Asia

Cultural Geography

Religion Some religions that are found in Asia are:

A. Buddhism

B. Hinduism

C. Confucianism

D. Taoism

E. Shintoism

F. Islam

G. Christianity

Hinduism

Hinduism is an ethnic religion because it appeals mainly to people in India. Most Hindus in the world live in India.

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It’s origins can be traced back to 2500 - 3000 B.C. or earlier.

Hinduism does not have one founder. It is based on the teachings of holy men and revealed truths over a long period of time.

Hinduism

Some sacred texts in Hinduism are:A. The VedasB. UpanishadsC. Sutras

Hinduism (Basic Beliefs)

Some basic beliefs of Hindus are:A. Brahman is the supreme spirit, but it can take

many forms. Hinduism is considered by some to be polytheistic.

B. Atman - The soul of a person.C. KarmaD. ReincarnationE. Moksha - The ultimate goal of life is the union

of atman and Brahman.

Hinduism (Basic Beliefs) The caste system is a system of social

organization in India that is connected with Hinduism. Basically, when you are born you are born into a certain ‘level’ of society. The castes are:

A. Brahmins - Teachers/PriestsB. Kshastriyas - SoldiersC. Vaishyas - Skilled WorkersD. Shudras - Manual WorkersE. Dalits - People outside the caste system

Hinduism (Basic Beliefs)

The caste system led to discrimination in India and it has been outlawed, but some people still believe in it and practice it.

Buddhism

Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs. The relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism is similar to the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha who was born around 500 - 400 B.C. in Nepal.

The religion quickly spread to other parts of Asia and was a major religion in India for a time, however, most people are Hindus in India today.

Buddhism (Basic Beliefs)

The four noble truths:

A. Life is suffering

B. Suffering is caused by want or desire

C. There is a way to end suffering

D. The way to end suffering is the eightfold path

Buddhism (Basic Beliefs)

Buddhists believe in karma and reincarnation

Buddhism

Buddhism is a major religion in Southeast Asia and is practiced in China, Korea, and Japan. Countries that are predominantly Buddhist are:

A. Thailand

B. Laos

C. Cambodia

D. Myanmar

Spread of Buddhism into Southeast Asia

Dharma Wheel

Taosim

Taosim is a religion or philosophy that began in China around 500 - 400 B.C.

Tradition says that Taoism is based on the teachings of Laozi.

The Tao Te Ching is a collection of Laozi’s teachings.

Taoism

The Tao is called the Great Mother

Empty yet inexhaustible,

It gives birth to infinite worlds.

It is always present within you.

You can use it any way you want.

Yin Yang Symbol

Confuciansim

Confucianism is a philosophy that began in China around 500 - 400 B.C.

It is based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucianism is concerned mainly with

social organization. It emphasizes respect for elders and education.

Shintoism

Shintoism is a native religion of Japan. Shintos worship kami (spirits). Sometimes

kami live in specific places such as rivers, mountains, and lakes, and sometimes they are major natural objects such as the sun or moon.

Small Shinto Shrine

Torii

Tanuki - A Japanese Racoon Spirit

Tanuki Road Sign

Islam

Islam started in Saudi Arabia around 600 A.D. and it spread into parts of South, Southeast, and East Asia. Countries that are predominantly Muslim are:

A. Pakistan

B. Bangladesh

C. Indonesia

Christianity

Christianity was brought to Asia by Europeans who colonized parts of Asia and controlled some countries.

The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic.

There are many Catholics in Vietnam and East Timor.

Respect for Ancestors

Many Asian cultures venerate and even worship ancestors. This belief has been incorporated into Asian religions and belief systems.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nDRdclRhmts

Conflicts

India and Pakistan both claim a region called the Kashmir. Part of the problem is based on religion. Pakistan is a Muslim country and India is Hindu.

East Timor is a small country in Southeast Asia that was created in 2002. It used to be part of Indonesia but most people in East Timor are Catholic. The source of this conflict is based on cultural differences.