindus are vegetarians, meaning they eat no meat

Believe in reincarnation- the idea that the soul does not die with the body, but enters the body of another being, either a person or an animal. The type of life a person leads determines what his next life will be like A soul is reincarnated over and over again, until the life it lives is good enough to bring it to be united with Brahman. Karma, is the belief that one’s actions determine one’s fate.

Caste System Another important part of Hinduism is the caste system A caste system is the belief that social class is hereditary (inherited), and does not change throughout a person’s life. The only way to move to a higher caste was to be born into one in the next life.

Four Main Castes Priests and wise men, or Brahmans, are the highest Warriors and rulers, called the Kshtriyas Merchants, traders, and small farmers, Vaisyas The Sudras, or peasants and field workers, are last The untouchables, or pariahs, who do work no one else would do, belong to the fifth caste

Buddhism Began in India 4th largest religion in the world 6% of the world’s population today is Buddhist Siddhartha Guatama a rich young man founded the religion about 500 B.C. Believe in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

Siddhartha Gautama Founded the religion about 500 B.C. Lived a life of luxury, but was concerned about the poverty and suffering he saw in the world Left his family and became a monk for a number of years, hoping that he would learn why people had to suffer After years of wandering, he understood what needed to be done…

He felt that people could find peace if they rejected greed and desire He agreed with the Hindu belief of reincarnation and karma but did not accept the caste system or the need for priests He became known as “Buddha,” or “The Enlightened One” by his followers

Four Noble Truths Buddha taught that there were Four Noble Truths in life Life always brought pain Suffering and sorrow were usually caused by greed and the desire for material things. By giving up these greedy desires, a person could end his suffering and reach Nirvana - Nirvana means a state of perfect peace To achieve Nirvana, a person needed to follow the Middle Way

The Middle Way The Middle Way was accomplished by following what Buddha called the Eightfold Path (8 rules for conduct) Try to recognize the truth Try to avoid evil actions and bad people Do not say things that hurt others Respect other people and their belongings Choose a job that does no harm to others Do not think evil thoughts Avoid excitement or anger Work at meditation, thinking carefully about what matters in life

Islam Second largest religion in the world. Began in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD with teachings of the prophet ________________. Muhammad Islam came to India in the 1500s AD when Muslim armies swept into the country Established the Mogul Empire that ruled India for almost 200 years Muslim conquerors treated the Hindus as conquered people and introduced Islam as a new religion.

______Pillars of Islam Believe there is only _______god and ___________ is his messenger ________ five times a day facing the direction of Mecca Charity to the poor Fasting during the holy month of ____________. Pilgrimage to __________ at least once in a person’s lifetime

Muslims believe in only one god, this religion is a _______________religion A religion that believes in more than one god is called a __________________ religion Muslims worship in community _____________ for prayer Their holy book is called a __________

Shinto The earliest religion of Japan was Shintoism Shintoism believe in kami, divine spirits that Shinto followers believe live in nature These spirits are believed to live in beautiful places, animals, and especially as a person’s ancestor Places such as mountains and rivers are considered as sacred because they are thought to be the homes of these kami

Those who practice Shintoism offer prayers and perform rituals to honor and please the kami or spirits they feel are special Shinto religion does not stress life after death The worship of nature has also led the Japanese to create small, beautiful gardens, and areas of quiet and reflection Shintoism was once the state religion of Japan

Confucianism Confucius was one of the most important scholars in Chinese history Believed that the key to peace and social order was for people to behave with good character and virtue Golden Rule of Behavior- “what you do not like when done unto yourself, do not unto others.”

He believed a good ruler was one who treated his people fairly and was kind to them. Confucius was not a religious prophet or even a religious leader Confucianism is thought of as a philosophy or ethical system based on good deeds and morality rather than religion.

Five Basic Relationships Believed that there were five basic relationships among men: Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and wife Older brother and younger brother Friend and friend He believed if each relationship were based on kindness, there would be peace and harmony in the country.

Your turn! Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper!! Which of these religions is considered one of the oldest in the world? What is the Hindu belief in reincarnation? What Buddhist teaching shows its followers the correct way to live their lives? What is the name of the Muslim holy book? In which country was Shintoism founded? What is Confucius’ Golden Rule?