HinduismMain Beliefs:• Gods / Religion
▫ Believed that there are many gods & goddesses.▫Each of these gods is a manifestation (form) of
one Supreme Being.▫Hindus provided its believers with an entire way
of life. Explained everything a person should do from birth to
death.▫Hindus had no single holy book, but various
writings provided guidance. Such texts were the Vedas &Upanishads.
HinduismMain Beliefs:•Caste System
▫A social order – (social & religious rules)▫Under this system, people were divided into
five hereditary classes.▫Caste lines were rigid & based on birth;
people lacked all social mobility. Marrying outside of one’s caste was not permitted.
▫Untouchables performed the lowest tasks (handling dead bodies or sweeping streets).
Hinduism
Main Beliefs:•Reincarnation
▫Hindus believed that at death, a person’s soul is reborn as another living thing.
▫This creates an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul.
Hinduism
Main Beliefs:•Karma
▫Karma refers to a person’s behavior in life, which Hindus believe determines that person’s form in the next life.
▫People who live a good life will be reborn in a higher caste.
▫Those who do not are reborn in a lower caste.
Hinduism
Main Beliefs:•Sacred Objects
▫Hindus believe the Ganges River is sacred & has the power to wash away sin & evil.
▫The cow is also considered sacred, & religious Hindus do not eat beef.
Buddhism
Main Beliefs:•Basic Philosophy
▫Based on self-denial & meditation.▫Buddhists believe in reincarnation.
Buddhism
Main Beliefs:•Gods & Holy Books
▫Buddhist do not believe in a single Supreme Being (God).
▫They do not have a primary holy book. Their basic beliefs are found in books called
Sutras.
Buddhism
Main Beliefs:•Four Noble Truths
▫These truths explain life’s meaning.▫They explain that pain & suffering is
caused by human desires (such as material wealth & selfish pleasures).
▫Only by giving up wrongful desires can a person find peace & harmony.
BuddhismMain Beliefs:• Eightfold Path
▫To give up selfish human desires, Buddhists believe one should follow this path: Have the right goals Have the right perspective Be aware Act in a worthy manner Speak truthfully Live righteously Respect all living things Meditate
Buddhism
Main Beliefs:•Nirvana
▫By following the Eightfold Path, an individual can escape the soul’s endless reincarnations & achieve nirvana.
▫A state of eternal peace & bliss
Confucianism
Main Beliefs:•Natural Order
▫There is a natural order to the universe & to human relationships.
▫Each person has a role in society, which reflects his or her position in the universe.
Confucianism
Main Beliefs:•Role of Each Person
▫Each person’s social role brings a number of obligations.
▫If everyone fulfills these rolls by meeting their obligations, people & society will be in harmony.
Confucianism
Main Beliefs:•Relationships
▫In each relationship, there is a superior & an inferior.
▫The superior must show love & responsibility, while the inferior must show loyalty & obedience.
Confucianism
Main Beliefs:•Mandate of Heaven
▫If the ruler benefits his people & provides them with food & protection, then the people will obey their ruler, who will continue to hold the Mandate of Heaven (the right to rule).