WORLD RELIGIONS Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism Legalism Daoism Judaism

WORLD RELIGIONS Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism Legalism Daoism Judaism Christianity Islam

Religions of South Asia

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 spiritual practices 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 “middle way of wisdom and compassion. ” ] The 3 jewels of Buddhism: § Buddha, the teacher. § Dharma, the teachings. § Sangha, the community.

Siddhartha Gautama (563 -483 BCE) ] Born as prince in NE India ] ] (Nepal) At 29 rejected luxurious life to seek enlightenment and source of suffering Lived a strict, ascetic life for 6 yrs Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation and found nirvana Became “The Enlightened One, ” at 35

What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire! ] Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about oneself.

Four Noble Truths 1. There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer. 2. The cause of suffering is selfcentered desire and attachments. 3. The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments. 4. To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path Nirvana ] The union with the ultimate spiritual reality. ] Escape from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddha – 19 c Thailand Buddha 2 c Pakistan –

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motifs

Types of Buddhism ] Therevada Buddhism ]The oldest school of Buddhism. ]Found in southern Asia. ]Focus on wisdom and meditation. ]Goal: is to become a “Buddha, ” or “Enlightened One. ” ] Mahayana Buddhism ]Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan). ]Buddhism “for the masses. ” ]Goal: Not just individual escape from the wheel, but the salvation of all humanity through self-sacrifice of those enlightened few.

Types of Buddhism ] Zen Buddhism ]Seeks sudden enlightenment through meditation, arriving at emptiness ]Use of meditation masters ]Beauty, art, and aesthetics, such as gardens & calligraphy ] Tibetan Buddhism ]Developed in Tibet in the 7 c CE. ]A mix of Theravada and Mahayana ]Include Lamas, like the Dalai Lama

Growth of Buddhism

Hinduism only Caste system Both Reincarnation Cyclical view of history Belief in a state of enlightenment (Hindu moksha, Buddhist nirvana) Buddhism only The Middle Way (Eightfold Path) Four Noble Truths

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 2. Father * Status * Age * Gender Subject Son 3. Husband Wife 4. Older Brother Younger Brother 5. Older Friend Younger Friend

* 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 CHINA 1. Brahmin 1. Scholar-Gentry 2. Kshatriyas 2. Peasants 3. Vaishyas 3. Artisans 4. Shudras 4. Merchants Untouchable s 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.

Toescape the “social, political, & cultural traps” of life, one must escape by: 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.

* Masculine * Feminine * Active * Passive * Light * Darkness * Warmth * Cold * Strong * Weak * Heaven; Sun * 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

5 Judaism üMonotheistic, believing in one true God üOmniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent üUnity and singularity of God as He is revealed though Torah üSh’ma–cornerstone of all Jewish belief. üDeuteronomy 6: 4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ” üIsraelites believed they were God’s “chosen people. ” üThey believed that God would lead them to “promised land. ”

Judaism üBorn in grace, live in grace, and die in grace ü Sin is not a fact of birth, it is a matter of choice üOlam Ha-Ba: “The World to Come” ü ü Messiah will reign Jewish temple will be rebuilt Nation of Israel will be fully restored World order of justice and compassion.

5 Teachings on Law and Morality üJewish prophets, or spiritual leaders, preached code of ethics, or moral standards of behavior üTorah—laws that addressed all aspects of life, from cleanliness and food preparation to criminal matters üTen Commandments

Significant Jewish “Holy” Days ØShabbat – Sabbath–day of rest ØFriday sundown through Saturday sundown ØProhibited: work, travel, commerce ØYom Kippur –"Day of Atonement" ØAtone for sins of past year – sins between man and God ØOn Yom Kippur, judgments of God are entered into “the books” and then sealed ØRosh Hashanah –New Year, plan better life and begin introspection Ø Passover –commemorate Israelites’ escape from Egypt ØPersonal 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 ZStrict Z monotheists Believe: ZAllah, the Judeo-Christian God Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God ZThe Peoples of the Book

Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM Ishmael SARAH Isaac 12 Arabian Tribes Jacob Esau 12 Tribes of Israel

The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad

The Origins of the Qur’an Z Muhammad received first revelation from angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira in 610. Z Z 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’an Z Muslims believe it contains word of Z Z Z 114 suras (chapters). In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful. Written in Arabic. God

1. The Shahada Z The testimony Z The declaration of faith: There is no god worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger [or Prophet]. 1

2. The Salat Z The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed Z Wash before praying Z Face Mecca and use prayer rug 2

2. The Salat Z The call to prayer bymuezzin in minaret Z Pray in mosque on Friday 2

3. The Zakat Z Almsgiving (charitable donations) Z Muslims believe that all things belong to God Z Zakat means both “purification” and “growth” Z About 2. 5% of your income 3

4. The Sawm Z Fasting during the holy month of. Ramadan Z Z Considered a method of selfpurification No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan 4

5. The Hajj Z The pilgrimage to Mecca Z Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime Z 2 -3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year 5

5. The Hajj Z Those who complete pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name 5

The Dar al-Islam The World of Islam 1 2 3 4 5

The Mosque Z The Muslim place of worship

The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem Mount Moriah Rock where Muhammad ascended into heaven

Other Islamic Religious Practices Z Up to four wives allowed at once Z No alcohol or pork Z No gambling Z Sharia body of Islamic law to Z regulate daily living Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem

Essential Question: Why was Islam able to spread so quickly and convert so many to the new religion?

The Spread of Islam Z Easy to learn and practice Z No priesthood Z Teaches equality Z Non-Muslims, who were“Peoples of the Book, ” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes Z Easily “portable” nomads & trade routes Z Jihad (“Holy War”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”)

Muslims in the World Today

Countries with the Largest Muslim Population 1. Indonesia 183, 000 6. Iran 62, 000 2. Pakistan 134, 000 7. Egypt 59, 000 3. India 121, 000 8. Nigeria 53, 000 4. Bangladesh 114, 000 9. Algeria 31, 000 66, 000 10. Morocco 29, 000 5. Turkey * Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world.

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZStemmed ZDates ZWho from political differences back to death of Muhammad should lead Muslim nation?

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZSunni Muslims ZLeader should be elected from among those capable of the job ZThis is what was done Z"Sunni" in Arabic comes from word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet"

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZShia Muslims ZLeader from Prophet's family ZAppointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself ZLeadership should have passed to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali ZFollow line of Imams appointed by Muhammad or God Himself Z"Shia" in Arabic means supportive group

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZOther differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZSunni Muslims believe there is no basis in Islam for hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders ZBelieve no basis for veneration or intercession of saints ZBelieve leadership is not birthright, but a trust that is earned ZMay be given or taken away by people themselves

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia ZShia Muslims believe that Imam is sinless by nature ZHis authority is infallible as it comes directly from God ZOften venerate Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines hoping for divine intercession

Split in Islam—Sunni & Shia

From Umayyad to Abbasid Empires ARAB ISLAMIC

Rise of Abbasid Party • The party traced its descent from Muhammad’s uncle, al-Abbas. • Al-Abbas’ 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” (2 km 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 Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism Legalism Daoism Judaism Christianity Islam