Cy Woods 2012-2013

Religions in Europe, Asia, and Africa

Major religions in Europe,

Africa, and Asia

Buddhism

Comes from South Asia (India) about 500 B.C., then DIFFUSED to other parts of Asia

4th largest religion Founder:

Siddhartha Gautama (known as Buddha)rejected the Hindu

idea of caste

4 Noble Truths 1. There is suffering in

this life.

2. There is suffering because of selfish, evil desires.

3. To end suffering, you must do away with selfish, evil desires.

4. To get rid of selfish desires, you must follow the 8 Fold Path.

Buddhists believe in reincarnation After many cycles of reincarnation, a person

might achieve Nirvana- freedom from suffering

The Eightfold Path

Today, Buddhism is mostly practiced in Tibet, Vietnam, Thailand…among other parts of East and SE Asia

There are several branches of Buddhism

Where is Tibet?

Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lama is…

-The reincarnation of the Buddha.

Tenzin Gyatso- the 14th Dalai Lama

14th Dalai Lama as a boy

Nobel Peace Prize recipient- 1989

The Potola in Lhasa, Tibet

Sikhism

Sikhism Monotheistic

religion started in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev in the Punjab region of India.

Like Hinduism, most Sikhs live in India or where they’ve migrated.

5th largest and one of the fastest growing religions in the world.

Major beliefs are faith and justice. Follow the teachings of the ten gurus (enlightened leaders). Emphasize equality and against discrimination by caste, gender, and creed.

Sikhism The Golden

Temple, the holiest site in the Sikh faith, located in Amritsar.

Sikhism Sikhs do not cut their

hair, drink, smoke, participate in superstitions or rituals, or become obsessed with material possessions.

Confucianism

Confucianism Not technically a religion because

it doesn’t address the afterlife.

Based on the teachings of Kong Fu Zi (Confucius) who lived in China.

Started during a time of increasing poverty and crime.

Code of Conduct

(good actions) or li Respect Loyalty Honesty Hard work Politeness Generosity

5 basic relationships

1. Ruler and subject 2. Parent and child 3. Husband and wife 4. Elder sibling and younger sibling 5. Friend and friend

Diffusion of Confucianism Seen throughout East Asian culture.

Often blended into other religions.

Characteristics

Respect for elderly and ancestors Honoring the family Obeying and being loyal to parents Not questioning authority

Other East Asia ReligionsDaosism (Taoism) Shintoism

A mystical, contemporary version of Confucianism

Ethnic religion of Japan

Forces of nature are divine