Eurasian Cultural Traditions

Eurasian Cultural Traditions500BCE-500CELegalismStrict Rules, Severe ConsequencesPessimistic view of human natureOnly the state can act in peoples long term interestFocus on military and farming- nothing else was really importantInspired the Qin dynasty (Shihangdui)Discredited shortly thereafter because of brutalityLegalism

ConfucianismConfucius- educated aristocrat- teachings collected in the AnalectsPrinciple- life is unequal relationships- superior people should lead by moral example- superior people should be benevolent and sincere- lesser people should be inspired into obedienceEducation- advocated for broad liberal arts education- application of liberal arts into government

ConfucianismBecame the central part of education in Han dynasty(after Qin discredited legalism)Family as a model for political life- filial piety- women should be humble and obey menHistory- spoke of a golden age in the past- modest social mobility through education (civil service exams)Confucianism was not religious, it did not discredit spirits and gods; but educated elite had little to do with them.Confucianism

DaoismLaozi The Way and Its PowerDao = the wayEducation and improving oneself is uselessWithdrawal to the world of natureDaoism entered popular religion- spirits, magicProvided the ideology for peasant rebellions- Yellow turban rebellion

Daoism

HinduismHinduism the polytheistic religions in India- the term was invented by outsidersNo FounderWidely recognized sacred texts created some uniformityThe Vedas Holy Books of Hinduism- compiled by Brahmins (priests, top caste)- told orally until about 600BCE- told of rituals and sacrifices, brought Brahmins wealth and power

Hindu Gods

Hinduism: UpanishadsThe Upanishads developed in response to dissatisfaction with Brahmins- composed between 800-400BCE- Brahman = world soul, atman = human soul- moksha = liberation, or union with Brahman- goal of reincarnation is to achieve moksha- law of karma : ones actions effects reincarnation- Hinduism: reincarnate one caste at a timeBuddhismSiddhartha Gautama (ca. 566-486BCE)- referred to by followers as Buddha (enlightened one)Central Principle: All life is suffering- sorrows cause: craving individual fulfillment- cure: living a modest, moral life w/ meditationGoal to achieve Nirvana oneness with the universeHinduism/BuddhismSimilarities- life is an illusion- karma and rebirth- overcome demands from the ego- escape the cycle of rebirth- practice meditationHinduism/BuddhismBuddhist challenges to Hinduism- rejection of Brahmins religious authority- individuals take control of their spiritual development- achieve Nirvana from any casteBuddhist Women- offered more independence than Hinduism (though women still considered inferior)- many women converted

Types of BuddhismTheravada- respect for the teachings of Buddha (Siddhartha)- practices, not beliefs- Buddha is not divine, not a godMahayana- developed in early centuries CE.- Buddha became divine- popular religion of salvationBuddhism eventually spread to China along silk roads during Han dynastyIn first millennium, a new popular Hinduism emerged in India w/ stories such as Mahabhrata and RamayanaEightfold Path

Four Noble Truths

ZoroastrianismMonotheism first developed in Zoroastrianism and Judaism. Both influenced Christianity and Islam.Ahura Mazda God of Zoroastrianism- represented truth, light and goodnessSpread in Persian EmpireDestroyed during Alexanders EmpireAhora Mazda

Judaism and ZoroastrianismThe Jews borrowed much from Zoroastrianism- idea of God vs. Satan- idea of last judgment and bodily resurrection- belief of a final defeat with the help of a savior- remaking the world at the end of timeJudaismHoly book: Torah (old testament)Prophet: Abraham (covenant)Covenant with God (Hebrews were chosen people in exchange for sole devotion to God)Foundations for Christianity and Islam

Torah

Classical GreeceDid not create an enduring religious tradition- system of polytheism and cultsMost intellectuals rejected religion- the world is a physical reality governed by natural laws- human reason can create a system for ethical life- growing role of law in Athenian political life

Greek Thinkers (ca. 600-300BCE)Socrates Apology- Plato The Republic (philosopher kings)- AristotlePythagoras Pythagorean theoremHerodotus History of the Persian WarsHippocrates Balance of fluids in the bodyPythagoras

Comparing Buddha and JesusDifferencesGautama was royal / Jesus was lower classJesus was monotheistic / Gautama ignored the supernaturalJesus was more social and political than GautamaJesus active for 3 years / Gautama active for over 40Jesus executed as a criminal / Gautama died of old ageComparing Jesus and BuddhaSimilarities- were mystics (claimed another level of spirituality)- challenged conventional values- stressed love and compassion as the basis of morality- transformed into Gods by followers- neither intended to start a new religion

Christianity Becomes a World ReligionProcess began with Paul (10-65CE)Missionary activitiesInclusion of non-JewsWomen had more opportunities (still patriarchy)Attraction miracle stories, caring for each otherChristians persecuted in Roman Empire until Constantine converts.Theodosius the Great makes it official religion of Roman Empire (helps unify the empire)

Constantine