Religions of Southern and Eastern Asia

• The religions and belief systems of Southern and Eastern Asia include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and Confucianism.

Buddhism

• Originated in India.
• It is neither monotheistic nor polytheistic.
• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
• Tripitaka is the sacred text.
• Basic beliefs include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the concept of the Middle Way, karma, reincarnation, and nirvana.

Hinduism

• Originated in India.
• Polytheistic with many gods and goddesses.
• No single founder due to its ancient origins.
• Includes many sacred texts, with the Vedas being among the most important.
• Basic beliefs include karma, reincarnation, the caste system, and the observance of holidays like Diwali and Holi.

Islam

• Originated in Saudi Arabia.
• This is Monotheistic, worshiping God (Allah).
• Founded by Muhammad.
• Quran (or Koran) is the sacred text.

Shintoism

• Originated in Japan.
• Polytheistic, focusing on the kami.
• Has no specific founder.
• Has no specific sacred text.
• Emphasizes the importance of kami, purity, and the significance of Torii gates.

Confucianism

• Originated in China.
• It is neither monotheistic nor polytheistic
• Founded by Confucius.
• There is no specific text associated with it.
• The Golden Rule is a key principle.
• Emphasizes social harmony, respect for elders, and the importance of kindness.

Monsoons

• A monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains, especially in Asia during the summer.
• Monsoons can lead to flooding because the ground's absorption capacity is overwhelmed.
• Flooding occurs as rivers and lakes overflow.
• Monsoons are crucial for farming but may cause damage to homes, roads, and crops.

Air Pollution

• India: Caused mainly by coal from factories and homes, cars, and indoor cooking.
• China: Caused mainly by coal from factories and homes, and cars.

Effects of Air Pollution

• India: Results in health issues (respiratory and heart), building damage, and acid rain affecting plants and aquatic life.
• China: Results in health issues (respiratory and heart), building damage, and acid rain affecting plants and aquatic life.

Water Pollution

• India: Caused mainly by industrial and agricultural runoff, human and animal waste, and domestic activities.
• China: Caused mainly by industrial and agricultural runoff, and domestic activities.

Effects of Water Pollution

• India: Leads to health problems (like cholera), harm to agriculture, and damage to aquatic life.
• China: Leads to health problems (like cholera), harm to agriculture, and damage to aquatic life.

Environmental Solutions

• Solutions involve governmental cleanup programs, sewage and water treatment plants, tree planting, and landfills.

Religious vs. Ethnic Group

• A religious group is based on beliefs and is changeable.
• An ethnic group is based on birth and is unchangeable, involving shared culture and tradition.

Population Distribution (China)

• Most people live in the east due to cities, flat plains, fertile soil, rivers, and coastlines.

Most Populated Countries

• The two highest populated countries in Southern and Eastern Asia are India and China.

Key Definitions

• Middle Way (Buddhism): Living a life of moderation.
• Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path (Buddhism): Describes why there is suffering and how to end it.
• Nirvana (Buddhism): A state of being without suffering, ending reincarnation.
• Reincarnation (Buddhism & Hinduism): Being born into another life form after death.
• Karma (Buddhism & Hinduism): The impact of behavior on the next life.
• Kami (Shintoism): Spirits found in the Shinto religion.
• Diwali (Hinduism): The festival of lights.
• Holi (Hinduism): The return of spring.
• Golden Rule (Confucianism): Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Torii Gates (Shintoism): An entrance between the real world and the world of the Kami.

Political Map of Southern and Eastern Asia

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Nepal
• North Korea
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Physical Map of Southern and Eastern Asia

• Bay of Bengal
• East China Sea
• Gobi Desert
• Himalayan Mountains
• Indian Ocean
• Indus River
• Korean Peninsula
• MeKong River
• Pacific Ocean
• Sea of Japan
• South China Sea
• Taklimakan Desert
• Yangtze River
• Yellow River
• Yellow Sea