1. BELIEF SYSTEMS BELIEF Southern and Eastern Asia’s
Presentation, Graphic Organizers, & Activities

2. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group.
STANDARDS:
SS7G12 Analyze the diverse cultural characteristics of the people who live in Southern and Eastern Asia.
Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group.
Compare and contrast the belief systems originating in Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and Confucianism.
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3. TEACHER INFO: CLOZE Notes
The next pages are handouts for the students to use for note-taking during the presentation. (Print front to back to save paper and ink.)
Check the answers as a class after the presentation.
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4. SE Asia’s Belief Systems
Guatama
BUDDHISM Origin
Religious Group
Ethnic Group
He __________________ and traveled around India for years, hoping to find out why people had to suffer.
Guatama was a rich man who led a life of luxury; however, he was troubled by the __________________ that he saw around him.
Buddhism was founded by the royal Indian prince __________________ .
The religion’s __________________ of followers are found in Southern and Eastern Asia.
Today, Buddhism is the __________________ religion in the world with 6% of the population being Buddhist.
Around 500 BCE, Buddhism __________________ and rapidly spread from there.
There are also followers of the religious __________________ of Shintoism and Confucianism.
There are many religious groups found throughout Southern and Eastern Asia, with the most predominate being __________________ and Hinduism.
People from different ethnic groups may share the __________________ ; however, they may be from different cultures.
They believe in the same god (or gods) and have a common sacred text with a specific set of rules about __________________ .
A religious group is identified based on mutual __________________ and practices.
This is a group of people who share a common __________________ .
Southern and Eastern Asia’s population is a __________________ of many ethnic groups.
All of these things make up a common culture __________________ by the members of the ethnic group.
These characteristics have been part of their community for __________________ .
Shared history, __________________ , language, religion, traditions, customs, holidays, food, etc.
Ethnic groups can __________________ things in common:
They are identified on the basis of religion, __________________ , or national origin.
This is a group of people who share __________________ characteristics.
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SE Asia’s Belief Systems
CLOZE Notes 1

5. SE Asia’s Belief Systems
Middle Way
Nirvana
Beliefs
Enlightenment
Buddha
In order to achieve Nirvana, a person must follow The Middle Way (eight __________________ ).
It is a state of enlightenment where one can have __________________ .
__________________ is the ultimate goal of Buddhists.
Buddhists do not believe in a god or gods; instead, they __________________ .
Buddhists also believe in __________________ , a cycle of birth and rebirth, where one’s behavior in this life determines what one becomes in the next life.
Buddha taught that there were Four Noble Truths in life (basic instructions that teach suffering exists in the world and humans much reach enlightenment to __________________ ).
Buddha recorded his basic teachings in the Tripitaka, the holy book that teaches that suffering exists in the world but humans can overcome it by __________________ .
Soon, many people became __________________ .
Buddha __________________ ancient India sharing his enlightenment with others.
He became the Buddha, or “__________________ ”, after spending so much time pondering the ways of life.
Guatama felt that people could find peace only if they could __________________ and desire.
After meditating about the __________________ , he finally thought he understood what had to be done.
__________________, thinking carefully about what matters in life
Avoid excitement or anger
Do not think __________________
Choose a job that __________________ to others
Respect other people and their belongings
Do __________________ that hurt others
Try to __________________ and bad people
Try to recognize the truth
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SE Asia’s Belief Systems
CLOZE Notes 2

6. SE Asia’s Belief Systems
Caste System
Reincarnation
Texts
Polytheistic
Origin
HINDUISM
Today, however, many Hindus can achieve a higher social class through __________________ or getting an education.
A fifth caste is considered even lower, the __________________ or pariahs, who do work that no one else would do.
The caste system __________________ into 4 main classes:
Many jobs in India are __________________ based on caste connections.
Traditional families would __________________ children marry someone from another caste.
Historically, the __________________ castes was to be born into a different one in the next life.
Hindus live by the __________________ - a belief that social class is hereditary and does not change throughout a person’s life.
The goal of Hindus is to achieve moksha, or __________________ from the cycle of reincarnation.
A soul is reincarnated over and over again until it is good enough to achieve __________________ .
In Hinduism, a __________________ (good or bad behavior) in one life determines his or her position, wealth, and social class in the next life.
They believe that the soul __________________ with the body, but enters the body of another being (human or animal) to live another life.
All Hindus believe in reincarnation, a __________________ , death, and rebirth.
__________________, which is composed of complicated prayers, rituals, and hymns, is one example.
Instead, there are many important texts that teach __________________ .
Hindus __________________ just one holy book that they consider sacred.
There are some gods, like __________________ , who are more significant and are worshipped more often than others.
Hindus are __________________ , meaning they believe in many gods and goddesses.
Today, Hinduism is largely practiced in India where __________________ of Indians claim to be Hindu.
Hinduism is the __________________ in the world, behind Christianity and Islam.
Hinduism developed in __________________ around 1500 BCE.
Shudras (__________________ and field workers)
Vaishyas (merchants, traders, __________________ )
Kashatriyas (__________________ , rulers, soldiers)
Brahmans (priests and wise men) – __________________
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SE Asia’s Belief Systems
CLOZE Notes 3

7. SE Asia’s Belief Systems
Kami
Origin
THE PHILOSOPHY OF SHINTOISM
Since Shinto offers no ideas of a moral code, a god, or life after death, many Japanese who practice Shinto also __________________ as well.
Followers must perform many ceremonies and rituals to __________________ the world.
Shintoism also teaches that __________________ (cleanliness) is more important than moral purity.
Shintoists are expected to respect and honor all __________________ .
Instead, Shintoists __________________ that help connect them to nature and to their ancestors.
Shintoism __________________ , primary god or text.
Most Japanese households have a small altar where the family will offer prayers for the spirits they hope will __________________ them.
Shintoists offer prayers and perform rituals to __________________ the kami.
Shrines are built to help __________________ believed to have become kami after death.
Many Japanese believe that the mountains and rivers in Japan are home to these kami and are considered __________________ .
Shintoism is based on the traditional Japanese teaching that everything in nature contains kami, or the __________________ .
Shintoism was once the official state religion of Japan and is still __________________ among the Japanese today.
It __________________ to other parts of the world.
Shintoism is a belief system that is __________________ .
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SE Asia’s Belief Systems
CLOZE Notes 4

8. SE Asia’s Belief Systems
Golden Rule
Beliefs
Confucius
Origin
THE PHILOSOPHY OF CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism is a belief system based on good __________________ .
His __________________ of Behavior was “What you do not like when done unto yourself, do not unto others.”
Confucius believed that if each relationship were __________________ , there would be peace and harmony in the country.
There are five basic types of __________________ : ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, older brother and younger brother, & friend and friend.
It teaches that each person has a place in society and that he or she must __________________ if society is to function in harmony.
Confucianism is based on __________________ and does not follow one ruling god.
Confucius created a __________________ for social life and politics that every person should follow in order to bring peace to China.
He believed he knew how to bring peace to ancient China – the key was for people to behave with __________________ and virtue.
Confucius was born in 550 BCE, a time when the government was having __________________ and warlords controlled much of the land.
It has continued to have great influence on Chinese government for over __________________ .
Confucianism was declared the official guiding practice for the __________________ in 121 BCE.
Confucianism is not a religion but rather __________________ that is often said to be the foundation of modern Chinese culture.
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SE Asia’s Belief Systems
CLOZE Notes 5

9. Belief Systems Southern & Eastern Asia’s
Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and Confucianism
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10. Ethnic Group
This is a group of people who share common cultural characteristics.
They are identified on the basis of religion, race, or national origin.
Ethnic groups can have many things in common:
Shared history, physical appearance, language, religion, traditions, customs, holidays, food, etc.
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11. Ethnic Group
These characteristics have been part of their community for generations.
All of these things make up a common culture that is shared by the members of the ethnic group.
Southern and Eastern Asia’s population is a unique blend of many ethnic groups.
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12. Tagalogs of the Philippines
Chams of Vietnam
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13. Religious Group
This is a group of people who share a common belief system.
A religious group is identified based on mutual religious beliefs and practices.
They believe in the same god (or gods) and have a common sacred text with a specific set of rules about how to live.
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14. Religious Group
People from different ethnic groups may share the same religion; however, they may be from different cultures.
There are many religious groups found throughout Southern and Eastern Asia, with the most predominate being Buddhism and Hinduism.
There are also followers of the religious philosophies of Shintoism and Confucianism.
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15. Tibetan Buddhist Monks
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16. Buddhism
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17. Origin
Around 500 BCE, Buddhism originated in India and rapidly spread from there.
Today, Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world with 6% of the population being Buddhist.
The religion’s largest numbers of followers are found in Southern and Eastern Asia.
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18. Distribution of Buddhists Around the World
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19. Guatama
Buddhism was founded by the royal Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama.
Guatama was a rich man who led a life of luxury; however, he was troubled by the poverty and suffering that he saw around him.
He became a monk and traveled around India for years, hoping to find out why people had to suffer.
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20. One of the earliest statues of Siddhartha Guatama – circa 1st-2nd century CE.
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21. Buddha
After meditating about the unhappiness of man, he finally thought he understood what had to be done.
Guatama felt that people could find peace only if they could reject greed and desire.
He became the Buddha, or “enlightened one”, after spending so much time pondering the ways of life.
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22. Painting of Buddha Surrounded By Monks
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23. Enlightenment
Buddha traveled all over ancient India sharing his enlightenment with others.
Soon, many people became devout followers.
Buddha recorded his basic teachings in the Tripitaka, the holy book that teaches that suffering exists in the world but humans can overcome it by becoming enlightened.
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24. Sarnath – where Buddha gave his first sermon.
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25. Beliefs
Buddha taught that there were Four Noble Truths in life (basic instructions that teach suffering exists in the world and humans much reach enlightenment to rise above it).
Buddhists also believe in reincarnation, a cycle of birth and rebirth, where one’s behavior in this life determines what one becomes in the next life.
Buddhists do not believe in a god or gods; instead, they follow Buddha’s teachings.
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26. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Singapore
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27. Nirvana Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhists.
It is a state of enlightenment where one can have happiness and peace.
In order to achieve Nirvana, a person must follow The Middle Way (eight rules for conduct).
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28. Mahabodhi temple in India - Where Buddha attained nirvana under the Bodhi tree.
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29. Middle Way 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
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30. Buddha Memorial Center - Taiwan
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31. Hinduism
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32. Origin Hinduism developed in ancient India around 1500 BCE.
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, behind Christianity and Islam.
Today, Hinduism is largely practiced in India where over 80% of Indians claim to be Hindu.
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33. Akshardham Temple in Delhi – World’s Largest Hindu Temple
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34. Polytheistic
Hindus are polytheistic, meaning they believe in many gods and goddesses.
There are some gods, like Shiva and Vishnu, who are more significant and are worshipped more often than others.
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35. Statue of Shiva – 65 Ft. Tall
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36. Texts Hindus do not have just one holy book that they consider sacred.
Instead, there are many important texts that teach proper Hindu behavior.
The Vedas, which is composed of complicated prayers, rituals, and hymns, is one example.
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37. Reincarnation
All Hindus believe in reincarnation, a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
They believe that the soul does not die with the body, but enters the body of another being (human or animal) to live another life.
In Hinduism, a person’s karma (good or bad behavior) in one life determines his or her position, wealth, and social class in the next life.
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38. Some animals, like the cow, are especially sacred, and many Hindus are vegetarians.
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39. Reincarnation
A soul is reincarnated over and over again until it is good enough to achieve moksha.
The goal of Hindus is to achieve moksha, or peace and freedom from the cycle of reincarnation.
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40. Diwali “Festival of Lights” – Hindu Celebration in India
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41. Caste System
Hindus live by the caste system - a belief that social class is hereditary and does not change throughout a person’s life.
Historically, the only way to change castes was to be born into a different one in the next life.
Traditional families would not let their children marry someone from another caste.
Many jobs in India are still awarded based on caste connections.
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42. Caste System The caste system divides people into 4 main classes:
Brahmans (priests and wise men) – highest class
Kashatriyas (warriors, rulers, soldiers)
Vaishyas (merchants, traders, small farmers)
Shudras (peasants and field workers)
A fifth caste is considered even lower, the untouchables or pariahs, who do work that no one else would do.
Today, however, many Hindus can achieve a higher social class through learning new skills or getting an education.
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43. School of Untouchables – Early 1900s
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44. The Philosophy of
Shintoism
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45. Origin Shintoism is a belief system that is unique to Japan.
It has not spread to other parts of the world.
Shintoism was once the official state religion of Japan and is still widely honored among the Japanese today.
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46. Kami
Shintoism is based on the traditional Japanese teaching that everything in nature contains kami, or the spirit of a god.
Many Japanese believe that the mountains and rivers in Japan are home to these kami and are considered very sacred.
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47. Mt. Fuji – Sacred to Shintoism
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48. Kami
Shrines are built to help worship ancestors believed to have become kami after death.
Shintoists offer prayers and perform rituals to honor and please the kami.
Most Japanese households have a small altar where the family will offer prayers for the spirits they hope will bless and protect them.
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49. Torri Gates Outside of a Shinto Shrine
Torri gates mark the separation between the human world and the world of the kami.
Torri Gates Outside of a Shinto Shrine
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50. Beliefs Shintoism follows no single, primary god or text.
Instead, Shintoists follow daily rituals that help connect them to nature and to their ancestors.
Shintoists are expected to respect and honor all life and nature.
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51. Beliefs
Shintoism also teaches that physical purity (cleanliness) is more important than moral purity.
Followers must perform many ceremonies and rituals to cleanse and purify the world.
Since Shinto offers no ideas of a moral code, a god, or life after death, many Japanese who practice Shinto also practice another religion as well.
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52. Shinto Shrine
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53. The Philosophy of
Confucianism
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54. Origin
Confucianism is not a religion but rather a philosophy that is often said to be the foundation of modern Chinese culture.
Confucianism was declared the official guiding practice for the Chinese government in 121 BCE.
It has continued to have great influence on Chinese government for over 2000 years.
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56. Confucius
Confucius was born in 550 BCE, a time when the government was having trouble keeping order and warlords controlled much of the land.
He believed he knew how to bring peace to ancient China – the key was for people to behave with good character and virtue.
Confucius created a moral structure for social life and politics that every person should follow in order to bring peace to China.
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57. © Brain Wrinkles

58. Beliefs
Confucianism is based on society and traditions and does not follow one ruling god.
It teaches that each person has a place in society and that he or she must accept that position if society is to function in harmony.
There are five basic types of relationships in society: ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, older brother and younger brother, & friend and friend.
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59. Golden Rule
Confucius believed that if each relationship were based on kindness, there would be peace and harmony in the country.
His Golden Rule of Behavior was “What you do not like when done unto yourself, do not unto others.”
Confucianism is a belief system based on good deeds and morality.
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60. Temple & Cemetery of Confucius in his Hometown
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61. Print off the Belief Systems chart for each student.
TEACHER INFO:
Print off the Belief Systems chart for each student.
They should complete the chart after discussing the presentation.
Check answers as a class when finished.
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62. Buddhism Hinduism Shintoism Southern and Eastern Asia’s Belief Systems
Directions: Complete the chart below to compare and contrast the belief systems of Southern and Eastern Asia. If there is no information about a topic, you may leave that section blank.
Buddhism
Hinduism
Shintoism
Confucianism
Origin & Date
God(s)
Important People
What are the main beliefs or ideas?
(at least 3)
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63. TEACHER INFO: Belief Systems Mascots
Print off the Mascots handout for each student. (Print front-to- back to save paper.)
The students will create mascots to represent each of the belief systems.
They will name & draw an illustration of the mascot.
They will also write a description about how/why the mascot represents the belief system.
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64. Belief Systems Mascots
Directions: Create mascots to represent the belief systems of Southern and Eastern Asia. Think about all of the information that you have learned about the belief systems. You will create an illustration of each mascot. You will also write an explanation as to why the mascots were chosen to represent each belief system.
Buddhism Mascot Name:
Hinduism Mascot Name:
Mascot Description:
Mascot Description:
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65. Belief Systems Mascots
Directions: Create mascots to represent the belief systems of Southern and Eastern Asia. Think about all of the information that you have learned about the belief systems. You will create an illustration of each mascot. You will also write an explanation as to why the mascots were chosen to represent each belief system.
Shintoism Mascot Name:
Confucianism Mascot Name:
Mascot Description:
Mascot Description:
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66. TEACHER INFO: Belief Systems Playlist
Print off the Song Playlist handout for each student.
The students will pick songs that remind them of the 4 different belief systems.
The students will also explain why they chose each song and how it reminds them of the belief system.
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67. Belief Systems Song Playlist
Directions: Create a song playlist about Southern and Eastern Asia’s different belief systems.. Also, write a brief explanation of how the song relates to the topic
Song Titles
Explanations
Buddhism -
Hinduism -
Shintoism -
Confucianism -
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68. TEACHER INFO: Comprehension Check
Print off the Comprehension Check for each student. (Print front-to-back to save paper.)
The students will complete this handout at the end of the lesson. You can count this as a quiz!
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69. Southern & Eastern Asia’s Belief Systems
1. What is a religious group?
2. Give an example in Southern and Eastern Asia.
3. What is an ethnic group?
4. Give an example in Southern and Eastern Asia.
5. Which religion originated in India and follows the teachings of one man?
6. Who is the founder of Buddhism?
7. Buddhists believe that reaching what will free them from life’s sufferings?
8. What are some things that Buddhists can do in order to reach enlightenment?
9. Behind Christianity and Islam, which religion is the third largest in the world?
10. About 80% of which country’s population are followers of Hindu?
11. Buddhists and Hinduists believe in reincarnation. What is this belief?
12. The goal of the Hindus is to achieve what?
13. What is the Hindu caste system?
14. How can Hindus improve their social class today?
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Southern & Eastern Asia’s Belief Systems
Comprehension Check

70. Southern & Eastern Asia’s Belief Systems
15. Which religion is unique to Japan?
16. Why are shrines important places of worship for Shintoists?
17. Who/what are the kami in Shintoism?
18. Instead of focusing on moral purity like other belief systems, what does Shintoism focus on?
19. What is the philosophy that is the foundation of modern Chinese culture?
20. What did Confucius believe was the way to bring peace to ancient China?
21. Summarize Confucius’ Golden Rule in your own words:
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Southern & Eastern Asia’s Belief Systems
Comprehension Check

71. TEACHER INFO: Ticket Out the Door
Print off the Recycle It Ticket Out the Door for each student (two-per-page).
Have the students connect today’s lesson with something that they’ve previously learned.
They will explain how the “recycled material” relates to the new concepts from today’s lesson.
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72. Recycle It Recycle It Topic: Topic: Explanation: Explanation:
Name:
Name:
Recycle It
Recycle It
Name something that you’ve previously learned that relates to today’s lesson. Explain the connection.
Name something that you’ve previously learned that relates to today’s lesson. Explain the connection.
Topic:
Topic:
Explanation:
Explanation:
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