1. Ancient China

2. 1. Geography Two major rivers Crops Chang Jiang aka Yangzi
Huang He aka Yellow River
Civilizations in China started in the river valleys of these two rivers
Crops
South
The environment was suitable for rice
North
Suitable for wheat and millet

3. c. Isolated
Much of China is covered with mountains, hills and desert
Helped protect China from invasion

4. 2. Major Philosophies Concept of the Mandate from Heaven
Political philosophy
Used to explain the fall of one dynasty and the rise of another
Stated that the gods would support a just ruler, but they would not allow anyone corrupt to hold power

5. b. Confucianism
Based on the teachings of a man named Kongfuzi or Confucius
Confucius
Believed that people should treat one another humanely
Believed tat love and respect had disappeared and this was what was responsible for violence in a society
Believed that if respect for tradition was restored, society would again be stable and orderly

6. iii. The Analects A book written by Confucius
States that rulers should treat their subjects fairly
Subjects should in return reward their ruler with respect and loyalty
People need to respect the members of the family
It is the duty of all educated people to devote themselves to public service

7. c. Daoism
Encourages people to retreat from the laws of society and yield to the laws of nature
Concept of the Dao or the way
Dao is the limitless force that is part of all creation

8. iii. Embraces the concept of yin and yang
Represents the balancing aspect of nature
Neither can exist without the other
When in balance represents perfect harmony

9. 3. Buddhism Origins Originated in India
Founder, is a man by the name of Siddhartha Gautama

10. b. Teachings Four Noble Truths Suffering is a part of human life
No one can escape from suffering while alive
Suffering comes from people’s desires for pleasure and material goods
Overcoming these desires during life eventually brings suffering to an end
Desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path

11. ii. The Eightfold Path Right View Right Attitude Right Speech
Accepting the reality of the Four Noble Truths
Right Attitude
Striving for moderation in all things
Right Speech
Avoiding lies, boasts and hurtful words
Right Action
Treating others fairly

12. 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness
Avoiding jobs that could bring harm to others
6. Right effort
Constantly trying to improve oneself
7. Right mindfulness
Remaining aware of the world around you
8. Right Concentration
Ignoring temptation and discomfort while meditating

13. ii. Nirvana
A state of perfect peace in which the soul would be free from suffering
Can be attained by following the Eightfold Path
If nirvana is not achieved you will be reborn and go through the cycles of suffering again

14. Silk Road : The Silk Road is an ancient network of trade routes that were central to cultural interaction through regions of the Asian continent connecting the West and East by merchants, pilgrims, monks, soldiers, nomads, and urban dwellers from China and India to the Mediterranean Sea.

15. Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the civilizations of China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, the Horn of Africa and Arabia, opening long-distance, political and economic relations between the civilizations. Though silk was certainly the major trade item from China, many other goods were traded, and religions, syncretic philosophies, and various technologies, as well as diseases, also travelled along the Silk Routes. Cult Diff.

16. iv. Middle Way Another way of expressing The Eightfold Path
“Live in moderation, avoid extremes of either comfort or discomfort in the search for nirvana”

17. c. 3 Divisions Theravada (The Way of the Elders)
Oldest of the Buddhist traditions
Based on the Pali Canon
Oldest of the Buddhist Writings
Best way to attain nirvana is to become a monk or nun and spend all of one’s time in meditation

18. ii. Mahayana Taught that people can help each other find enlightenment
Incorporated text written after the Buddha’s lifetime
Bodhisattvas
People who have found enlightenment but have not passed yet
Help others find enlightenment

19. iii. Tibetan Buddhism
Incorporates some of the many teachings with Mahayana
Believe you can use special techniques to harness spiritual energy and achieve nirvana in a single lifetime