This document provides an overview of several major religions of South and East Asia, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. It describes the origins, beliefs, practices, and geographic regions of each religion. Hinduism originated in India and believes in reincarnation. Islam was founded by Muhammad in the Middle East and follows the teachings of the Quran. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama and teaches that suffering can be ended by ridding attachments. Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan that teaches supernatural beings live in nature. Confucianism was developed by Confucius in China and is based on social harmony through virtue and proper behavior.

1. ReligionsReligions
ofof
South/East AsiaSouth/East Asia

2.  HinduismHinduism
 IslamIslam
 BuddhismBuddhism
 ShintoismShintoism
 ConfucianismConfucianism

3. HinduismHinduism
 One of the oldest religions in the worldOne of the oldest religions in the world
 Founded in IndiaFounded in India
 PolytheisticPolytheistic
 Sacred text is called VedasSacred text is called Vedas
 Believe inBelieve in karmakarma- good or bad behavior- good or bad behavior
 Believe inBelieve in reincarnationreincarnation-a cycle of birth and-a cycle of birth and
rebirth, where one’s behavior in the presentrebirth, where one’s behavior in the present
life determines what one becomes in the nextlife determines what one becomes in the next
lifelife
 Live by a caste system that divides peopleLive by a caste system that divides people
into social classes 1. Brahmans (priests)into social classes 1. Brahmans (priests)
2. Kashatriyas (soldiers)2. Kashatriyas (soldiers)
3.Vaishyas (merchants) 4. Shudras (laborers)3.Vaishyas (merchants) 4. Shudras (laborers)
Untouchables (Pariahs)Untouchables (Pariahs)

4. IslamIslam
 Founded in the Middle East by the prophetFounded in the Middle East by the prophet
MuhammadMuhammad
 Monotheistic and follow the teachings of theMonotheistic and follow the teachings of the
QuranQuran
 Two main divisions: Sunni and ShiaTwo main divisions: Sunni and Shia
 Follow the Five Pillars of Islam:Follow the Five Pillars of Islam:
1.1. Only one God, Muhammad is his prophetOnly one God, Muhammad is his prophet
2.2. Pray 5 times a day in the direction of MeccaPray 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca
3.3. Charity to the poor/needyCharity to the poor/needy
4.4. Fast during the holy month of RamadanFast during the holy month of Ramadan
5.5. Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a person’sPilgrimage to Mecca once in a person’s
lifetimelifetime

5. BuddhismBuddhism
 Founded in India by a man named SiddharthaFounded in India by a man named Siddhartha
Gautama also called the “Buddha” orGautama also called the “Buddha” or
“Enlightened One”“Enlightened One”
 Practiced primarily in Western part of China andPracticed primarily in Western part of China and
MongoliaMongolia
 Follow the Four noble truths:Follow the Four noble truths:
1)life is full of suffering1)life is full of suffering
2)suffering is caused by attachments2)suffering is caused by attachments
3)rid yourself of attachments to end suffering3)rid yourself of attachments to end suffering
(reach Nirvana-a state of perfect peace)(reach Nirvana-a state of perfect peace)
4)loose attachments by following eightfold path4)loose attachments by following eightfold path
(middle way)(middle way)

6. Buddhism cont’dBuddhism cont’d
 Holy book is the TripitakaHoly book is the Tripitaka
 Worship Buddha rather than a godWorship Buddha rather than a god
 Ultimate goal is to reachUltimate goal is to reach NirvanaNirvana or a state ofor a state of
happiness and peacehappiness and peace
 Meditate to reach NirvanaMeditate to reach Nirvana
 Believe in reincarnationBelieve in reincarnation

7. ShintoismShintoism
 Japanese meaning: “the way of the gods”Japanese meaning: “the way of the gods”
 Teaches that supernatural beings, called kami,Teaches that supernatural beings, called kami,
live in all objects and forces of nature.live in all objects and forces of nature.
 founded in Japanfounded in Japan
 Many Shinto build shrines and worship theirMany Shinto build shrines and worship their
ancestors who they believe became kamiancestors who they believe became kami

8. ConfucianismConfucianism
 Developed by ConfuciusDeveloped by Confucius
 Founded in ChinaFounded in China
 Based the belief that the keys to social order andBased the belief that the keys to social order and
peace are good character and virtue in peoplepeace are good character and virtue in people
 Golden Rule of Behavior: “What you do not like whenGolden Rule of Behavior: “What you do not like when
done unto yourself, do not unto others”done unto yourself, do not unto others”
 Beliefs based on harmony, stability, hierarchy, andBeliefs based on harmony, stability, hierarchy, and
authorityauthority
 Considered a philosophy instead of a religion becauseConsidered a philosophy instead of a religion because
his teachings are more about ethics and behavior thanhis teachings are more about ethics and behavior than
about religious ideasabout religious ideas
 Practiced primarily in Eastern ChinaPracticed primarily in Eastern China