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Ancient Religions and Philosophies

Ancient Religions and Philosophies. Began about 3000 BCE however, the date is unknown. Hinduism. Symbol is the “OM”. Hindu Temple is traditionally called an ashram. Polytheism

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Ancient Religions and Philosophies

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  1. Ancient Religions and Philosophies

  2. Began about 3000 BCE however, the date is unknown. Hinduism Symbol is the “OM” Hindu Temple is traditionally called an ashram.

  3. Polytheism Hinduism is a way of life and a set of beliefs. It also includes customs and practices. Hindus see other religions as different paths towards the same goal. They have many gods and goddesses. It is not a single religion, but many religions tolerating one another in the shifting framework of the caste system. Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many"

  4. The Caste System and Hinduism Developed Out of Aryan Beliefs 1500 BC- 500BC • The original inhabitants were the Dravidians who were settled farmers and they inhabited the Northern part of the region. • The Aryans were nomadic cattle herders.

  5. They invaded the region and forced the Dravidians to move south or become their servants. Aryans limited social contact with the Dravidians because the Aryans believed the Dravidians were below them. This social separation led to the caste system.

  6. The Caste System Is/Was the basis of law. Rigid rules which determine a person’s occupation, diet, status, etc. from birth. They are born into their caste group. There are four groups within the caste system. The Harijans are considered beneath the Caste System.

  7. ADVANTAGES • sense of security • spiritual rebirth upward • occupational interdependence • gives order to society • unifies man and god • allows outsiders to absorb

  8. DISADVANTAGES • Limits on marriage, jobs, food, & individual initiative • Segregation of society • Resists technological change • Creates a ranking system • Provides for stagnation in slowly changing society

  9. Main Ideas of Hinduism • Vedas – collection of hymns and religious ceremonies of the Hindus that were passed down orally and eventually written down • Karma – a person’s actions on Earth that determine how the soul will be reborn. Good actions are rewarded with reincarnation into a higher rank on the caste system. Bad deeds are punished. • Reincarnation – belief that the soul is reborn in a different form after death. Reincarnation reinforces the caste system of India.

  10. Other Important Beliefs • Brahma – single unifying spirit is permanent in an ever-changing world. • All life is sacred.

  11. Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune Vishnu, the preserver god Brahma, the creator god

  12. Shiva, god of constructive destruction Ganesha(the elephant headed remover of obstacles) Saraswati, goddess of wisdom, consort ofBrahma

  13. Durga, protectress Kali, destroyer of demons Parvati, divine mother Plus about 330 million other deities

  14. All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the Brahman

  15. Location Hinduism is associated primarily with India and has spread little throughout the world.

  16. Begins during the life of Buddha: 567-483 B.C. Buddhism Symbol is the Wheel of Life and the Lotus Flower A white lotus flower refers to purity of the mind and the spirit. If a lotus flower is red, it refers to compassion and love. The blue lotus flower refers to the common sense; it uses wisdom and logic to create enlightenment.

  17. Life of Buddha • Founded by SiddharthaGautama born to a noble family in Northern India. Because he was born in India he was born into a higher caste ranking. • However, he suffered hardships in his life which lead him to seek out isolation and simple living.

  18. During this time, he claims to have reached a spiritual state of Enlightenment also called Nirvana. • He them became known as “The Buddha” and also “The Enlighten One.” • He rejected the Caste System and proclaimed that all people who reach Enlightenment. • Buddha became the spiritual guide for Enlightenment.

  19. Main Ideas and Practices • Non-violence • Self-denial • Seeking oneness with the “Great World Soul” • Mediation and Discipline • Devotion (bowing, offering, pilgrimage, chanting) • Meditation (controlled breathing used to transform the mind) • Monastic life (living as a monk or nun---completely holy life) • Vegetarianism

  20. The Spread of Buddhism • Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia on the Silk Road • Both Hinduism and Buddhism organize from present day India.

  21. Begins during the life of Confucius: 551–479 BC. Confucianism Symbol represents Loyalty

  22. Life and Time of Confucius • Confucianism is a philosophy and NOT a religion. It is a way of conducting one’s self. • Based on the ideas of Confucius (the Latin name for Master Kung). His major ideas are recorded in the Analects. • Living in a time of great confusion and chaos in China, Confucius sought to restore order through a basic set of ideas.

  23. Philosophy • Within Confucianism, there is an assumption that the universe has an order; therefore, mankind should focus on Human Behavior. • Confucius thought that if people knew what was expected of them, they would act accordingly. • Additionally, although the following is often associated with being a work ethic, Confucianism believes if we focus on the five relationships and do what is right, there will be harmony.

  24. The Five Bonds • Ruler to Ruled • Father to Son • Husband to Wife • Elder Brother to Younger Brother • Friend to Friend

  25. Spread of Confucianism • Confucianism spread throughout Eastern Asia.

  26. Begins with Abraham in about 1500 BC Judaism Symbol Star of David & Menorah

  27. Founders of the early belief systems: Abraham, Moses, David • The historical origins lie in Mesopotamia.

  28. Main Ideas • Ethicalmonotheism • 10 commandments • Torah – First 5 books • Prophesies such as a Messiah • “Promised Land”

  29. Development of monotheism • Gradualdevelopment • Mesopotamian civilizations – cities had a local patron deity, such as Sin at Ur. • Egypt – Pharaoh Akhenaten claims to be a supreme god • India – references in the Rig Veda • Zoroastrianism – Ahura Mazda is supreme deity. An ancient religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster, the principal belief of which is in a supreme deity (god) and the struggle between good and evil • Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) – one supreme God; also referenced as Yahweh or Allah

  30. To learn without thinking is fruitless;To think without learning is dangerous. Confucius – “Lun Yu” Chap. 2 These were the thoughts and belief systems that helped shape the culture of the ancient river civilizations. Test Next Class Period! Study!

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