Introduction to World Religion and Belief Systems

Hinduism began in India around the third millennium BCE and has no single founder.

Buddhism originated in northern India around the sixth century BCE, with Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) as its founder.

One of the two main branches of Buddhism, originating from a schism around the first century CE.

One of the two main branches of Buddhism, originating from a schism around the first century CE.

Hindu religious and moral law guiding conduct, one of the four goals of life.

Buddhist cosmic law and order, or Buddha's teachings.

The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – central concepts for Buddhist followers.

Hinduism accounts for about 14% of the world's population, with most of its followers in India.

Buddhism spread to neighboring Asian countries in the 3rd century BCE due to missionaries from India.

Hinduism is considered tolerant because its followers have various ways of practicing the religion.

Key moral values in Hinduism include karma and dharma.

In Buddhism, the cycle of rebirth continues, and actions (karma) affect future lives.

Buddhist conduct is guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, with three parts: right view, right conduct, right practice.

Suffering (dukkha) in Buddhism is mainly caused by constant desires.

Buddhism, while adopting some Indian ideas, significantly changed many of them.

Hinduism adapted and incorporated elements from other religions to maintain dominance.

The core principles of Buddhism, focusing on the nature of suffering, its cause, and the path to liberation.

The stage of life dedicated to studying sacred scriptures and living in the house of a Guru.

Unhappiness in life caused by endless desires. A core Buddhist concept.

A Buddhist path to enlightenment, encompassing right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

The universal law of causality; actions have consequences.

The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism, shaped by karma.

Ultimate enlightenment; a state of liberation from suffering.

The principle of cause and effect in Hinduism, where actions in one life influence the next.

A term for a specific act of ritualistic sacrifice in some systems of belief.

Third stage of life in Hinduism, involving withdrawal to the forest for meditation and understanding of life's meaning.

Female Buddhist monks

Fourth stage of life in Hinduism; renouncing the world and becoming a holy sage.

The desire for wealth and material success.

Supporting texts and practices related to Vedic knowledge.

Confucianism places women in a hierarchical position subservient to men. Women's lives are defined by obedience to their father, husband, and son. Widowhood is seen as a disgrace, and remarrying is discouraged as it is believed to harm a woman's virtue.

Daoism views the feminine principle ('Dao') as fundamental and encourages balance between the masculine and feminine ('yin and yang'). Women are considered equal and can even serve as priests. Daoism embraces the role of female deities.

Shintoism generally favors men, although women are allowed to be priests. However, their roles are often replaced by men. Women must remain loyal to their husbands even if a man commits adultery.

Misogi refers to purification rituals in Shintoism and some other Japanese religions. These rituals involve cleansing oneself from pollution or impurities, aiming for spiritual purity.

Purity in religion reflects the avoidance of contamination or anything considered impure, such as death, blood, or disease. Maintaining purity is seen as crucial for spiritual well-being.

Confucianism upholds a traditional hierarchical structure where women are subservient to men. They are expected to follow the orders of their father, husband, and son, and widowhood is seen as a disgrace.

'Dao' represents the fundamental, feminine principle in Daoism. It is considered the source of all things, emphasizing balance between masculine and feminine energies (yin and yang) for harmonious existence.

Yin and yang represent the opposing and complementary forces in nature and human experience. Yin symbolizes feminine energy (passive, receptive, dark), while yang represents masculine energy (active, assertive, bright). They are interconnected and in constant flux, striving for balance.

Confucianism arose in China during the Shang dynasty as a response to social chaos, aiming to establish order and virtue.

The Han dynasty adopted Confucianism as a foundation for its political legitimacy, using its principles to solidify its rule.

Daoism emphasizes allowing nature to follow its own course, believing this will lead to harmony and societal order.

Shintoism emphasizes family, tradition, nature, ancestors, purity, and ritual practices as central to its belief system.

Laozi believed that while natural sympathy for suffering makes us human, cultivating this compassion is what makes us virtuous.

Shinto acknowledges the inevitability of pollution but believes it can be cleansed through proper meditation and rituals.

In Confucianism, 'destiny' is achieved through self-cultivation, aligning one's actions with the natural way of the universe.

The 'Dao' is considered the source of all things in Daoism, represented as feminine and possessing nurturing power.

A common understanding of 'ming' (destiny) sees it as an external force beyond human control.