East Asian Religions DBQ - mrwangcalca.weebly.com

East Asian Religions DBQ

Directions: You will need to complete the following tasks on this worksheet. Carefully read each

of the documents, underlining key phrases and words that will help you in answer the

questions. Answer the questions that follow each document before moving on to the next

document.

Confucianism

‘Treat others the way you want to be treated’ is a phrase most children hear growing up. This is

actually an idea rooted in Confucian principles. Confucius was the founder of this religion,

which later became known as Confucianism. Confucius sought to preserve the ancient cultural

traditions that established ways people should behave and treat one another. The family, the

school and the government were all parts of the community that commanded a certain type of

respect and order. The most important idea Confucius left behind was called filial piety, which

means respecting one’s parents, elders and ancestors. This idea is still ingrained in Chinese

culture.

1. In your own words describe Confucianism: _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. What does “Filial Piety” mean? ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

When did it start?

Confucianism started in China, towards the latter half of the Zhou Dynasty. The philosophical

belief system was developed by Master Kong (later given the same name Confucius) in 551-479

BCE. Confucianism developed in response to the long period of fighting and social disorder that

occurred during the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius wanted to bring peace to his country. He

developed the ideas about the proper way people should treat each other in society. Thus,

Confucianism became an ethical system that teaches moral behavior (positive, socially

acceptable behavior) in regard to the way people should treat each other. For more than 2000

years, his teachings have shaped Chinese thought and culture.

What was it about?

Confucius focused on the importance of daily life and human interactions. These ideas were

meant to unite the people, create stability and prevent rebellion. The foundation of

Confucianism is an appreciation for the well-being of others. He explained that in each of our

relationships, we have a designated role. In order to keep these relationships healthy, we have

to be aware of what that role is and how to live it out. The husband should be kind and listen to

his wife; His wife should obey him because that is part of her assigned role. The principle of

doing what we are supposed to do is referred to as ‘Li’ in the Chinese language. He identified

the five main relationships in life to be:

1. Ruler and subject

2. Husband and wife

3. Father and son

4. Elder Brother and younger brother

5. Friend and friend

In order to have a peaceful and stable society, he believed must treat each other with

gentleness and sincerity. Confucius said that the ruler of the state should rule as a father would

toward his son. If we come across people who are in need, we should provide for them to our

best ability. It is especially important that we show honor to our elders. Confucianism

encourages gentleness and thoughtfulness. In Chinese, this approach of love and kindness is

referred to as ‘Ren.’

Where is it today?

When Confucius died, he believed that he was a failure. In his lifetime, his teachings did not

immediately change or influence Chinese society. However, his students wrote down his

teachings for future generation in a book called Analects. Eventually, rulers began adopting

these teachings and used them frequently to guide their decisions.

His teachings influenced society until the Communist Party seized China in 1949 and banned

religious practices. Communist banned Confucianism because they considered it a religion. The

government ended in 1977, and since then, Confucianism regained in popularity and influence.

It is taught in schools and at home to maintain a culture of respectful behavior. Many leaders

have adopted the teachings to guide their leadership. The teachings of Confucius frequently

guide the behaviors in both private and public life in China.

1. Where was Confucianism founded? __________________________________________

2. What world event inspired Confucius to start Confucianism? ______________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. How did his teachings become popular? _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. What is an example of ‘Li’? _________________________________________________

5. What is an example of ‘Ren’ _________________________________________________

6. What are the FIVE major relationships in Confucianism?

a. ____________________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________________

c. ____________________________________________________

d. ____________________________________________________

e. ____________________________________________________

7. Why are relationships important in Confucianism? ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

8. How did Confucius’ teachings get passed down to further generations? ______________

________________________________________________________________________

9. How is Confucianism practiced in China today? _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

While Confucius never wrote down his teachings during his life, his followers wrote down his

teachings after his death. His teachings were written down in a book called Analects. Because

these writings occurred after his death, there is some debate as to what Confucius actually said

in certain portions of the book. However, the core of Confucius beliefs remains agreed upon.

Confucius said, “In serving your father and mother you ought to dissuade them from doing

wrong in the gentlest way. If you see your advice being ignored, you should not become

disobedient but should remain respectful. You should not complain even if you are distressed.”

1. What role/relationship is being describe here? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Does this quote support Confucius belief that we should always remain in our roles?

Why or Why not? _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

A governor of a region said to Confucius, “Among my people, there is a man of unbending

integrity: when his father stole a sheep, he (gave evidence against) him.” Confucius said,

“Among my people, men of integrity do things differently; a father covers up for his son, a son

covers up for his father – there is integrity in what they do.”

3. What does Confucius value more: respect for societies laws or the respect within

family? _________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. What does Confucius think makes a man have ‘integrity”? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Buddhism

A prince named Buddha founded Buddhism in 624 B.C. in Nepal, a country which used to be a

part of India. As an adult, Buddha retreated to a life in the forest where he meditated and

wanted to teach people to live a more peaceful life. An important belief in Buddhism is karma,

the idea that if you are a good person and live a life making positive choices you will have a

fortunate future, whereas if you commit evil deeds and engage in negative actions you will have

a future of suffering. Another key belief is the idea of rebirth. Buddhists believe a person’s mind

never stops existing, and that if you have good karma you will be reborn into another human or

a god. If you have bad karma you will be reborn into a lower being like an animal

1. What is ‘Karma’? _________________________________________________________

2. What is ‘Rebirth’? ________________________________________________________

Early Life

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha or the

‘enlightened one.’ He was born around the 400th or 500th century BCE into a very wealthy

family. For most of his life, he was protected from the suffering of the world. Around the age of

29, he was the sickness, death, and poverty that plagues the world. He set out to find an

answer to end the worlds suffering. Thus, he left his home and all of his earthly possessions

behind. He left on a journey to attain ‘enlightenment,’ or to seek out the truth.

On Buddha’s journey, he studied, mediated, and adapted his lifestyle to the words of various

religions in hopes to find enlightenment. He fasted for days at a time without food or water

with hopes to find enlightenment. However, this method failed him for many years, and he did

not obtain the enlightenment he sought.

One day a young girl offered him a bowl of rice and he accepted it. He realized that living under

harsh, physical conditions did not bring him what he wanted. From then on, Siddhartha

encouraged people to follow a path of balance instead of one characterized by extremism. He

called this path the balance the Middle Way.

That night, Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree, he stayed there for many days. Soon a picture

began to form in his mind of all that occurred in the universe, and Siddhartha finally saw the

answer to the questions of suffering that he had been seeking for so many years. In that

moment of pure enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha (He who is awake).

He went to teach what would become the principles of Buddhism for thirty five years.

The Teachings and Today

Buddha believed that a person who gives up desire and other negative emotions will achieve a

state called nirvana, or end of suffering. This finding is summarized in his teachings of the Four

Noble Truths.

The Four Noble Truths, quite often noted as a summary of the Buddhist teachings. By

meditating and coming to internalize these truths, Buddhists move closer to peace and

enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths are:

Life is suffering

Suffering is caused by desire

There is an end to this suffering

There is a distinct path to this end

The path that is described in the Four Noble Truths is the Eightfold Path. While described as a

single path, Buddha was careful to caution that there is no one path that will work for

everyone. The components of the path are the same for everyone, by how people chose to

apply these steps define their individual journey. The eight pieces of the path are: Right

Understanding, Right Action, Right Attitude, Right Livelihood or Vocation, Right Speech, Right

Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.

In addition to these two key teachings, Buddhists believe that you must live by the Middle Way

to know these truths and become enlightened. The Middle Way is simply living in a way that

allows you to avoid the extremes in life.

Having solidified his teachings and delivered them to his followers, Buddha formed the

foundation for the faith prior to his death. Upon his death, Buddha reminded his followers that

Buddhism is not based on a god or a single leader, rather the teachings serve as the guide to

the faithful. After his death, his followers continued preaching and building the Buddhist faith.

Buddhism is the fourth largest world religion with an estimated 400-500 million followers

spanning the globe.

1. How did Buddhism start? ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. What is enlightenment? ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. How did Buddha/Siddhartha achieve enlightenment? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Define the following:

a. Middle Way: _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

b. Nirvana: __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

c. Eightfold Path: _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

d. Four Noble Truths: __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

5. How popular is Buddhism today? ____________________________________________

6. How are Buddha’s teachings still practiced today? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Siddhartha determined to teach the truths he had realized, gathered disciples and preached a

‘middle way.’ His teachings swept throughout East Asia, becoming the foundation for one of

the world’s great religions. Buddhist traditions flourished in both India and China. Below are

excerpts from his teachings.

“There are two extremes, which that man who has given up the world* ought not to follow. The

practice of self-indulgence which is unworthy and vain and the practice of self-mortification,

which is painful and useless. Neither abstinence from fish or flesh, nor shaving the head, nor

wearing unwashed hair, nor dressing in a rough garment, nor covering oneself with dirt, will

bring peace to a man.”

** “Man who has given up the world” is referring to the monks at the time. Monks are

individuals who are actively seeking enlightenment.

1. What Buddhist teaching do you believe he is talking about in this passage? ___________

________________________________________________________________________

Evidence from text: _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

“ A middle path, avoiding the two extremes, which opens the eyes, and give true understanding

which leads to peace of mind, to the higher wisdom, to full enlightenment, to Nirvana! The

‘self-indulgent’ men is a slave to his wants…

…But to satisfy the necessities of life is not evil. To keep the body in good health is a duty for

otherwise we shall not be able to light the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and

clear. Water surrounds the lotus-flower, but does not wet its petals.

This is the middle path that keeps away from both extremes.”

2. What does he think will happen if a man is too ‘self-indulgent’? ____________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

3. Why does he think men should not be completely abstinent from basic necessities of

life? ____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

Daoism

Tao means ‘the way’ and it is described as a force or energy that everyone and everything has.

People who believe in Daoism believe that everyone should try to live in peace with ‘the way.’ If

someone lives with ‘the way,’ then their soul will be free and they will live forever. Daoists do

not believe in following a lot of rules. People who are Daoist believe that acting good and

making good choices helps your soul. Daoists try very hard not to break any rules and to be

respectful and kind to everyone around them. The Yin-Yang symbol is a part of the ancient

Chinese philosophy. This symbol represents the balance that exists in the world through natural

forces. For example, good must have evil, and light must have dark. Daoists believe every

person has these balancing forces within them. This is what the Yin-yang symbol represents.

1. What does ‘Tao” mean? ____________________________________________________

2. What do Daoist believe will help your soul? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Why do Daoist not believe in a lot of rules? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Where did it start?

Tao is a fundamental idea in most Chinese philosophical schools that is practiced and seen

widely throughout China; but where did it start? The general belief is that Daoism started with

the thoughts and writings of a philosopher named Lao-Tzu around the same time as

Confucianism and Buddhism in 500-400 BCE. While all of these philosophical beliefs came out

of the civil unrest and suffering in the world, Daoism has some clear differences. Unlike

Confucianism and Buddhism, Daoists do not believe in following in lot of rulers. The Chinese

philosophy stressed living simply, honestly, and in harmony with nature. Despite our knowledge

of this philosophical belief, no one knows exactly when lao-Tzu and Daoism began; there is

even some debate if Lao-Tzu even existed. We do is know that Daoism started in China about

2,500 years ago.

What do they believe?

Lao-Tzu wrote his teaching in a book called Tao Te Ching. In this book, he taught people to live

in harmony with each other and the physical world around them. By doing so, they are living in

harmony with the ‘tao.’ Tao means ‘the way,’ and it is most easily interpreted as an enemy that

everyone and everything has. People who believe in Daoism believe that everyone should try to

live in peace with ‘the way.’ If someone lives with ‘the way,’ then their soul will be free and

they will live forever. As a result, people who are Daoist believe that acting good and making

good choices help your soul. Daoists try very hard not to break rules and to be respectful and

kind to everyone around them. They make sure to respect their parents and elders. They are

also expected to act selflessly, or act without thinking of themselves.

One of the most important concepts of Daoism found all throughout the Doaist text Tao Te

Ching, is known as the ‘We Wei.” This is often translated as ‘non-action,’ Wu Wei is the idea

that one should never overreact or over-plan in any situation. It’s the idea that all actions

should come naturally, that we should be spontaneous and loose, just taking life as it comes to

us, and doing only what is necessary in the moment.

Lastly, the Yin Yang symbol is one of the most famous images to come out of Daoism and it is

recognized throughout the world. But how does the symbol relate to Daoism? It represents

harmony, or how two opposite things (such as day and night or good and evil) have to work

together peacefully. Daoists believe that if Yin and Yang are not balanced, bad things will

happen. An example of this is if day wasn’t balanced by night, everyone would be too tired to

work. If night wasn’t balanced by day, there would be no sun so food couldn’t grow. We should

not lean toward extremes, nor should we live a life of avoidance. We should be moderate in our

approach and live a life of balance.

Unlike Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism), Daoist have no distinct god.

Instead daoists worship important people who helped develop Daoism and are personifications

of the Tao, like Lao-Tzu. They may also worship gods who are from other religions, as well as

the sun and the moon.

Where is it today?

Today, there are about 5 million Daoist worldwide. Most Daoists live in China, Taiwan, Vietnam,

Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong where the cultural Daoist traditions are very prevalent. While

there are not many practicing Daoist worldwide, we can see various aspects of Daoism

throughout the world. The meditative martial art T’ai Chi is believed to be developed by Daoist.

It is practiced heavily throughout eastern Asia and in most major western cities. Daoism is also

attributed to the Chinese Red Lantern Festival. The Red Lantern Festival is celebrated

throughout China in all communities. It is believed to have been inspired by the birthday of a

Daoist Deity. While Daoism has a relatively small following compared to other world religions,

their influence can be seen around the world today.

1. What is the name of the book that is the basis of Daoist beliefs?

________________________________________________________________________

2. Define Daoism in your own words: ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. What is Wu-Wei? _________________________________________________________

4. Give an example of Wu-Wei: ________________________________________________

5. Define Yin-Yang: __________________________________________________________

6. Give an example of Yin-Yang: ________________________________________________

7. How is the Tin-Yang related to Daoism? _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

8. Give two examples of how Daoism differs from other world religions:

a. __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

b. __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

The following are excerpts of Lao-Zuo’s text Tao Te Ching. In this text, he talks about the major

beliefs of Daoism. Answer the following questions below using the text.

Quote 1: The Tao that can be known is not Tao. The substance of the World is only a name for Tao. Tao is all that exists and may exist. . .

1. What is ‘the Tao’ according to this passage? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Quote 2: When Beauty is recognized in the World Ugliness has been learned; When Good is recognized in the World Evil has been learned. . .

2. What major Daoist belief is being spoken about here? The Wu-Wei or the Yin-Yang?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Use the text to explain your answer in question 2: _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Quote 3: The Tao never does, Yet through it everything is done, When you want to rise to action Let your actions be restrained by the beautiful simplicity of The World

4. How does this quote relate to the ‘Wu-Wei’? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Shintoism

As in many societies, religion plays a major role in Japan, especially in the many ceremonies and

rituals that make up the basis of Japanese traditions. So, what do the Japanese believe in? The

nation mostly focuses on two religions. First in Buddhism, introduced in Japan between the 6th

and 8th centuries. The other is Shinto, an indigenous religion with ancient roots in Japanese

history. At its most basic, Shinto is built upon a combination of ancestor and nature spirit

worship. Shinto literally translates as ‘way of the gods,’ so the best way to understand this

religion is to focus on what is worshiped. The gods within Shinto are called kami, but they aren’t

really gods in the way most people think of ‘gods.’ Kami are more like spirits – such as members

of a family, nature, or honorable individuals who have died.

1. What are the two major religions in Japan? ____________________________________

2. What does ‘Shinto’ mean? __________________________________________________

Where did it start?

Japan is a country whose culture is characterized by its old traditions and new innovations. One

of the biggest influences in Japanese culture is religion. There are two predominant religions

that have a hold and influence in the Japanese culture: Buddhism and Shintoism.

Shintoism is an indigenous Japanese religion with roots in ancient Japan since 500 BCE. In the

2nd century CE, Confucianism came to Japan; about 400 years later in 6th Century CE, Buddhism

came to Japan through Korea. Buddhism quickly overshadowed and merged with the native

Japanese religions. In the late 6th century, the term ‘Shinto’ was officially introduced to

distinguish the religion from both Buddhism and Confucianism. Despite this effort, Shintoism

today is a combination of ancient spirit worship that blends elements of Buddhist and

Confucian culture.

What is it exactly?

Shinto literally translates as the ‘way of the god.’ The gods within Shinto are called kami. It

should be noted, these aren’t almighty, all-knowing gods, such as the God in the Abrahamic

religions. Instead, kami are more like spirits. They believe these spirits can exist in natural

forces, including trees, rocks, and rivers. While Shintoism recognizes thousands of kami, they

can be loosely organized into three non-exclusive categories.

Nature spirits, which exist within both animate and inanimate objects. This can include

the weather, rocks, or streams.

Family ancestors, those whose souls live on as an honored presence in the home

Souls of the honorable dead, such as community leaders or notable warriors

Shrines to all of these kinds of kami can be found across Japan.

While the types of kami can differ from family to family and region to region, the Shinto religion

emphasizes four principle values:

Maintenance of family traditions

Love of nature

Physical cleanliness

Worship of the kami

Together, these practices are meant to create a peaceful and healthy society that is spiritually

harmonious with the will of the kami.

One other thing that must be understood about Shinto is that it’s not a selective religion.

Remember, Shintoism practices have strong Confucian and Buddhist origins that stem from

their arrival in Japan over a thousand years ago. Most practitioners of Shinto are also Buddhists,

and much of the organized structure of Shinto is borrowed from Confucianism. Even Buddha is

seen as a kami in some sects of the religion.

Where do they worship?

Kami are worshiped at shrines unique to them around Japan. Since Shinto is essentially built

around nature-worship, these shrines are often built in rural, undeveloped areas deemed to

have strong spiritual power by the leaders of the Shinto community.

As opposed to the religious structures of China or Europe, Shinto shrines are often uneven. The

shrines are meant to reflect the natural patterns of the landscape. Despite the fact that this is a

very old religion, many Shinto shrines are relatively new, due to ceremonies that involve

dismantling and rebuilding shrines on a routine basis.

Shintoism Today?

Shintoism was the official religion of Japan until 1945; now it is one of the most popular

religions in Japan with about 3 million practitioners worldwide. There is no set day individuals

are called to worship. Instead, people visit shrines for festivals, for personal reasons, or to put a

particular request to the kami (this might be for good luck in an exam, or protection on a

journey, and so on). While Shintoism only has a small number of followers, its physical

manifestations and values can be seen throughout Japan.

1. Where did Shintoism come from? ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Define what Kami is in your own words: _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Write the three types of kami people typically worship in Shintoism:

a. __________________________________________________________________

b. __________________________________________________________________

c. __________________________________________________________________

4. Why does Shintoism have a blend of Confucius and Buddhist traditions? _____________

________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the four principal values of Shintoism?

a. __________________________________________________________________

b. __________________________________________________________________

c. __________________________________________________________________

d. __________________________________________________________________

6. Why are Shinto shrines built outdoors? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

7. Write a reason why an individual might pray to a Kami: ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Secondary source analysis: Read the following excerpts about animism and Shintoism. Answer

the following questions using the text as evidence.

“Animism is considered to be the original human religion, being defined simply as the belief in

the existence of spirits. It dates back to the earliest humans and is still practiced today, making

it the oldest form of religious belief on Earth. Animists believe that everything has a spirit. The

concepts that humans possess spirits and that these spirits have life apart from human bodies

before and after death are central to animism, along with the ideas that animals, plants, and

celestial bodies have spirits. Animistic gods often explain the creation of fire, wind, water, man,

animals, and other natural earthly things.”

1. What is Animism? _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

2. What do animists believe? __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

“Shinto is the native religion of Japan. It is a polytheistic religion, venerating almost any natural

objects ranging from mountains, rivers, water, rocks, and trees. In other words, it is based on

animism. Among the natural phenomena, the sun is most appealing to the Japanese and the

Sun Goddess is regarded as the principal deity of Shinto, particularly by the Imperial Family.

‘Nippon’ is the Japanese word of Japan; it means ‘the Origin of the Sun.’ The word Shinto

means ‘the way of the gods.’ The Japanese people worship thousands of gods and spirits.

Shinto has no holy book but Shinto followers love nature and worship the kami or spirits of

nature. They believe that these kami control the forces of nature.”

1. How id Shintoism similar to Animism? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

2. Who is a famous Shinto Kami? _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

Documents

East Asian Religions DBQ - mrwangcalca.weebly.com