The Religions of Asia (III)
Taoism (Daoism) – Brief history of Daoism
It was believed that the founder of Daoism was the
philosopher called Lao Zi (Lao Tse) – he supposed to
be the teacher of Confucius.
The story began with the facts that Lao Tse disgusted
(fed up) with the disorder of that time and with the bad
behavior of people , and decided to leave that place.
Fortunately, a man recognized him and asked him to
write his wise sayings (proverbs) before he
disappeared. He then wrote a book (Dao Te Qing), the
basis of Daoism.
The Religions of Asia (III)
Daoism – The Teachings of Daoism
1- The Heaven ruled Earth, and Earth ruled People and
this process led to harmony (accord / coherence);
2- However, people had broken this harmony through
pride, arrogance, and greed. By breaking this harmony,
people had brought themselves unhappiness and
tragedy.
3- Lao Zi said that the perfect state should be small,
and people should live natural and primitive way of
life, would not want to know about anything outside
their own small society.
The Religions of Asia (III)
Taoism – Daoist Religion
Before Daoist religion, Chines did believe in spirit.
The Dao Te Qing became a holy book and people
started to warship Daoism as god and as immortal
(everlasting life).
Until communist took over, in China there were three
main religions guided Chines ways of life.
There was a saying: “In office a Chines is a
Confucianist; in retirement he is a Daoist; and on
his death bed, he is a Buddhist.” (Read paragraph 2 from
the neath on page 80, left column). Please Explain.
The Religions of Asia (III)
Islam – The five Pillars / five duties that every Muslim
must fulfill.
1- He should believe that there is only one god,
Allah, and that Muhammad is his messenger;
2- He should pray five times a day facing Mecca;
3- He must fast for one month every year; the
fasting month is the Muslim month of Ramadan
(none of the true Muslims are allowed to eat and
drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset);
The Religions of Asia (III)
Islam – The five Pillars / five duties that every Muslim
must fulfill.
4- A Muslim must give Zakat. It is a tax on
property;
5- The duty of every Muslim to visit the holy
place at least once in their life time – the
pilgrimage to Mecca , called haj.
Ramadan
Ramadan (Ramazan) – Is the ninth month of Islamic
calendar. It is an Islamic fasting month, which
participating Muslims refrain from (renounce =
refuse) eating, drinking , and sexual relations from
dawn until sunset.
Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patient,
humility, and spirituality. During this time Muslims
ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance, and
help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to
purify themselves, through self-restraint (selfcontrol) and good deeds.
The Religions of Asia (III)
Shintoism – Shintoism is a religion being practiced in
Japan.
There are a lot of shrines where worshippers can get in
through great gates called torii. Shinto priests, dressed
in ceremonial clothes, chant prayers called norito.
Shinto is based on worship of nature, worship of good
spirits called – Kami.
In that belief, Kami – spirits or gods live everywhere, in
the shrines, animals, birds, plants, strong winds,
storms, waterfalls and mountains.
The Religions of Asia (III)
Shintoism – In Shintoism there are three main
symbols :
1- Sword – a symbol of correct action and wisdom;
2- String of Jewels – represents generosity,
obedience (respect) and kindness;
3- Mirror – represents truthfulness, and good
things.
Most of Japanese homes have Shinto shrines,
decorated from the special tree called sakaki, where
family members offer rice to gods.
Homework
1- Read pages page 29 :
“Focus on : Hinduism –
away of life”
2- Read pages 47-48 –
“Life of Muhammad”