Caste system- social order of India; very strict brought by Aryans
Set social hierarchy- specific rules for each stage
Individuals can only work and marry within class
May be reborn into a higher caste, but never move in one lifetime
1. Brahmins (priests and scholars)
2. Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors) 3. Vaisyas (merchants,
traders, farmers) 4. Sudras (peasants) 5. Pariahs (“Untouchables” –
perform unpleasant tasks)
Based on the interpretations of sacred texts – the Vedas
Everything has Brahma Brahma- refers to Indian God Atman- the essence of an
individual Monism- Hindu belief that
Brahma and Atman are one
Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul
Dharma- fulfillment of one’s duty Help the soul be reborn to a higher caste
Karma- positive or negative force generated by a person’s actionsdetermines next caste level
Ultimate goal - complete rebirth cycle and unite with Brahma
Chief God = Brahma
Most important animal to Hindus is the cow; this is why many Hindus do not eat beef
Siddhartha Gautama (aka Buddha)- Truth and Enlightenment
Two questions: (1) Why does suffering exist(2) What is the value of life and death?
Search for truth for six years known as “The Enlightened One”
1 - All human life involves suffering and sorrow
2 - Desiring only pleasure and material goods leads to suffering and sorrow
3 - Giving up desires and material goods help achieve nirvana
4 - Eightfold path leads to denial of desire and achievement of nirvana
Nirvana- perfect peace; soul released from reincarnation
Stress: loyalty, humanity, integrity, tradition, family and social relationships
Focus on your actions on earth did not address afterlife.
filial piety – respect for parents and elders
Five Relationships1. Father to son2. Elder bro. to younger bro.3. Husband to wife4. Ruler to subject5. Friend to Friend
Except for 5 no relationship is equal. Always a superior.
Founder-Laozi (Lao Tzu) Ultimate goal: live in
harmony with nature Dao/Tao is “the Way” Stresses: understanding
the way things are Flow with natural order
accepting success and misfortune equally.
Yin/Yang
Founder- Hanfeizi and Li Si
Believed people to be naturally evil and bad
Motivated by greed and self interest
Stressed: strict laws and harsh punishments
Believed strength made great ruler and did not share this strength.
Torah – first five books of the Hebrew Bible- stories told to teach lessons
- Abraham - “father” of Hebrew people Covenant – God’s promise to protect
Abraham and his descendants
Moses – led Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt
Thou shalt have no others gods before me
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
Remember the Sabbath Day and make it holy
Honor thy Father and thy Mother Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness against
thy neighbor Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife
Fastest growing religion in world Muhammad – founder Qur'an - holy book Five Pillars of Islam –rites of passage
Confession of fatih Pray 5 times daily, very formal Ramadan – no eat or drink during sun-up Charity to poor Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca