Post on 04-Jan-2016
Eurasian Cultural Eurasian Cultural TraditionsTraditions
500 B.C.E.-500 500 B.C.E.-500 C.E.C.E.
Chapter 5 LectureChapter 5 LectureA.P. LectureA.P. Lecture
Ways of the WorldWays of the World
2
Today’s Objective...
Today we will analyze the Eurasian Cultural Traditions (500 B.C.E.-500 C.E.) and the major religions using this lecture.
2
Lets Sing!!!
Dynasty song! We get to sing!!! Yay!
4
Chinese Religions Confucianism
A religion based on the philosophy of Confucius in China who served as an advisor to rulers.
He lived in China during a time of moral lax. His writings deal primarily with individual
morality and ethics, and the proper exercise of political power by the rulers.
Confucianism is primarily an ethical system This philosophy provided a hierarchy where
one knew their place in the world. Family=country
**Generally new religions will emerge in times of chaos or uncertainty. Why?
Daoism Dao can be
translated to “the path” or “the way”
This philosophy stresses balance and harmony in the universe
Leave the world as you found it.
Eliminate want and focus on need.
There is no hierarchy as in Confucianism
Dao can be translated to “the path” or “the way”
This philosophy stresses balance and harmony in the universe
Leave the world as you found it.
Eliminate want and focus on need.
There is no hierarchy as in Confucianism
The Ying and Yang symbol demonstrates the female
and male roles in the natural order.
The Ying and Yang symbol demonstrates the female
and male roles in the natural order.
6
Blend of Dravidian and
Aryan influences
+Called the
“Vedic Age”
Classical Hinduism• By 500 BCE (start of the Classical Era)• Oral traditions written down in the Vedas• 4 Varnas = Castes and their (Dharma)• Brahmin = Priests (learn scriptures)• Kshatriyas = Warrior/Aristocrats (govern and fight)• Vaishyas = Merchants (to sell goods/work)• Shudras = Peasants (to serve)---------------------------------------------------------
UNTOUCHABLES• Jati = Sub-castes that further divide the varnas• Samsara = reincarnation (cyclical existence of the soul)• Dharma = duty• Karma = good and bad deeds• Moksha = Salvation or release fron the cycle of Samsara
=
Aryan Migrations•1600 – 1000 BCE•Large, light-skinned•Nomadic horseman from central Asia (S. Russia)•Brought: •Herding•Oral tradition in Sanskrit•Aryan Gods•4 Classes
Harappan Civilization•2500 – 1600 BCE•Indus River Valley•Dravidian (dark-skinned)•Herded cattle and farmed•Worshipped fertility gods •Ritualized bathing pools•Houses showed evidence of distinct class divisions
7
HinduismPolytheistic religion made of hundreds of gods, originated in India around 1500 b.c.e
Three main deities are Shiva the destroyer, Vishnu the preserver, and Brahma the creator, all are embodied in Shiva.
Reincarnation is a principle of Hinduism in which a persons soul is born again.
Polytheistic religion made of hundreds of gods, originated in India around 1500 b.c.e
Three main deities are Shiva the destroyer, Vishnu the preserver, and Brahma the creator, all are embodied in Shiva.
Reincarnation is a principle of Hinduism in which a persons soul is born again.
8
9
The Story of the Buddha
The Founder = Siddhartha Gautama Born in 563 B.C.E. in foothills of
Himalayas a Kshatriya (warrior/aristocrat) family
Father was determined that his son would experience only happiness
Gautama lived a pampered life in beautiful parks and palaces
Gautama grew tired of his comfortable life and went out into the world to find the answer..
10
Buddha Story (cont).Gautama met a series of people who taught him that: Some men become monks, withdraw
from the active daily life, and lead holy lives seeking spirituality
Gautama left his wife, family, and home to be a holy man, seeking spiritual enlightenment and the explanation for suffering..
11
Buddhism Story (cont.)
Nothing was working for Siddhartha
Decided to meditate under a tree to find the answer
12
The BuddhaMeditated for 49 days Demons and spirits
tempted him In the end, Siddhartha
understood the problem of suffering & how to solve it
Siddhartha became enlightened, aka “The Buddha”
13
The Four Noble Truths
1. All life involves suffering
2. Desire is the cause of suffering
3. Elimination of desire brings an end to suffering
4. A disciplined life following the Noble Eightfold Path eliminates desire..
14
The Noble 8-Fold Path RIGHT __________
1.VIEWS (Belief)2.ASPIRATIONS (Resolve)3.SPEECH4.CONDUCT (Behavior)5.LIVELIHOOD (Occupation)6.EFFORT7.MINDFULNESS (Meditation) CONTEMPLATION..
15
NirvanaDefinition A state of perfect spiritual
independence Enlightenment Escape from reincarnation
Parallels to other religions Similar to Moksha (Hinduism) Similar to reaching Heaven
(Christianity)..
16
Buddhist Doctrine (cont.)
Buddhism promotes a life of: Moderation Quiet Contemplation Self Control
Buddhism rejected: Brahmins (Priests) Castes and jati Vedic gods of Hinduism..
17
Who was attracted to Buddhism?
Hindus from low castes
Merchants especially! Why merchants?Had high wealth but low
status in Hindu..
18
Ways Buddhism Spread
Merchants spread it via trade
Siddhartha preached & won converts
Monks spread the word by preaching..
19
Buddhism Flourished
Spread throughout SE Asia
Spread throughout Central Asia via the Silk Road
Reached China via the Silk Road..
20
Hinduism Adapted to Regain Appeal in
IndiaLess emphasis on Brahmins
Bhagavad Gita offered salvation to the faithful, even if they are not priests
Hinduism replaced Buddhism as the most popular religion in India..
21
Sects of Buddhism Theravada “The Lesser Vehicle”
Earlier form, stricter, no gods Popular but not much easier than Hindu
Mahayana “The Greater Vehicle” (Developed Between 3rd and 1st Centuries)
3 Changes: Buddha worshipped as a God Boddhisatvas = individuals who reached
Nirvana but remained behind to help others get there
Monasteries granted salvation for large donations
22
23
Compare the 3 Monotheistic
ReligionZoroaster•Zoroastrianism
Hebrews•Judaism
Jesus of Nazareth•Christianity