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
"One thing I
teach: suffering
and the end of
suffering.
It is just ill and
the ceasing of ill
that I proclaim."
Young Buddhist monks at a temple in Bagan, Burma. Photo © Sara Heinrichs.
-- 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
Shintoism
Our 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
• Shintoists….
Shintoism
– 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