1. Cultural Geography Byvik W Geog
Asia
Cultural Geography
Byvik W Geog

2. Religion Some religions that are found in Asia are: A. Buddhism
E. Shintoism
F. Islam
B. Hinduism
G. Christianity
C. Confucianism
D. Taoism

3. Hinduism
Hinduism is an ethnic religion because it appeals mainly to people in India. Most Hindus in the world live in India.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It’s origins can be traced back to B.C. or earlier.
Hinduism does not have one founder. It is based on the teachings of holy men and revealed truths over a long period of time.

4. Hinduism Some sacred texts in Hinduism are: The Vedas Upanishads
Sutras

5. Hinduism (Basic Beliefs)
Some basic beliefs of Hindus are:
Brahman is the supreme spirit, but it can take many forms. Hinduism is considered by some to be polytheistic.
Atman - The soul of a person.
Karma
Reincarnation
Moksha - The ultimate goal of life is the union of atman and Brahman.

6. Hinduism (Basic Beliefs)
The caste system is a system of social organization in India that is connected with Hinduism. Basically, when you are born you are born into a certain ‘level’ of society. The castes are:
Brahmins - Teachers/Priests
Kshastriyas - Soldiers
Vaishyas - Skilled Workers
Shudras - Manual Workers
Dalits - People outside the caste system

7. Hinduism (Basic Beliefs)
The caste system led to discrimination in India and it has been outlawed, but some people still believe in it and practice it.

8. Buddhism
Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs. The relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism is similar to the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

9. Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha who was born around B.C. in Nepal.
The religion quickly spread to other parts of Asia and was a major religion in India for a time, however, most people are Hindus in India today.

10. Buddhism (Basic Beliefs)
The four noble truths:
Life is suffering
Suffering is caused by want or desire
There is a way to end suffering
The way to end suffering is the eightfold path

11. Buddhism (Basic Beliefs)
Buddhists believe in karma and reincarnation

12. Buddhism
Buddhism is a major religion in Southeast Asia and is practiced in China, Korea, and Japan. Countries that are predominantly Buddhist are:
A. Thailand
B. Laos
C. Cambodia
D. Myanmar

13. Spread of Buddhism into Southeast Asia

14. Dharma Wheel

17. Taosim
Taosim is a religion or philosophy that began in China around B.C.
Tradition says that Taoism is based on the teachings of Laozi.
The Tao Te Ching is a collection of Laozi’s teachings.

18. Taoism The Tao is called the Great Mother Empty yet inexhaustible,
It gives birth to infinite worlds.
It is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.

19. Yin Yang Symbol

20. Confuciansim
Confucianism is a philosophy that began in China around B.C.
It is based on the teachings of Confucius.
Confucianism is concerned mainly with social organization. It emphasizes respect for elders and education.

21. Shintoism Shintoism is a native religion of Japan.
Shintos worship kami (spirits). Sometimes kami live in specific places such as rivers, mountains, and lakes, and sometimes they are major natural objects such as the sun or moon.

22. Small Shinto Shrine

23. Torii

24. Tanuki - A Japanese Racoon Spirit

25. Tanuki Road Sign

26. Islam
Islam started in Saudi Arabia around 600 A.D. and it spread into parts of South, Southeast, and East Asia. Countries that are predominantly Muslim are:
A. Pakistan
B. Bangladesh
C. Indonesia

27. Christianity
Christianity was brought to Asia by Europeans who colonized parts of Asia and controlled some countries.
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic.
There are many Catholics in Vietnam and East Timor.

28. Respect for Ancestors
Many Asian cultures venerate and even worship ancestors. This belief has been incorporated into Asian religions and belief systems.

29. Conflicts
India and Pakistan both claim a region called the Kashmir. Part of the problem is based on religion. Pakistan is a Muslim country and India is Hindu.
East Timor is a small country in Southeast Asia that was created in It used to be part of Indonesia but most people in East Timor are Catholic. The source of this conflict is based on cultural differences.