Belief SystemsBelief Systems

Regents PrepRegents Prep

Global History & GeographyGlobal History & Geography

Wealth With Virtue – Essentials Wealth With Virtue – Essentials For Further AdvancesFor Further Advances

• It is the duty of the ruler and officials to It is the duty of the ruler and officials to bring wealth to the populace, yet bring wealth to the populace, yet promotion of money-worship is the worst promotion of money-worship is the worst policy one could adopt. policy one could adopt.

• Wealth without virtue (Wealth without virtue (dede) will harm all ) will harm all sentient beings, while wealth with virtue sentient beings, while wealth with virtue is what all people hope for. is what all people hope for.

• Therefore, one cannot be affluent without Therefore, one cannot be affluent without advocating virtue. advocating virtue.

Wealth With VirtueWealth With VirtueMaster Li HongzhiMaster Li Hongzhi

• Virtue is accumulated in past lives. Virtue is accumulated in past lives. Becoming a king, an official, wealthy, or Becoming a king, an official, wealthy, or nobility all come from virtue. No virtue, nobility all come from virtue. No virtue, no gain; the loss of virtue means the no gain; the loss of virtue means the loss of everything. Thus, those who loss of everything. Thus, those who seek power and wealth must first seek power and wealth must first accumulate virtue. By suffering accumulate virtue. By suffering hardships and doing good deeds one hardships and doing good deeds one can accumulate virtue among the can accumulate virtue among the masses. masses.

Cloth-Bag MonkCloth-Bag Monk

• Cloth-Bag Monk was one of them, and that Cloth-Bag Monk was one of them, and that is why Maitreya has been associated with is why Maitreya has been associated with Cloth-Bag Monk. But the image of Buddha Cloth-Bag Monk. But the image of Buddha Maitreya is not like Cloth-Bag Monk, who, Maitreya is not like Cloth-Bag Monk, who, with a big belly, was always laughing—that with a big belly, was always laughing—that was merely his image when he was among was merely his image when he was among humans. A Buddha is holy and solemn, and humans. A Buddha is holy and solemn, and most of them are quite young and most of them are quite young and attractive, for the higher their level, the attractive, for the higher their level, the more beautiful. more beautiful.

Wealth With Virtue (con’t)Wealth With Virtue (con’t)

• To achieve this, one must understand To achieve this, one must understand the principle of cause and effect. the principle of cause and effect. Knowing this can enable officials and Knowing this can enable officials and the populace to exercise self-restraint, the populace to exercise self-restraint, and prosperity and peace will thereby and prosperity and peace will thereby prevail under heaven.prevail under heaven.

Li HongzhiLi Hongzhi Essentials for Further AdvancesEssentials for Further Advances

Direct Democracy (Greece) vs. Direct Democracy (Greece) vs. Republic (Rome)Republic (Rome)

A direct democracy is a system of A direct democracy is a system of government in which government in which citizens citizens participate directlyparticipate directly rather than rather than through elected representativesthrough elected representatives

A Republic is a system of government A Republic is a system of government in which in which officials are chosen by officials are chosen by the peoplethe people

Emergence and Spread of Emergence and Spread of Belief SystemsBelief Systems

Unit 1Unit 1

Section 4Section 4

Major Belief SystemsMajor Belief Systems

Religious beliefs developed even in Religious beliefs developed even in very early cultures. As civilizations very early cultures. As civilizations arose in Africa, Europe, and Asia, arose in Africa, Europe, and Asia, more complex systems of belief more complex systems of belief developed.developed.

AnimismAnimism

The belief that every living and The belief that every living and nonliving thing in nature has a spirit nonliving thing in nature has a spirit is called animism. Animism was a is called animism. Animism was a feature of the belief systems of many feature of the belief systems of many early people. Stone Age paintings on early people. Stone Age paintings on the walls of caves probably express the walls of caves probably express these early beliefs.these early beliefs.

Prayers to AncestorsPrayers to Ancestors

Many believed that by praying to Many believed that by praying to ancestors, they could influence the ancestors, they could influence the gods to help them. Therefore people gods to help them. Therefore people would offer food and other would offer food and other necessities to their ancestors’ spirits.necessities to their ancestors’ spirits.

Beliefs of Early CivilizationsBeliefs of Early Civilizations

Religions of some early civilizations Religions of some early civilizations combined animism with reference for combined animism with reference for ancestors. People in Shang China ancestors. People in Shang China and in some traditional African and in some traditional African societies believed that the spirits of societies believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors could affect life deceased ancestors could affect life in a positive or negative way.in a positive or negative way.

BuddhismBuddhism

Buddhism also developed in India but Buddhism also developed in India but later spread into other areas, such as later spread into other areas, such as China. Its founder, a prince named China. Its founder, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama in the 500s B.C.Siddhartha Gautama in the 500s B.C.

The Enlightened OneThe Enlightened One

Siddhartha Gautama aka Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama aka Sakyamuni Buddha, left his wealthy home to Buddha, left his wealthy home to search for the meaning of human search for the meaning of human suffering. While meditating under a suffering. While meditating under a sacred tree, he found the answer to sacred tree, he found the answer to his question, and he was thereafter his question, and he was thereafter referred to as the Buddha, or the referred to as the Buddha, or the Enlightened One.Enlightened One.

The Four Noble TruthsThe Four Noble Truths

The central philosophy of Buddhism The central philosophy of Buddhism revolves around the Four Noble Truths.revolves around the Four Noble Truths.

1.1. All life is sufferingAll life is suffering2.2. Suffering is caused by desire for things Suffering is caused by desire for things

that are illusionsthat are illusions3.3. The way to eliminate suffering is to The way to eliminate suffering is to

eliminate desire.eliminate desire.4.4. Following the Eightfold Path will help Following the Eightfold Path will help

people overcome desire.people overcome desire.

NirvanaNirvana

The ultimate goal is nirvana which is The ultimate goal is nirvana which is union with the universe and release union with the universe and release from the cycle of death and rebirth.from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The Eightfold PathThe Eightfold Path

1.1. Right viewsRight views

2.2. Right intentionsRight intentions

3.3. Right speechRight speech

4.4. Right conductRight conduct

5.5. Right livelihoodRight livelihood

6.6. Right effortRight effort

7.7. Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness

8.8. Right meditationRight meditation

Sacred TextsSacred Texts

After the Buddha died, his teachings After the Buddha died, his teachings were collected into the Tripitaka or were collected into the Tripitaka or “Three Baskets of Wisdom.” This “Three Baskets of Wisdom.” This collection is made up of rules for collection is made up of rules for Buddhist monks; sermons; and Buddhist monks; sermons; and discussions of Buddhist beliefs. discussions of Buddhist beliefs. Later, other Buddhists added many Later, other Buddhists added many more scriptures.more scriptures.

Buddhism and Hinduism as Buddhism and Hinduism as Taught by Master Li HongzhiTaught by Master Li Hongzhi

• The Buddha Fa has different The Buddha Fa has different manifestations at different levels. manifestations at different levels. However, the higher the level, the However, the higher the level, the closer it is to the truth. The lower the closer it is to the truth. The lower the level, the further away from the level, the further away from the truth. Those monks reached the state truth. Those monks reached the state of Unlocking Gong and became of Unlocking Gong and became enlightened at low levels. enlightened at low levels.

Messing With BuddhismMessing With Buddhism

• To interpret what Sakyamuni said, To interpret what Sakyamuni said, they used the manifestation of the they used the manifestation of the universe that they saw at their levels universe that they saw at their levels and the situations and principles that and the situations and principles that they understood. That is, some they understood. That is, some monks interpreted Sakyamuni’s monks interpreted Sakyamuni’s Dharma one way or another. Dharma one way or another.

Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism According to Zhuan FalunAccording to Zhuan Falun

• Instead of using Sakyamuni’s original Instead of using Sakyamuni’s original words, some monks also preached words, some monks also preached what they understood as what they understood as Sakyamuni’s words; this made the Sakyamuni’s words; this made the Buddhist Dharma distorted beyond Buddhist Dharma distorted beyond recognition, and it was no longer the recognition, and it was no longer the Dharma taught by Sakyamuni. In the Dharma taught by Sakyamuni. In the end, this caused the Buddhist end, this caused the Buddhist Dharma to disappear in India. This is Dharma to disappear in India. This is a serious lesson in history. a serious lesson in history.

Buddhism Came FirstBuddhism Came First

• Regents says Hinduism came first Regents says Hinduism came first but our teacher said that after but our teacher said that after Sakyamuni died some of Buddhism Sakyamuni died some of Buddhism was combined with Brahminism and was combined with Brahminism and became Hinduism.became Hinduism.

HinduismHinduism

Hindus believe in one unifying spirit called Hindus believe in one unifying spirit called brahman.brahman.

The three most important Hindu gods are:The three most important Hindu gods are:

1.1. Brahma – the CreatorBrahma – the Creator

2.2. Vishnu – the PreserverVishnu – the Preserver

3.3. Shiva – the DestroyerShiva – the Destroyer

The goal of life is to achieve union with The goal of life is to achieve union with brahman.brahman.

One of Hindu gods One of Hindu gods

ShivaShiva

Goal of HinduismGoal of Hinduism

• Achieving union with brahman is said Achieving union with brahman is said to occur as people free themselves to occur as people free themselves from the selfish desires that separate from the selfish desires that separate them from the universal spirit.them from the universal spirit.

• Most people cannot achieve this Most people cannot achieve this union in one lifetime.union in one lifetime.

ReincarnationReincarnation

The concept of reincarnation, the The concept of reincarnation, the rebirth of the soul in a new body, rebirth of the soul in a new body, allows people to continue their allows people to continue their journey toward union with brahman. journey toward union with brahman.

People get closer to this union by People get closer to this union by being born into higher and higher being born into higher and higher levels of existence.levels of existence.

Karma and Dharma (found in Karma and Dharma (found in both Hinduism and Buddhism)both Hinduism and Buddhism)

In each lifetime, a person can come In each lifetime, a person can come closer to union with brahman by closer to union with brahman by obeying the law of karma.obeying the law of karma.

Karma consists of all the deeds of a Karma consists of all the deeds of a person’s life that affect his or her person’s life that affect his or her existence in the next life.existence in the next life.

CastesCastes

The caste system is an important part The caste system is an important part of Hinduism. of Hinduism.

Castes are social groups into which Castes are social groups into which people are born and out of which people are born and out of which they cannot move during a lifetime. they cannot move during a lifetime.

A person may, however, by acquiring A person may, however, by acquiring good karma, be born into a higher good karma, be born into a higher caste in the next life.caste in the next life.

Karma and Dharma (con’t)Karma and Dharma (con’t)

By living in a right way, a person will be By living in a right way, a person will be reborn at a higher level.reborn at a higher level.

Evil deeds cause people to be reborn into a Evil deeds cause people to be reborn into a lower level.lower level.

Good deeds involve following dharma, the Good deeds involve following dharma, the moral and religious duties that are moral and religious duties that are expected as an individual.expected as an individual.

A person’s gender, class, age, and A person’s gender, class, age, and occupation all affect his/her dharma.occupation all affect his/her dharma.

Sacred Texts of HinduismSacred Texts of Hinduism

Over several thousand years, Hindu Over several thousand years, Hindu teachings were developed and teachings were developed and recorded in a number of sacred recorded in a number of sacred texts.texts.

These include the Vedas, collections of These include the Vedas, collections of prayers and sacred verses, and the prayers and sacred verses, and the Upanishads, philosophical dialogues Upanishads, philosophical dialogues about Hindu beliefs.about Hindu beliefs.

ConfuciusConfucius

ConfucianismConfucianism

Confucius, born in 551 B.C. was Confucius, born in 551 B.C. was China’s most influential thinker.China’s most influential thinker.

Confucius’s teachings, collected in The Confucius’s teachings, collected in The Analects, taught people to accept Analects, taught people to accept their given places in society.their given places in society.

These individual places were These individual places were expressed through five key expressed through five key relationshipsrelationships

Confucianism (con’t)Confucianism (con’t)

Confucius believed that, except for Confucius believed that, except for friendships, none of these friendships, none of these relationships was equal. Older relationships was equal. Older people were superior to younger, for people were superior to younger, for example, and men were superior to example, and men were superior to women. Every person had duties women. Every person had duties and responsibilities that depended on and responsibilities that depended on his or her polition.his or her polition.

Confucianism (con’t)Confucianism (con’t)

Other ideas of Confucius include the Other ideas of Confucius include the following:following:

- People are naturally goodPeople are naturally good

- Education should be the road to Education should be the road to advancement in society.advancement in society.

- To ensure social order, the individual To ensure social order, the individual must find and accept his or her proper must find and accept his or her proper place in society.place in society.

TaoismTaoism

Taoism sought to help people to live in Taoism sought to help people to live in harmony with nature.harmony with nature.

Important virtues in Taoism are Important virtues in Taoism are yielding and acceptance.yielding and acceptance.

Confucius Asking Lao Zi about Etiquette | 孔子问礼

图

Lao TsuLao Tsu

Lao Zu, the founder of Lao Zu, the founder of

Taoism, taught people to Taoism, taught people to

contemplate the Tao, or contemplate the Tao, or

the ‘way’ of the universe.the ‘way’ of the universe.

Taoism (con’t)Taoism (con’t)

Some followers of Lao Zi rejected the Some followers of Lao Zi rejected the world and human government and world and human government and often withdrew to become hermits, often withdrew to become hermits, mystics, or poets.mystics, or poets.

Taoists also believe in a balance Taoists also believe in a balance between yin and yang.between yin and yang.

Yin and YangYin and Yang

The Yin stands for Earth, darkness and The Yin stands for Earth, darkness and female forces.female forces.

The Yang stands for Heaven, light, and The Yang stands for Heaven, light, and male forcesmale forces

The peace and well-being of the The peace and well-being of the universe depend on harmony universe depend on harmony between yin and yang.between yin and yang.

Sacred Texts of TaoismSacred Texts of Taoism

The beliefs of Taoism are collected in two The beliefs of Taoism are collected in two works.works.

Lao Zu is traditionally thought to be the Lao Zu is traditionally thought to be the author of the first, “The Way of Virtue.” author of the first, “The Way of Virtue.”

A second text is the “Zhuang-zi”, written A second text is the “Zhuang-zi”, written several centuries later. It contains several centuries later. It contains fables, sayings, and dialogues.fables, sayings, and dialogues.

JudaismJudaism

The Hebrews were one of the nomadic The Hebrews were one of the nomadic groups who lived in the Fertile groups who lived in the Fertile Crescent.Crescent.

According to Hebrew tradition, the According to Hebrew tradition, the Hebrews became enslaved in Egypt, Hebrews became enslaved in Egypt, and God helped them escape this and God helped them escape this slavery.slavery.

Judaism (con’t)Judaism (con’t)

By about 1000 B.C. the Hebrews had By about 1000 B.C. the Hebrews had set up the kingdom of Israel with set up the kingdom of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital.Jerusalem as its capital.

They believed that God had promised They believed that God had promised them this land.them this land.

Over time, Hebrew beliefs evolved into Over time, Hebrew beliefs evolved into the religion we today call Judaism.the religion we today call Judaism.

Belief in One GodBelief in One GodMonotheismMonotheism

Most other religions of the time Most other religions of the time worshiped many gods and worshiped many gods and goddesses. The Hebrews, believed goddesses. The Hebrews, believed that God was their special protector that God was their special protector and was all-knowing, all-powerful, and was all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere.and present everywhere.

Sacred Texts and Moral Sacred Texts and Moral TeachingsTeachings

According to the sacred scriptures of According to the sacred scriptures of the Hebrews, the Torah, God made a the Hebrews, the Torah, God made a covenant, or a binding agreement, to covenant, or a binding agreement, to be the God of the Hebrews. be the God of the Hebrews.

Jews also believe that God gave them Jews also believe that God gave them the Ten Commandments through the Ten Commandments through Moses. Moses.

The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments

These are the laws that describe how These are the laws that describe how people should behave toward God and people should behave toward God and each other.each other.

The Old Testament of the Bible includes The Old Testament of the Bible includes the Torah, which is made up of five the Torah, which is made up of five books.books.

The Torah also sets out many other laws The Torah also sets out many other laws that establish the moral basis for that establish the moral basis for Judaism.Judaism.

ProphetsProphets

Hebrew sacred scriptures also include the Hebrew sacred scriptures also include the writings of spiritual leaders called writings of spiritual leaders called prophets, who urged Hebrews to act prophets, who urged Hebrews to act according to God’s teachings. The according to God’s teachings. The prophets preached a strong code of prophets preached a strong code of ethics, or moral standards of behavior. ethics, or moral standards of behavior. Judaic thought had a strong influence Judaic thought had a strong influence on two other world religions: on two other world religions: Christianity and Islam.Christianity and Islam.

ChristianityChristianity

Christianity began in Palestine with the Christianity began in Palestine with the teachings of Jew named Jesus in about AD teachings of Jew named Jesus in about AD 30.30.

Beginning with a small group of followers, Beginning with a small group of followers, Christianity grew and spread to become Christianity grew and spread to become the official religion of the Roman empire the official religion of the Roman empire by A.D. 392by A.D. 392

However, Christians were persecuted for However, Christians were persecuted for 300 years before this happened.300 years before this happened.

Life and Death of JesusLife and Death of Jesus

According to Christian tradition, Jesus’ According to Christian tradition, Jesus’ mother Mary had been told before mother Mary had been told before his birth that he would be the his birth that he would be the Messiah.Messiah.

Messiah is the Jewish word, derived Messiah is the Jewish word, derived from Hebrew, for a savior sent by from Hebrew, for a savior sent by God.God.

Jesus ChristJesus Christ

Jesus grew up worshiping God and Jesus grew up worshiping God and following Jewish law. following Jewish law.

At about age 30, he began to travel At about age 30, he began to travel through the countryside preaching through the countryside preaching and teaching new beliefs.and teaching new beliefs.

Many Jews and Romans worried that Many Jews and Romans worried that Jesus was dangerous.Jesus was dangerous.

Jesus ChristJesus Christ

SpreadingSpreading

His His

TeachingsTeachings

CrucifixionCrucifixion

Around 29 A.D., the Romans arrested Around 29 A.D., the Romans arrested Jesus, tried him, and executed him Jesus, tried him, and executed him by crucifixion. By this method a by crucifixion. By this method a person was nailed to a cross and left person was nailed to a cross and left to die.to die.

CrucifixionCrucifixion

““A God comes down A God comes down

To the world yet To the world yet

humans nail him to humans nail him to

a cross?”a cross?”

Master Li HongzhiMaster Li Hongzhi

Lecture at the Great Lakes Lecture at the Great Lakes ConferenceConference

Incidents such as Jesus being nailed to Incidents such as Jesus being nailed to the cross have become the precedent the cross have become the precedent for high-level beings who come down for high-level beings who come down to save people. How could this be to save people. How could this be acceptable? This itself is degenerate! acceptable? This itself is degenerate! A god comes down to save people, A god comes down to save people, yet humans nail him to a cross--what yet humans nail him to a cross--what a huge crime people have committed! a huge crime people have committed! They're still paying for it today. They're still paying for it today.

Jesus AroseJesus Arose

Jesus arose again from the dead… Many of Jesus arose again from the dead… Many of his followers said that he had risen from his followers said that he had risen from the grave.the grave.

His followers worked to spread his teachings His followers worked to spread his teachings around the world.around the world.

Jesus had 12 disciples all of whom betrayed Jesus had 12 disciples all of whom betrayed him in one way or another on the night of him in one way or another on the night of his death.his death.

Spreading the GospelSpreading the Gospel

Jesus visited his disciples to show them that Jesus visited his disciples to show them that he had arisen and he forgave them for he had arisen and he forgave them for their betrayal and asked them to go and their betrayal and asked them to go and spread his gospel around the world.spread his gospel around the world.

For the next 300 years Christians were For the next 300 years Christians were viciously persecuted.viciously persecuted.

Each of his disciples, except for one, was Each of his disciples, except for one, was tortured to death.tortured to death.

The Teachings (Gospels) of The Teachings (Gospels) of Jesus the ChristJesus the Christ

The teachings of Jesus were rooted in The teachings of Jesus were rooted in Jewish tradition. For example, Jesus Jewish tradition. For example, Jesus accepted the Ten Commandments accepted the Ten Commandments that God had given to the Jews that God had given to the Jews through Moses.through Moses.

At the same time, he preached new At the same time, he preached new ideas.ideas.

The Son of GodThe Son of God

According to his followers, he was the son of God According to his followers, he was the son of God and the savior the Jews had been expecting.and the savior the Jews had been expecting.

His mission was to bring salvation and eternal His mission was to bring salvation and eternal life to anyone who would follow his teachings.life to anyone who would follow his teachings.

Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor and helpless. and helpless.

Jesus also preached brotherhood and the Jesus also preached brotherhood and the equality of people before God.equality of people before God.

Spreading the GospelSpreading the Gospel

Jesus commanded that his disciples Jesus commanded that his disciples spread His Gospel throughout the spread His Gospel throughout the world.world.

He said: “Preach the truth, even He said: “Preach the truth, even though you will be like a lamb among though you will be like a lamb among wolves.wolves.

Eleven out of his twelve disciples were Eleven out of his twelve disciples were executed.executed.

Christians PersecutedChristians Persecuted

The Christians were persecuted for The Christians were persecuted for 300 years.300 years.

In 313 Emperor Constantine ended the In 313 Emperor Constantine ended the persecution by allowing freedom of persecution by allowing freedom of worship throughout the Empire.worship throughout the Empire.

Fifty years later it became the official Fifty years later it became the official religion of Romereligion of Rome

300 Years of Persecution300 Years of Persecution

Li Hongzhi Interview Jan 24/04Li Hongzhi Interview Jan 24/04By NTDTV…By NTDTV…• An average person can't understand those who An average person can't understand those who

cultivate themselves. cultivate themselves. • Long ago Christians were persecuted for 300 years, Long ago Christians were persecuted for 300 years,

and in those 300 years the persecution they suffered and in those 300 years the persecution they suffered was just ruthless, but it turned out they couldn't defeat was just ruthless, but it turned out they couldn't defeat them, and instead it only made Christianity flourish.them, and instead it only made Christianity flourish.

• And why is that? When you touch on that question it And why is that? When you touch on that question it involves the matter of faith. involves the matter of faith.

• In our Falun Gong practice, the part of Falun Gong you In our Falun Gong practice, the part of Falun Gong you see before you includes recovering health and some see before you includes recovering health and some other things, and that part alone makes for a big other things, and that part alone makes for a big difference between us and people who don't do self-difference between us and people who don't do self-cultivation." cultivation."

The Christian Sacred TextThe Christian Sacred Text

The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible. The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible. It has two parts.It has two parts.The Old Testament includes the Hebrew The Old Testament includes the Hebrew

scriptures, books of law, history, prophetic scriptures, books of law, history, prophetic writing, and poetry.writing, and poetry.

The New Testament includes the Gospels The New Testament includes the Gospels (describing Jesus and his teachings) and (describing Jesus and his teachings) and other writings, mostly letters written by other writings, mostly letters written by Christians that explain Christian doctrine.Christians that explain Christian doctrine.

IslamIslam

In A.D. 622, a new religion called Islam In A.D. 622, a new religion called Islam arose in Arabia. Like Christians and arose in Arabia. Like Christians and Jews, people who follow Islam believe Jews, people who follow Islam believe in one God.in one God.

Reasons for the Spread of Reasons for the Spread of Christianity in the Roman Christianity in the Roman EmpireEmpire1.1. The poor and oppressed found comfort in The poor and oppressed found comfort in

Jesus’ message of love.Jesus’ message of love.

2.2. They liked the idea of a better life after They liked the idea of a better life after death.death.

3.3. Christian missionaries often added Greek Christian missionaries often added Greek concepts to their teaching of the religion concepts to their teaching of the religion which appealed to educated Romans as which appealed to educated Romans as well as others.well as others.

MuhammadMuhammad

In about 570, an Arab named In about 570, an Arab named Muhammad was born in Mecca. Muhammad was born in Mecca. Muhammad became a caravan Muhammad became a caravan merchant, married, and had children. merchant, married, and had children.

He was troubled, however, by the idol He was troubled, however, by the idol worship of the Arabs of the time.worship of the Arabs of the time.

Muslim TraditionMuslim Tradition

According to Muslim tradition, the According to Muslim tradition, the angel Gabriel commanded angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to spread the message Muhammad to spread the message of Islam.of Islam.

Muhammad obeyed this command.Muhammad obeyed this command.

Soon Meccan merchants sought to kill Soon Meccan merchants sought to kill him.him.

Muhammad Leaves MeccaMuhammad Leaves Mecca

In 622, Muhammad and his followers left In 622, Muhammad and his followers left Mecca for Medina on a journey known as Mecca for Medina on a journey known as the hijra.the hijra.

The hijra was a turning point for IslamThe hijra was a turning point for Islam

Muslim converts in Medina welcomed Muslim converts in Medina welcomed Muhammad, and the religion grew.Muhammad, and the religion grew.

Followers of Muhammad are called Muslims.Followers of Muhammad are called Muslims.

The Five PillarsThe Five Pillars

These are five basic duties:These are five basic duties:

1.1. Belief in one God – Allah, who is Belief in one God – Allah, who is compassionate and all powerful. compassionate and all powerful.

2.2. They must pray five times daily.They must pray five times daily.

3.3. They must give money to the poor.They must give money to the poor.

4.4. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during the Fasting from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.holy month of Ramadan.

5.5. Visit Mecca at least once in their life.Visit Mecca at least once in their life.

Muslim’s Sacred TextMuslim’s Sacred Text

The sacred scriptures of Islam are contained The sacred scriptures of Islam are contained in the Quran (or Koran).in the Quran (or Koran).

The Quran is the final authority on all The Quran is the final authority on all matters and provides a guide to life for matters and provides a guide to life for Muslims.Muslims.

Muslim scholars have also developed an Muslim scholars have also developed an immense body of laws, called the Sharia, immense body of laws, called the Sharia, that covers all aspects of life.that covers all aspects of life.

IslamIslam

ManyMany

PeoplePeople

ConcernedConcerned

AboutAbout

TheThe

MessageMessage

Of IslamOf Islam

The Five Orthodox Religions The Five Orthodox Religions

In fact, orthodox religions that have appeared in In fact, orthodox religions that have appeared in history in the world such as Christianity, history in the world such as Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism, Buddhism, Taoism, and including Judaism, could all enable the including Judaism, could all enable the human heart to turn to goodness while, in human heart to turn to goodness while, in the meantime, enabling those who genuinely the meantime, enabling those who genuinely wanted to move up in cultivation practice to wanted to move up in cultivation practice to attain the Fa and complete their cultivation attain the Fa and complete their cultivation practice. practice.

Teaching the Fa in SydneyTeaching the Fa in Sydney

They would also enable those who They would also enable those who were not able to succeed in were not able to succeed in cultivation for the time being to cultivation for the time being to become better people in ordinary become better people in ordinary human society and would create human society and would create opportunities for them to practice opportunities for them to practice cultivation again in the future. This is cultivation again in the future. This is the way it will be. the way it will be.

Expansion of World Expansion of World ReligionsReligions

Some of the religions discussed here, Some of the religions discussed here, such as Confucianism and Taoism, such as Confucianism and Taoism, remained within a fairly limited remained within a fairly limited geographical area. Hinduism spread geographical area. Hinduism spread throughout India and into Southeast throughout India and into Southeast Asia. Other religions spread more Asia. Other religions spread more widely.widely.

Spread of BuddhismSpread of Buddhism

Over the centuries, the Buddha’s Over the centuries, the Buddha’s teachings won wide acceptance.teachings won wide acceptance.

The Mauryan (India) ruler Asoka The Mauryan (India) ruler Asoka converted to Buddhism and sent converted to Buddhism and sent messengers to spread Buddhist messengers to spread Buddhist beliefs.beliefs.

..

Spread of Buddhism (con’t)Spread of Buddhism (con’t)

Over time, traders and missionaries, or Over time, traders and missionaries, or people dedicated to spreading a people dedicated to spreading a religion, spread Buddhism far beyond religion, spread Buddhism far beyond India to many parts of Asia, including India to many parts of Asia, including China, Japan Korea, and Southeast China, Japan Korea, and Southeast Asia.Asia.

In India, where Buddhism started, it In India, where Buddhism started, it eventually declined.eventually declined.

Spread of JudaismSpread of Judaism

Judaism spread in a unique way. The Judaism spread in a unique way. The Romans expelled the Jews from Palestine Romans expelled the Jews from Palestine in A.D. 135.in A.D. 135.

This even became known as the diaspora, or This even became known as the diaspora, or scattering of people.scattering of people.

Wherever Jews settled, they lived in close-Wherever Jews settled, they lived in close-knit communities and maintained their knit communities and maintained their identity through the careful preservation identity through the careful preservation of tradition.of tradition.

Spread of ChristianitySpread of Christianity

Christianity first spread through the Christianity first spread through the work of Christian missionaries such work of Christian missionaries such as Paul.as Paul.

Even though Roman rules persecuted Even though Roman rules persecuted Christians, the religion continued to Christians, the religion continued to spread throughout the Roman spread throughout the Roman empire.empire.

This occurred for many reasons.This occurred for many reasons.

Emperor Constantine and Emperor Constantine and Emperor TheodosiusEmperor Theodosius

In 313, the Emperor Constantine In 313, the Emperor Constantine allowed freedom of worship allowed freedom of worship throughout the Roman empire.throughout the Roman empire.

Late, Emperor Theodosius made Late, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Christianity the official religion of the empire.empire.

The Fall of the Western The Fall of the Western Roman EmpireRoman EmpireAfter the fall, missionaries continued to After the fall, missionaries continued to

spread Christianity through Europe. spread Christianity through Europe. Trading networks also spread Christianity, Trading networks also spread Christianity, especially as Europe began voyages of especially as Europe began voyages of exploration and expansion in the 1400s.exploration and expansion in the 1400s.

Europeans took Christianity with them when Europeans took Christianity with them when they established settlements in the they established settlements in the Americas, Africa and AsiaAmericas, Africa and Asia

Spread of IslamSpread of Islam

In the 150 years after the death of In the 150 years after the death of Muhammad, Islam spread over three Muhammad, Islam spread over three continents.continents.

Skillful Arab fighters spread Islam Skillful Arab fighters spread Islam through military conquest.through military conquest.

Praying Five Times A DayPraying Five Times A Day

Facing Facing

MeccaMecca

Muslim TradeMuslim Trade

Trade had always been considered an Trade had always been considered an honorable occupation for Muslims. honorable occupation for Muslims. Muslims built vast trading empires. Muslims built vast trading empires. Merchants established trading networks Merchants established trading networks with Africa, China, and India.with Africa, China, and India.

In India, Muslim traders were an important In India, Muslim traders were an important means of spreading Islam.means of spreading Islam.

At the other end of the Eurasian landmass, At the other end of the Eurasian landmass, Islam spread from North Africa into Spain.Islam spread from North Africa into Spain.

Pearls and Fish EyesPearls and Fish Eyes

• Enlightenment Enlightenment    

• In the muddy human world, pearls and fish In the muddy human world, pearls and fish eyes are jumbled together. A Tathagata eyes are jumbled together. A Tathagata must descend to the world quietly. When he must descend to the world quietly. When he teaches the Fa, evil practices are bound to teaches the Fa, evil practices are bound to interfere. The Dao and the demonic ways interfere. The Dao and the demonic ways are taught at the same time and in the same are taught at the same time and in the same world. Amidst truth and falsehood, world. Amidst truth and falsehood, enlightening is important. How to distinguish enlightening is important. How to distinguish them? them?

Pearls and Fish EyesPearls and Fish Eyes

• There are bound to be exceptional people. There are bound to be exceptional people. Those who really have a predestined Those who really have a predestined relationship and can enlighten will come relationship and can enlighten will come one after another, entering the Dao and one after another, entering the Dao and obtaining the Fa. They will distinguish the obtaining the Fa. They will distinguish the righteous from the evil, obtain true righteous from the evil, obtain true teachings, lighten their bodies, enhance teachings, lighten their bodies, enhance their wisdom, enrich their hearts, and board their wisdom, enrich their hearts, and board the boat of the Fa, sailing smoothly. How the boat of the Fa, sailing smoothly. How wonderful! Strive forward with every effort wonderful! Strive forward with every effort until Consummation. until Consummation.

SummarySummary

Many belief systems emerged over time in Many belief systems emerged over time in various parts of the world. In India, various parts of the world. In India, Hinduism and Buddhism developed. In Hinduism and Buddhism developed. In China, Confucianism and Taoism were China, Confucianism and Taoism were significant philosophies. In the Middle East, significant philosophies. In the Middle East, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam developed. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam developed. All of these belief systems had important All of these belief systems had important effects on the civilizations of their time as effects on the civilizations of their time as well as later on. Several belief systems well as later on. Several belief systems spread widely through missionary effort, spread widely through missionary effort, conquest, and trade.conquest, and trade.

Teaching the Fa in NY 2007Teaching the Fa in NY 2007

• Then during this process of going through real-life Then during this process of going through real-life experiences in this world and learning about the experiences in this world and learning about the world, humans of course had to be told, while world, humans of course had to be told, while mankind's culture was being established, about the mankind's culture was being established, about the most important things, such as: What are Gods? most important things, such as: What are Gods? What are Buddhas? What are Daos? And what are What are Buddhas? What are Daos? And what are the different gods? So, how was mankind's culture the different gods? So, how was mankind's culture established? These gods were sent to the human established? These gods were sent to the human world so that they could have humans learn about world so that they could have humans learn about these things through being saved. Actually, as to these things through being saved. Actually, as to saving people, I just said that those that were saving people, I just said that those that were saved were the subordinate souls. saved were the subordinate souls.

Teaching the Fa in NY 2007Teaching the Fa in NY 2007

• Not a single person has been able to return to the Not a single person has been able to return to the heavens--everyone is still reincarnating in the heavens--everyone is still reincarnating in the human world. Because the subordinate soul is human world. Because the subordinate soul is affected by the person's external form, he has the affected by the person's external form, he has the same appearance as the person. Those with a same appearance as the person. Those with a good innate potential for enlightenment may see good innate potential for enlightenment may see that he has returned to the heavens, but this that he has returned to the heavens, but this divine being was merely a human being's divine being was merely a human being's subordinate soul that happened to have the same subordinate soul that happened to have the same image as the person. He was not really the main image as the person. He was not really the main body of that person, though, and the person still body of that person, though, and the person still has to undergo reincarnation. has to undergo reincarnation.

Teaching the Fa in NY 2007Teaching the Fa in NY 2007

• History was established in just such a manner, step by History was established in just such a manner, step by step, right on up to the present, and man was in this step, right on up to the present, and man was in this manner reared to become a person with modern thinking manner reared to become a person with modern thinking and behavior, and this was so that when human history and behavior, and this was so that when human history reached this last phase, human beings would be able to reached this last phase, human beings would be able to recognize the Fa. In other words, the emergence of recognize the Fa. In other words, the emergence of Shakyamuni and the emergence of some gods in history Shakyamuni and the emergence of some gods in history amounted to the emergence of divinely-imparted amounted to the emergence of divinely-imparted cultures. And in fact, that was itself to establish for cultures. And in fact, that was itself to establish for human beings a way of thinking that would enable them human beings a way of thinking that would enable them to understand divine beings and to establish a culture to understand divine beings and to establish a culture that would make the idea of divine beings that would make the idea of divine beings comprehensible. Were history otherwise, when I came to comprehensible. Were history otherwise, when I came to impart the Fa today it would have been very hard for me impart the Fa today it would have been very hard for me to teach this Fa, as you would not know what a god was, to teach this Fa, as you would not know what a god was, what a Buddha was, or what a Dao was. what a Buddha was, or what a Dao was.

Master’s Lecture in NY 2007Master’s Lecture in NY 2007

• How would I teach it, then? I would have to explain How would I teach it, then? I would have to explain everything to you, including what Buddhas, Daos, everything to you, including what Buddhas, Daos, and Gods are like, what their characteristics are, and Gods are like, what their characteristics are, what they do, how they save people, what saving what they do, how they save people, what saving people is, what happens to people who are saved, people is, what happens to people who are saved, and so on. And even if I were to explain all of that to and so on. And even if I were to explain all of that to you, you wouldn't have the real-life experiences and you, you wouldn't have the real-life experiences and knowledge needed, nor any picture in your mind, nor knowledge needed, nor any picture in your mind, nor would you have gone through a process of would you have gone through a process of comprehending things. How would I impart the Fa in comprehending things. How would I impart the Fa in that case? How could you understand it? That is why that case? How could you understand it? That is why all of this had to be completed in the course of all of this had to be completed in the course of history, and thus people today can understand what history, and thus people today can understand what a god is, what the Fa is, what cultivation is, what a god is, what the Fa is, what cultivation is, what Consummation is, and so on. Consummation is, and so on.

• Jesus then goes on to explain that all Jesus then goes on to explain that all twelve of his disciples will betray him and twelve of his disciples will betray him and would soon scatter in fear for their lives. would soon scatter in fear for their lives. Peter exclaimed that this was not so. Peter exclaimed that this was not so.

• "Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto "Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." -Matthew 26. disciples." -Matthew 26.

• Judas betrayed Jesus - What's the story?Judas betrayed Jesus - What's the story?

"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over" (Mark 14:10-money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over" (Mark 14:10-11). 11).

This opportunity presented itself in the Garden of Gethsemane (this place This opportunity presented itself in the Garden of Gethsemane (this place is found on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives). Jesus had gone there is found on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives). Jesus had gone there along with the other disciples to pray before His impending crucifixion. along with the other disciples to pray before His impending crucifixion.

As Matthew 26:47-50 states, "While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the As Matthew 26:47-50 states, "While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.' had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.' Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him. Jesus Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings, Rabbi!' and kissed him. Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.' Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him." seized Jesus and arrested him."

When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to die he was quite remorseful When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to die he was quite remorseful and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.

• He informed them that he had sinned and had betrayed He informed them that he had sinned and had betrayed innocent blood (Matthew 27:3-4a.) innocent blood (Matthew 27:3-4a.)

His distress was hardly of concern to the chief priests. His distress was hardly of concern to the chief priests.

"'I have sinned,' he said, 'for I have betrayed innocent "'I have sinned,' he said, 'for I have betrayed innocent blood.' 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'That's your blood.' 'What is that to us?' they replied. 'That's your responsibility.'" responsibility.'"

The final outcome was that Judas committed suicide. The final outcome was that Judas committed suicide.

It is interesting to note that the other disciples deserted It is interesting to note that the other disciples deserted Jesus when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56b). Peter even Jesus when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56b). Peter even vehemently denied that he knew Jesus when questioned. vehemently denied that he knew Jesus when questioned.

• "After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, 'Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.' Then 'Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.' Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!' don't know the man!'

• Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:73-75). times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:73-75).

"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which "Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:24-26). 1:24-26).

All the disciples, inclusive of Judas Iscariot, had to face their own All the disciples, inclusive of Judas Iscariot, had to face their own challenge of faithfulness to Jesus. All of them in one way or the other challenge of faithfulness to Jesus. All of them in one way or the other had their bouts of failure had their bouts of failure