This document provides an introduction to world religions, comparing and contrasting aspects of Shintoism and Buddhism. It begins with objectives and vocabulary for exploring religious beliefs. Early forms of religion included animism and shamanism. Modern religions developed concepts of gods and the first had customs and practices centered around understanding gods. Many early civilizations had religion integrated with government. The document then compares Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, and Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on their origins and histories, beliefs about gods and the human situation, practices, afterlives, and important texts.

1. World Religions An introduction to seeing the similarities and differences

2. Objectives Explore various religious beliefs held around the world Compare and contrast aspects of religions

3. Vocabulary animism - the belief that natural objects possess a soul or spirit. shamanism - belief in an unseen world of gods, demons and ancestral spirits responsive only to a shaman. theism - belief in the existence of a God or gods. religion - a personal set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices. theocracy - a government ruled by or subject to religious authority.

4. In the beginning... The most basic, primitive form of religious belief is found in animism . Some primitive societies in Africa and South America are animistic. Contact with the natural world is most important - respect for nature Native American tribes - many included Shamans. Animism with a person who understands and guides access to these spirits is shamanism.

5. ‘ Modern’ Religion Eventually, cultures developed concepts of gods as a way to understand the world around them. Theism was the belief in God or gods. The first true religions were established by creating sets of customs and practices that allowed people the means to better understand the gods or God Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus River Valley societies - among the first civilizations with religion

6. Government & Religion Much of the history of the world - religion & government go hand-in-hand Theocracy Since the Age of Enlightenment - shift away from government by religion Religion still plays important part of people’s lives and in the area of international relations

7. How Can We Understand Other Beliefs? Create a chart to categorize and break down and identify different beliefs to compare and contrast

8. Shinto

9. Origins & History Indigenous religion of Japan Gods and Universe Polytheism (belief in many Gods) based on the kami ( 神 ), ancient gods or spirits 鬼 （おに）

10. Human Situation and Life’s Purpose Humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil through purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the kami 手水 （てみず）

11. Afterlife Death is bad and impure. Some humans become kami after death. Practices Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals 鳥居 （とりい）

12. Texts Important texts are Kojiki or ‘Record of Ancient Matters’ and Nihon-gi or ‘Chronicles of Japan’

13. Buddhism

14. Origins & History Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India Gods and Universe Varies: Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent. 大仏 （だいぶつ）

15. Human Situation and Life’s Purpose Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit. 宝篋印塔 （ほうきょういんとう）

16. Afterlife Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain enlightenment Practices Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects); In Japan - mixed with some Confucian ideals 仏壇 （ぶつだん）

17. Texts Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others. 寺 （てら）

18. Compare and Contrast Take out a piece of paper and turn it sideways On the side of the page, write the headings for the chart as you see on the board You can work in pairs or on your own. Find out information about 2 or more religions PRIZE available! (Completely at the discretion of the teacher) Website that might help: www.religionfacts.com

19. Japan Shinto Buddhism Origins & History Indigenous religion of Japan. Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India. God(s) and Universe Polytheism based on the kami , ancient gods or spirits. Varies: Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent. Human Situation & Life’s Purpose Humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil through purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the kami . Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit. Afterlife Death is bad and impure. Some humans become kami after death. Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain enlightenment. Practices Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals. Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects) Texts Important texts are Kojiki or ‘Records of Ancient Matters’ and Nihon-gi or ‘Chronicles of Japan’. Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others.