1. Hinduism

2. Main Beliefs: Sacred Texts: 1. Vedas
Grew from collection of 4 hymns which suit a religious ritual (becomes Hindu scripture)

3. 2. Rig-Vedas
Most ancient/important of the Vedas

4. 3. Upanishads
Interpretations of Hindu meanings of Vedas

5. Brahman

6. Hindu Gods

7. Dharma

8. Karma

9. Samsara

10. Moksha

11. Caste System

12. Atman
Respect for all life

13. Lifestyle or…..
-live according to sacred Dharma
-try to escape the pain and suffering of the world
-seek to live right to be able to escape Samsara and unite soul with Brahman (Moksha)

14. Buddhism

15. Founder: Siddartha Gautama

16. Main Beliefs: 4 Noble Truths

17. Eightfold Path

18. Nirvana “Enlightenment”

19. Meditation
Treat all living things with kindness
Lifestyle or…..
Do not seek selfish things
Do not seek pleasure
End all desires
Meditate to seek wisdom

20. Confucianism Founder: K’ung Futzu “Confucius”

21. Main Beliefs:
Defines proper conduct for people and government
Organizes society around 5 basic relationships
Code of proper behavior - “li”
Stable societies built on”li”
“filial piety”
Based on the natural goodness of people, that they will do what they know is right

22. Correct behavior brings about stability
Emphasis on loyalty
Lifestyle or ….
Rulers hould practice kindness and treat other with respect
Set good examples
Respect for those higher in Five Basic Relationships
Encouraged respect for age and tradition

23. Taoism Founder: Lao Tzu

24. Main Beliefs:
Follow
the “Tao” = the way, which is the universal force that guides all things
“natural order”

25. “Yin” and ‘Yang” = balance of opposing forces

26. Lifestyle or….
Withdraw from society and live close to nature
Accept “the way”
Have balance in life, they have to accept the good with the bad
Reject conflict
Rulers believe in action through non-action

27. Legalism Founder: Other groups? Han Fei

28. Main Beliefs:
Highly efficient & powerful government to lead the way
Rich rewards to people who follow laws
(harsh) punishment for those who disobey
Stressed punishment more than rewards
Controlled ideas as well as actions
Believed most people were naturally evil and selfish

29. Lifestyle or….
Society is controlled, rigid, harsh, fearful
Government tells you what to believe in, detailed laws, chooses religion, etc.