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WORLD RELIGIONS
HinduismBuddhismConfucianismLegalismDaoismJudaismChristianityIslam
Religions of
South Asia
Religions of
South Asia
Religion in the Subcontinent
Religion in the Subcontinent
Hinduism
What is Hinduism? • One of the oldest religions
– About 1500 B.C.E. – Began in India
• Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism
• Tolerance and diversity– "Truth is one, paths are many“– “There is only one God, but endless are his
aspects and endless are his names”– “We are not human beings having spiritual
experiences;We are spiritual beings having a human experience!”
What do Hindus believe?• Hinduism has no formal theology that
defines God• It is henotheistic (acknowledging many but
worshiping only one)• Brahman—One impersonal Ultimate Reality
– Manifest as many personal deities
• Atman—The soul, Brahma trapped in matter • Samsara—Reincarnation – atman is
continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime
• Karma—Spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad)
• Moksha—Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman
• Vedas—Truth: myths, rituals, chants
Major gods of the Hindu Pantheon
Brahma, the creator god
Vishnu, the preserver god
Shiva, god of constructive destruction(the transformer)
What are the spiritualpractices of Hinduism?• Yoga—seeking union with the divine:• Guru—a spiritual teacher, especially
helpful for Jnana and Raja yoga• Bhakti Yoga—worship, seeking union
with the divine through loving devotion to manifest deities
•In the home (household shrines)•In the temples (priests officiate)
How does Hinduism direct
life in this world?• Respect for all life – vegetarian• Human life as supreme:
– Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class
– Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, wandering philosopher
– Four duties of life – pleasure, success, social responsibilities, religious responsibilities (moksha)
Buddhism
The essence of Buddhism
The essence of Buddhism
The “middle way of The “middle way of wisdom and wisdom and compassion.”compassion.”
The 3 jewels of The 3 jewels of Buddhism:Buddhism:
BuddhaBuddha, the teacher., the teacher. DharmaDharma, the , the
teachings.teachings. SanghaSangha, the , the
communitycommunity..
Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)
Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) Born as prince in NE India Born as prince in NE India
(Nepal)(Nepal) At 29 rejected luxurious At 29 rejected luxurious
life to seek enlightenmentlife to seek enlightenmentand source of sufferingand source of suffering
Lived a strict, ascetic Lived a strict, ascetic life for 6 yrslife for 6 yrs
Rejecting this extreme, sat in Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation and found meditation and found nirvananirvana
Became Became “The Enlightened “The Enlightened One,”One,” at 35 at 35
What is the fundamental cause
of all suffering?
What is the fundamental cause
of all suffering?
Desire!Desire! Therefore, extinguish the Therefore, extinguish the
self, don’t obsess about self, don’t obsess about oneself.oneself.
Four Noble Truths
Four Noble Truths1.1. There is suffering in the world. There is suffering in the world.
To live is to suffer. To live is to suffer.
2.2. The cause of suffering is self-The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and centered desire and attachments.attachments.
3.3. The solution is to eliminate The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments.desire and attachments.
4.4. To reach nirvana, one must To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path.follow the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold PathEightfold Path
NirvanaNirvana The union with the The union with the ultimate ultimate spiritual reality. spiritual reality.
Escape from the cycle of Escape from the cycle of
rebirth. rebirth.
Buddha – 19c
Thailand
Buddha – 19c
Thailand
Buddha –
2c Pakistan
Buddha –
2c Pakistan
Mandala: Wheel of Life Motifs
Mandala: Wheel of Life Motifs
Types of BuddhismTypes of
Buddhism Therevada Therevada BuddhismBuddhismThe oldest school of Buddhism.The oldest school of Buddhism.Found in southern Asia.Found in southern Asia.Focus on wisdom and meditation.Focus on wisdom and meditation.Goal: is to become a Goal: is to become a “Buddha“Buddha,” or ,” or “Enlightened One.”“Enlightened One.”
Mahayana Mahayana BuddhismBuddhismFounded in northern Asia (China, Japan).Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan).Buddhism “for the masses.”Buddhism “for the masses.”GoalGoal: Not just individual escape from the : Not just individual escape from the wheel, but the salvation of all humanity wheel, but the salvation of all humanity through self-sacrifice of those enlightened through self-sacrifice of those enlightened few.few.
Types of BuddhismTypes of
Buddhism Zen BuddhismZen BuddhismSeeks sudden enlightenment through Seeks sudden enlightenment through meditation, arriving at emptinessmeditation, arriving at emptinessUse of meditation mastersUse of meditation mastersBeauty, art, and aesthetics, such as gardens & Beauty, art, and aesthetics, such as gardens & calligraphycalligraphy
Tibetan BuddhismTibetan BuddhismDeveloped in Tibet in the 7c CE.Developed in Tibet in the 7c CE.A mix of Theravada and MahayanaA mix of Theravada and MahayanaInclude Lamas, like the Include Lamas, like the Dalai LamaDalai Lama
Growth of BuddhismGrowth of Buddhism
Both
Reincarnation
Cyclical view of history
Belief in a state of enlightenment (Hindu
moksha, Buddhist nirvana)
Caste system The Middle Way (Eightfold Path)
Four Noble Truths
Hinduismonly
Buddhismonly
Confucianism
* 551 – 479 B.C.E.
* Born in the feudal state of Liu
* Became a teacher and editor of books
Li --> Rite, rules, ritual decorum (Binding force of an enduring stable society)
Ren --> humaneness, benevolence, humanity
Shu --> Reciprocity, empathy
Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.
Yi --> Righteousness
Xiao --> Filial Piety (Respect your elders!)
1. Ruler
Subject
2. Father
Son
3. Husband
Wife
4. Older Brother
YoungerBrother
5. Older Friend
YoungerFriend
* Status
* Age
* Gender
* The single most important Confucian work.
*Knowing what he knows and knowing what he doesn’t know, are characteristics of
the person who knows.
*Making a mistake and not correcting it, is making another mistake.
*The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others.
*To go too far is as wrong as to fall short.
* The emperor is the example of proper behavior --> “big daddy”
* Social relationships are based on “rites” or “rituals”
* Even religious rituals are important for SOCIAL, not religious reasons
INDIA 1. Brahmin
CHINA 1. Scholar-
Gentry 2. Kshatriyas
2. Peasants 3. Vaishyas
4. Shudras
3. Artisans 4.
Merchants Untouchab
les Domestic
Slaves
Legalism
* 280? - 233 B.C.E.
* Late Warring States period
* Legalism became political philosophy of Qin [Ch’in] Dynasty
1. Human nature is naturally selfish.
2. Intellectualism and literacy is discouraged.
3. Law is the supreme authority and replaces morality.
4. The ruler must rule with a strong, punishing hand.
5. War is the means of strengthening a ruler’s power.
One who favors the principle that individuals should obey a powerful authority rather than exercise individual freedom.
Daoism
*604 B.C.E. - ?
* His name means “Old Master”
* Was he Confucius’ teacher?
1. Dao [Tao] is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.
2. A believer’s goal is to become one with Dao; one with nature.
3. Wu wei --> “Let nature take its course.” --> “The art of doing nothing.” --> “Go with the flow!”
4. Man is unhappy because he lives according to man-made laws, customs & traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature.
1. Rejecting formal knowledge and learning.
2. Relying on the senses and instincts.
3. Discovering the nature and “rhythm” of the universe.
4. Ignoring political and social laws.
To escape the “social, political, & cultural traps” of life, one must escape by:
* Masculine
* Active
* Light
* Warmth
* Strong
* Heaven; Sun
* Feminine
* Passive
* Darkness
* Cold
* Weak
* Earth; Moon
How is a man to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity??
Confucianism --> Moral order in society
Legalism --> Rule by harsh law & order
Daoism --> Freedom for individuals and less government to avoid uniformity and conformity
Judaism
JudaismMonotheistic, believing in one true God
Omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent Unity and singularity of God as He is revealed though Torah
Sh’ma–cornerstone of all Jewish belief.Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord
our God, the Lord is one.”Israelites believed they were God’s “chosen people.” They believed that God would lead them to “promised land.”
5
JudaismBorn in grace, live in grace, and die in grace
Sin is not a fact of birth, it is a matter of choice
Olam Ha-Ba: “The World to Come” Messiah will reign Jewish temple will be rebuilt Nation of Israel will be fully restored World order of justice and compassion.
Teachings on Law and Morality
Jewish prophets, or spiritual leaders, preached code of ethics, or moral standards of behaviorTorah—laws that addressed all aspects of life, from cleanliness and food preparation to criminal mattersTen Commandments
5
Significant Jewish “Holy” Days
Shabbat – Sabbath–day of rest Friday sundown through Saturday sundown
Prohibited: work, travel, commerceYom Kippur –"Day of Atonement"
Atone for sins of past year – sins between man and GodOn Yom Kippur, judgments of God are entered into “the books” and then sealed
Rosh Hashanah –New Year, plan better life and begin introspection Passover –commemorate Israelites’ escape from Egypt
Personal journey from slavery to freedom
Christianity
EARLY CHRISTIANITY
• Roots– Judaism– Teachings of John the Baptist, Jesus, and
apostles
• Earliest converts were Jews who did not think they were breaking away from Hebrew Law– Early Christians wished to be considered
Jews • Jewish religion officially recognized by Roman
government and its adherents had certain privileges
BELIEFS
• Based on belief that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, the son of God– One of Trinity
• God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit– Teachings
• In Gospels • 12 disciples
– Death at 33• By believing in Jesus, his followers will
go to Heaven at their death• Bible is Word of God• Holy days—Christmas & Easter
Islam
An Abrahamic Religion
Islam
An Abrahamic ReligionStrict monotheists
Believe:
Allah, the Judeo-Christian God
The Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God
Peoples of the BookPeoples of the Book
Abraham’s GenealogyAbraham’s Genealogy
ABRAHAMABRAHAM SARAHSARAHHAGARHAGAR
IsaacIsaac
EsauEsauJacobJacob
12 Tribes of Israel
12 Tribes of Israel
Ishmael
Ishmael
12 Arabian Tribes
12 Arabian Tribes
The Prophetic Tradition
The Prophetic TraditionAdam
Noah
Abraham
Moses
Jesus
Muhammad
The Origins of the Qur’anThe Origins of the Qur’an
Muhammad received first revelation from angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira in 610.
622 Hijrah Muhammed fled Mecca for Medina.
* The beginning of the Muslim calendar
Muhammad’s revelations were compiled into the Qur’an after his death.
The Qur’anThe Qur’an
Muslims believe it contains word of God
114 suras (chapters).
In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful. Written in Arabic.
1. The Shahada1. The Shahada
11
The testimony
The declaration of faith:There is no god worthy of There is no god worthy of worship except God, andworship except God, andMuhammad is HisMuhammad is HisMessenger [or Prophet].Messenger [or Prophet].
There is no god worthy of There is no god worthy of worship except God, andworship except God, andMuhammad is HisMuhammad is HisMessenger [or Prophet].Messenger [or Prophet].
2. The Salat2. The Salat
22
The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed
Wash before praying
Face Mecca and use prayer rug
2. The Salat2. The Salat
22
The call to prayer by muezzin in minaret
Pray in mosque on Friday
3. The Zakat3. The Zakat
33
Almsgiving (charitable donations)
Muslims believe that all things belong to God
Zakat means both “purification” and “growth”
About 2.5% of your income
4. The Sawm4. The Sawm
44
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
Considered a method of self- purification
No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan
5. The Hajj5. The Hajj
55
The pilgrimage to Mecca
Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime
2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year
5. The Hajj5. The Hajj
55
Those who complete pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name
The Dar al-Islam
The Dar al-Islam
11 22 33 44 55
The WorldThe Worldof Islamof Islam
The WorldThe Worldof Islamof Islam
The MosqueThe Mosque The Muslim place of worship
The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem
Mount Moriah Rockwhere Muhammad ascended into heaven
Other Islamic Religious Practices
Other Islamic Religious Practices
Up to four wives allowed at once
No alcohol or pork
No gambling
Sharia body of Islamic law to regulate daily living
Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem
Essential Question:Essential Question:
Why was Islam able to spread so
quickly and convert so many
to the new religion?
The Spread of IslamThe Spread of Islam
Easy to learn and practice
No priesthood
Teaches equality
Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes
Easily “portable” nomads & trade routes
Jihad (“Holy War”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”)
Muslims in the WorldToday
Muslims in the WorldToday
Countries with the Largest Muslim
Population
Countries with the Largest Muslim
Population1. Indonesia 183,000,00
06. Iran 62,000,000
2. Pakistan 134,000,000
7. Egypt 59,000,000
3. India 121,000,000
8. Nigeria 53,000,000
4. Bangladesh
114,000,000
9. Algeria 31,000,000
5. Turkey 66,000,000 10. Morocco 29,000,000
* Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world.
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Stemmed from political differences
Dates back to death of Muhammad
Who should lead Muslim nation?
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Sunni Muslims
Leader should be elected from among those capable of the job
This is what was done
"Sunni" in Arabic comes from word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet"
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & ShiaShia Muslims
Leader from Prophet's family
Appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself
Leadership should have passed to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali
Follow line of Imams appointed by Muhammad or God Himself
"Shia" in Arabic means supportive group
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Other differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Sunni Muslims believe there is no basis in Islam for hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders
Believe no basis for veneration or intercession of saints
Believe leadership is not birthright, but a trust that is earned
May be given or taken away by people themselves
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Shia Muslims believe that Imam is sinless by nature
His authority is infallible as it comes directly from God
Often venerate Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines hoping for divine intercession
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia
From Umayyad to Abbasid EmpiresARAB ISLAMI
C
Rise of Abbasid Party• The party traced its descent from Muhammad’s
uncle, al-Abbas. • Al-Abbas’ great great grandson, Abu al-Abbas
led his forces against Umayyads• His allies were
– Shi’a– Mawali (Islamic converts) to gain acceptance in
community of believers
• Captured Umayyad capital in Syria• At “Reconciliation Banquet” al-Abbas
slaughtered remaining Umayyad family
Early Abbasid Era• Began to reject Shi’a and Malawi allies…and
defended Sunni Islam • Built centralized, absolutist imperial order• New capital: Baghdad “The Round City” (2km in
diameter) on Tigris River– Baghdad became richest city in the world (only
Constantinople came close)
• Had palace with jeweled thrones and harems– Image of elitism was important
• For more than a century, able to collect revenue and preserve law over much of empire
Islamic Conversion
• Mass conversions to Islam were encouraged throughout empire
• Most converts were won over peacefully because of appeal of Islamic beliefs and advantages they enjoyed:
- didn’t have to pay head tax
- educational opportunities
- jobs as traders, administrators, judges
Town & Country: Commercial Boom and
Agrarian Expansion• Abbasid Era was a great time of urban expansion and growth of merchant and landlord classes.
• Tang & Song Dynasties in China were also reviving middle merchant class. (results of falls of Rome/Han)
• Arab DHOWS - trading vessels with triangular (lateen) sails were used from Mediterranean to South China Sea – Later influenced European ship design
Town & Country: Commercial Boom and Agrarian Expansion,
cont..• Muslim merchants formed joint ventures with Christian and Jewish traders – Each merchant had different Sabbath so they
could work 7 days a week
• Merchants grew rich supplying cities with goods throughout the empire
• Much wealth went to charity (required by Qur’an) – Hospitals and medical care of Abbasid Empire
surpassed those of any other civilization of that time
Town & Country: Commercial Boom and Agrarian Expansion,
cont..• Much unskilled labor was left to slaves
• Some slaves were able rise to positions of power and gain freedom
• Huge estates might have slaves, indentured servants or sharecroppers
The First Flowering of Islamic Learning
• Early contributions from Abbasid were great mosques and palaces. Ex: Dome of the Rock
• Advances in religious, legal and philosophical discourse
• Science and Math! – preserved Greek works of medicine, algebra, geometry,
astronomy, anatomy, and ethics
• Arabic traders in India carried Indian number system across Mediterranean and into Northern Europe – What’s the impact?
Global Connections: Early Islam & the World
• Abbasid Empire was “go-between” for ancient civilizations of Eastern Hemisphere– Role grew as Arab trade networks expanded
• Islam pioneered patterns of organization and thinking that would affect human societies in major ways for centuries
• 5 Centuries = Spread of Islam played dominant role in the Afro-Eurasian World
Global Connections: Early Islam & the World…
cont.• In the midst of achievement, Muslims had some growing disadvantages, especially to Europeans
• Muslim divisions would leave openings for political problems
Growing intolerance and orthodoxy led to the belief that the vast Islamic world contained all requirements for civilized life, which caused Muslim people to grow less receptive to outside influence and innovations…led to isolation at a time when Christian rivals were in a period of experimentation and exploration
WORLD RELIGIONS
HinduismBuddhismConfucianismLegalismDaoismJudaismChristianityIslam
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