Sacred texts the Vedas Brahma- Indian God Atman- essence of an individual Monism- Hindu belief that Brahma and Atman are one Caste system- social order of India Individuals can only work and marry within class Birth only way to be reborn into a higher caste Way of life and religion 1. Brahmins (priests and scholars) 2. Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors) 3. Vaisyas (merchants, traders, farmers) 4. Sudras (peasants) 5. Pariahs (Untouchables perform unpleasant tasks) Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul Dharma- fulfillment of ones duty Help the soul be reborn to a higher caste Karma- positive or negative force generated by a persons actions Siddhartha Gautama (aka Buddha)- (1) Why does suffering exist (2) What is the value of life and death? The Enlightened One 1 - All human life involves suffering and sorrow 2 - Desiring only pleasure and material goods leads to suffering and sorrow 3 - Giving up desires and material goods help achieve nirvana 4 - Eightfold path leads to denial of desire and achievement of nirvana Nirvana- perfect peace; soul released from selfishness and pain - Reincarnation Loyalty, humanity, integrity, tradition, family and social relationships Focus on your actions on earth Do whats expected Filial Piety respect for parents and elders Five Relationships 1. Father to son 2. Elder bro. to younger bro. 3. Husband to wife 4. Ruler to subject 5. Friend to Friend Except for 5 no relationship is equal. Always a superior. Founder-Laozi Live in harmony with nature Understanding the way things are Flow with natural order accepting success and misfortune equally. Yin/Yang Founder- Hanfeizi and Li Si Believed people to be naturally evil and bad Motivated by greed and self interest Strict laws and harsh punishments Strength made great ruler Torah first five books of the Hebrew Bible - stories told to teach lessons - Abraham - father of Hebrew people Covenant Gods promise to protect Abraham and his descendants Monotheistic Moses led Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt Thou shalt have no others gods before me Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain Remember the Sabbath Day and make it holy Honor thy Father and thy Mother Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife Fastest growing religion in world Muhammad founder Qur'an - holy book Five Pillars of Islam rites of passage Confession of faith Pray 5 times daily, very formal Ramadan no eat or drink during sun-up Charity to poor Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca