Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism and

Confucianism

SS7G12 The student will analyze the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southern and Eastern Asia.

b. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and the philosophy of Confucianism.

.

Confucianism

Confucianism “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.”

-Confucius

Confucianism• Not considered a religion, but a way of life which is based on

the teachings of its founder

• Founded in China

• Created by Chinese Philosopher Confucius – 551-479 BCE

– Believed he could bring peace to ancient China

• His teachings stressed Family Importance– Children should respect their parents – Subjects should respect their ruler– Rulers should treat their subjects fairly

Hinduism

Hinduism“A person can achieve everything by being simple and humble.”–Rig Veda

Hinduism• One of the oldest religions in

the world.• over 80% of Indians are Hindu• Do not following teachings of a

man.• Believe in many gods who are

all images from a single god Brahma – Not Polytheistic

Hinduism• Followers of the Hindu religion believe..

– Karma : a positive and negative force caused by a persons actions; determines ones position in life.

– Reincarnation- Ultimate goal is to reach moksha (freedom from reincarnation)

– No one sacred text. Rather, there are many texts like the Vedas that teach Hindus behavior

Hinduism

• Hindus also believe in the Caste System– Brahmans (priests)– Kashatriyas (soldiers)– Vaishyas (merchants)– Shudras (laborers)

Buddhism

Buddhism

Young Buddhist monks at a temple in Bagan, Burma. Photo © Sara Heinrichs.

"One thing I teach:

suffering and the end of suffering.It is just ill and the

ceasing of ill that I

proclaim."

-- The Buddha

Buddhism• Religion founded in India, based on the

teachings of its founder

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (a Hindu) who was searching for enlightenment

• Became enlightened while sitting under a Bo or Bodhi tree– Named Buddha (means enlightened one)

Buddhism• Followers do not believe in a god, but

rather the teachings of Buddha– Four Noble Truths and Eight Fold Path– Tripitaka (holy book)– Ultimate goal is to reach Nirvana (Perfect

Peace)– Reincarnation- a cycle of birth and rebirth

• Behavior in present life determines what you will be in next life

• Worship in Temples called Pagodas.

Shintoism

ShintoismOur eyes may see some uncleanliness, but let not our mind see things that are not clean. Our ears may hear some uncleanliness, but let not our mind hear things that are not clean.

– Shinto Prayer

Shintoism• Earliest known religion of Japan

• Centers around Kami– The spirit of a god

• Unlike Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism Shintoism has not spread to other parts of the world. – No rules for moral living– No concepts of a single god

Shintoism• Shintoists….– Reverent to nature, life, birth, and fertility– Physical purity more important than moral

purity– Worship their ancestors in Shrines

• Believe ancestors become Kami

• Many people who practice Shintoism also practice another religion.

• Shamans are Shinto Priests who communicate with the spirits

• A Tori is the gate to all Shinto Shrines