1. Unit 3 - The “Classical Era” in the East
Hindu, Buddha, Confucianism, Daoism

2. Hinduism
Where did it begin?
Around 900 B.C. with the Aryan in India.

3. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Gods / Religion
Believed that there are many gods & goddesses.
Each of these gods is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being.
Hindus provided its believers with an entire way of life.
Explained everything a person should do from birth to death.
Hindus had no single holy book, but various writings provided guidance.
Such texts were the Vedas &Upanishads.

4. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Caste System
A social order – (social & religious rules)
Under this system, people were divided into five hereditary classes.
Caste lines were rigid & based on birth; people lacked all social mobility.
Marrying outside of one’s caste was not permitted.
Untouchables performed the lowest tasks (handling dead bodies or sweeping streets).

5. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Reincarnation
Hindus believed that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing.
This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul.

6. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Karma
Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life.
People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste.
Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste.

7. Hinduism Main Beliefs: Sacred Objects
Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred & has the power to wash away sin & evil.
The cow is also considered sacred, & religious Hindus do not eat beef.

8. Hinduism

9. Buddhism Where did it begin? India around 500 B.C.
Founded by Siddhartha Guatama

10. Buddhism Main Beliefs: Basic Philosophy
Based on self-denial & meditation.
Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

11. Buddhism Main Beliefs: Gods & Holy Books
Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God).
They do not have a primary holy book.
Their basic beliefs are found in books called Sutras.

12. Buddhism Main Beliefs: Four Noble Truths
These truths explain life’s meaning.
They explain that pain & suffering is caused by human desires (such as material wealth & selfish pleasures).
Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace & harmony.

13. Buddhism Main Beliefs: Eightfold Path
To give up selfish human desires, Buddhists believe one should follow this path:
Have the right goals
Have the right perspective
Be aware
Act in a worthy manner
Speak truthfully
Live righteously
Respect all living things
Meditate

14. Buddhism Main Beliefs: Nirvana
By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations & achieve nirvana.
A state of eternal peace & bliss

15. Confucianism
Where did it begin?
China
Founded by Confucius

16. Confucianism Main Beliefs: Natural Order
There is a natural order to the universe & to human relationships.
Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her position in the universe.

17. Confucianism Main Beliefs: Role of Each Person
Each person’s social role brings a number of obligations.
If everyone fulfills these rolls by meeting their obligations, people & society will be in harmony.

18. Confucianism Main Beliefs: Relationships
In each relationship, there is a superior & an inferior.
The superior must show love & responsibility, while the inferior must show loyalty & obedience.

19. Confucianism Main Beliefs: Mandate of Heaven
If the ruler benefits his people & provides them with food & protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of Heaven (the right to rule).

20. Daoism – the “way” (the Dao)
Where did it begin?
China
Based on the teachings of Lao Tzu (Laozi)

21. Daoism – the “way” (the Dao)
Main Beliefs:
Rejection of conflict.
Daoists have a deep respect for nature & harmony, & accept things rather than trying to change them.
Sought to live in harmony with nature.
Believed that government was unnatural.