Ancient Religions and Philosophies

of the Ancient River Civilizations

Hinduism

Symbol is the “OM”

Began about 3000 BCE however, the date is unknown.

Hindu Temple is traditionally called an ashram.

Polytheism

Hinduism is a way of life and a set of beliefs. It also includes customs and practices. Hindus see other religions as different paths towards the same goal. They have many gods and goddesses. It is not a single religion, but many religions tolerating one another in the shifting framework of the caste system.

Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many"

The Caste System and Hinduism Developed Out of Aryan Beliefs 1500 BC- 500BC• The original

inhabitants were the Dravidians who were settled farmers and they inhabited the Northern part of the region.

• The Aryans were nomadic cattle herders.

They invaded the region and forced the Dravidians to move south or become their servants. Aryans limited social contact with the Dravidians because the Aryans believed the Dravidians were below them. This social separation led to the caste system.

The Caste SystemIs/Was the basis of law. Rigid rules which determine a person’s occupation, diet, status, etc. from birth. They are born into their caste group. There are four groups within the caste system.

The Harijans are considered beneath the Caste System.

ADVANTAGES• sense of security• spiritual rebirth upward• occupational interdependence• gives order to society• unifies man and god• allows outsiders to absorb

DISADVANTAGES• Limits on marriage, jobs, food, &

individual initiative• Segregation of society• Resists technological change• Creates a ranking system• Provides for stagnation in slowly

changing society

Main Ideas of Hinduism

– Vedas – collection of hymns and religious ceremonies of the Hindus that were passed down orally and eventually written down

– Karma – a person’s actions on Earth that determine

how the soul will be reborn. Good actions are rewarded with reincarnation into a higher rank on the caste system. Bad deeds are punished.

– Reincarnation – belief that the soul is reborn in a different form after death. Reincarnation reinforces the caste system of India.

Other Important Beliefs

• Brahma – single unifying spirit is permanent in an ever-changing world.

• All life is sacred.

Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon

Brahma, the creator god

Vishnu, the preserver god

Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune

Ganesha(the elephant headed remover of obstacles)

Shiva, god of constructive destruction

Saraswati, goddess of wisdom, consort ofBrahma

Parvati, divine mother

Durga, protectress

Kali, destroyer of demons

Plus about 330 million other deities

All these deities are but

Manifest forms (attributes

and functions) of theBrahman

All these deities are but

Manifest forms (attributes

and functions) of theBrahman

Location

Hinduism is associated primarily with India and has spread little throughout the world.

Buddhism

Symbol is the Wheel of Life and the Lotus

Flower

Begins during the life of Buddha: 567-483 B.C.

A white lotus flower refers to purity of the mind and the spirit. If a lotus flower is red, it refers to compassion and love. The blue lotus flower refers to the common sense; it uses wisdom and logic to create enlightenment.

Life of Buddha • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama born to a noble

family in Northern India. Because he was born in India he was born into a higher caste ranking.

• However, he suffered hardships in his life which lead him to seek out isolation and simple living.

• During this time, he claims to have reached a spiritual state of Enlightenment also called Nirvana.

• He them became known as “The Buddha” and also “The Enlighten One.”

• He rejected the Caste System and proclaimed that all people who reach Enlightenment.

• Buddha became the spiritual guide for Enlightenment.

Main Ideas and Practices• Non-violence• Self-denial• Seeking oneness with the “Great

World Soul”• Mediation and Discipline• Devotion (bowing, offering,

pilgrimage, chanting)• Meditation (controlled breathing

used to transform the mind)• Monastic life (living as a monk or

nun---completely holy life)• Vegetarianism

The Spread of Buddhism

• Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia on the Silk Road

• Both Hinduism and Buddhism organize from present day India.

Confucianism

Symbol represents

Loyalty

Begins during the life of Confucius: 551–479 BC.

Life and Time of Confucius– Confucianism is a philosophy and NOT a religion. It is a

way of conducting one’s self. – Based on the ideas of Confucius (the Latin name for

Master Kung). His major ideas are recorded in the Analects.

– Living in a time of great confusion and chaos in China, Confucius sought to restore order through a basic set of ideas.

Philosophy– Within Confucianism, there is an

assumption that the universe has an order; therefore, mankind should focus on Human Behavior.

– Confucius thought that if people knew what was expected of them, they would act accordingly.

– Additionally, although the following is often associated with being a work ethic, Confucianism believes if we focus on the five relationships and do what is right, there will be harmony.

The Five Bonds• Ruler to Ruled• Father to Son• Husband to Wife• Elder Brother to Younger

Brother• Friend to Friend

Spread of Confucianism

• Confucianism spread throughout Eastern Asia.

Judaism

Symbol Star of David

&Menorah

Begins with Abraham in about 1500 BC

• Founders of the early belief systems: Abraham, Moses, David

• The historical origins lie in Mesopotamia.

Main Ideas

–Ethical monotheism–10 commandments–Torah – First 5 books–Prophesies such as a Messiah–“Promised Land”

Development of monotheism

– Gradual development– Mesopotamian civilizations – cities had a local patron

deity, such as Sin at Ur.– Egypt – Pharaoh Akhenaten claims to be a supreme god– India – references in the Rig Veda– Zoroastrianism – Ahura Mazda is supreme deity. An

ancient religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster, the principal belief of which is in a supreme deity (god) and the struggle between good and evil

– Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) – one supreme God; also referenced as Yahweh or Allah

To learn without thinking is fruitless;To think without learning is dangerous.

Confucius – “Lun Yu” Chap. 2

These were the thoughts and belief systems that helped shape the culture of the ancient river civilizations.