Belief

Religions and Philosophies...

-Religion is the belief in a god or gods and the activities that are connected with this belief, such as rituals or prayers. The teachings of a religion influence the way its followers behave and lead their lives.

-Philosophies are the beliefs that do not involve a god or gods, which also guides people in their lives other than Religions. Three philosophies that had a great impact on life in ancient China were Confucianism, Legalism and Taoism. These Philosophies continue to have an impact on our lives today.

INDIA

Hinduism

HInduism was the first religion to appear in India. Historians do not really know how or when Hinduism started. However, by reading and understanding sacred Hindu texts, such as the VEDAS ( collection of peoms sung in praise of the Aryan gods ) and the BHAGAVAD GITA ( " Divine Song of God " ).

-Hinduism is at least 3 000 years old. Oldest religion in India.
-Hinduism developed slowly over many centuries thriough a mixing of beliefs of the Aryan and the Indus people.

3 Main Features of Hinduism are.....

-The worship of many gods
-The belief in non-violence
-The belief in reincarnation

Belief in reincarnation
-Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates or is reborn several times. Person does good deeds, soul reincarnated in to body of person of a higher caste. Vice-versa for bad deeds done... [Extra info.. *The soul can be freed from this cycle of rebirth if enough good deeds are done in several lives.]

Impact of Hinduism
-Important religion that affected almost every aspect of life.
-Believe that caste born to was the result of his/her actions in his/her previous life. Therefore accepting the caste they were born into.
-They would try their best to be a good person, so that he/she would be reborn into a higher caste.
-Indian kings had to make sure that everyone followed the rules of the caste system as divine rulers.

Spread of Hinduism
-Spread to SouthEastAsia [ 200CE - 1200CE ]

-The gods Brahma ( the Creator ), Shiva ( the Destroyer ) and Vishnu ( the Preserver ), whom the ancient Hindus prayed to, are still being worshippped today...
-Other aspects of Hinduism, such as the caste system, have become less important to present-day Hindus..

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Labels: History Chapter 6...