WORLD RELIGIONS – REL 212 World Religions

HINDUISM & JAINISM
WEEK 2

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Hinduism and Jainism cosmogony­ origin of the universe is that there isn’t no specific origin or founder. Nature of God/Creator

The Gods are in male and female form and represent many different things.

View of Human Nature

Hinduism and Jainism: Karma is what comes around goes around.

View of Good & Evil

Hinduism and Jainism: Good actions have a good effect and bad actions have a bad effect. “Karma”.

View of Salvation

Hinduism and Jainism salvation is called Moksha. It’s when an enlightened human being is freed from the cycle of life­and­death and comes into a state of completeness. And the Jainism salvation is achieved through three cycles right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Hinduism and Jainism: Samsara reincarnation is taught that the soul leaves the dead body and enters a new body. They believe in the rebirth and reincarnation of the souls. Jainism following liberation one’s jiva ascends to the apex of the universe to join the other siddhas. One can ascend to a heavenly realm due too good karmas accrued but must return to a human incarnation in order to achieve final liberation.
Hinduism and Jainism: Practices (both): Praising the Cow called “The Cow is our Mother, for she gives us her milk.” Worship with fire, yoga, sacred chants, verbal formulas, and sacred actions. Worship deity images, pictures and sculptures. Shrines meditation plays a part as well as symbols. The Jainism religion believes in monks and nuns. They also practices strict ethics and self­control,
Hinduism and Jainism: The Hinduism honors the divine in so many forms that almost everyday a religious celebration is being held in some part of India with sixteen religious holidays. For examples:
Holi, Krishna’, Ganesh Chaturti, Asvina, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Divali, and Mahashivaratri. The Jainism also had Paryushan Mahaparva festival.

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 2 ­ Sources

BUDDHISM
WEEK 3
Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Nature of God/Creator

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

www.hinduwebsite.com www.patheos.com www.directionjournal.org

www.reasonandmeaning.com

Buddhism believe in cycles of time are prominent in the major eastern religions of
Hinduism and Buddhism. They recognize the cycling of energies associated to encompassing divine powers. They see life on earth as “empty” of any real substance. Life is the Sanskrit Maya an illusion with pain and suffering, completing exercise of divine power and then life is Lila, the play of consciousness. Buddhism believes in existence in itself, is empty, Buddha consciousness (enlightenment) exists. The beginning of this orld w and of life is inconceivable since they have neither beginning nor end
.
Buddhism system of religion doesn’t believe in the concept of a personal God and another reason why they don’t believe in god is because there isn’t any evidence to support the idea. Also
Enlightened being, hich vows to save w all sentient beings from their sufferings.
The Buddha view of human nature is composite of five aggregates handas): hysical ( k
P
forms
(rupa), eelings or
F
sensations
(vedana),

Ideations (sanna), ental
M
formations or dispositions
(sankhara) and consciousness (vinnana).
Good and Evil in uddhism is that good and evil are innate and inseparable aspects of life
B
and every human being is capable of acts of the most noble good or evil. The good and evil: an act is understood in terms of its actual impact on our own lives and the lives of others not on abstract rules of conduct.
The
good or evil are seen not as absolute but relative or
"relational." Evil actions are those which are based on a narrow selfishness, the delusion that our lives are fundamentally disconnected forms those of others and that we can benefit at their expense. Good is

identified with the fundamental nature of enlightenment or absolute freedom and happiness resulting from profound self­knowledge.

View of Salvation

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Buddhism view of salvation is reaching Nirvana who is a transcendental, blissful, spiritual state of nothingness, when a person becomes a Buddha. To reach Nirvana the person must follow the Noble
Eightfold Path is the right understanding, the right resolve, the right speech, the right action, the right occupation, the right contemplation, the right effort, and the right meditation. The Noble Eightfold Path requires that a person do the above eight things. Salvation is through what a Buddhist does and it is through human works.
Buddhism view of after life is when the person die they’re reborn into another body called reincarnation or enters Nirvana. Nirvana is the state of final liberation from the cycle of death, rebirth, and the end of suffering. The Practices and Rituals of Buddhism are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on one and others. Some activities are unique and others are found in most popular forms of the belief system. For examples of practice is meditation that derives directly from the Buddha’s experiences



and teachings. Devotional practices, editation, Mantras udras Prayer wheels
M
,
M
, and are all part of the
Celebrations & Festivals

Week 3 ­ Sources

DAOISM &
CONFUCIANISM
WEEK 4

practices and rituals.
The celebrations and festivals is the Buddhist New year in Theravadin countries, the festival day, visiting the local temple, Buddhism’s Sacred Days, Vesak Day, Sangha Day, Dhamma Day, and many more holidays and celebrations. www.buddhism­tourism.com www.religionfacts.com www.near­death.com www.patheos.com

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Daoism and Confucianism stand alongside each other as one of the two great religious/philosophical systems of China. They also co­exist as complementally of the value system. The belief is a manifestation of an impersonal self­generating physical spiritual substance that’s called Qi, the “stuff” all things that exist are composed. The Chinese tradition the universe arises from the interplay of yin and yang.

Nature of God/Creator

Daoism and Confucianism only believe in Tao, the way and its power.

View of Human Nature

Daoism view of human nature focuses on the way of nature and immortality. And Confucianism view of human nature focuses on the practice of virtue by setting good examples for others to follow and to have a structured society. Also humans can deviate from the creative rhythm of the universe by Tao, “The
Way”.
The view of good and evil with the Daoism is neither good nor evil. Daoism believe that it is beyond good and evil. Daoism secret to living a good and harmonious life is through inactivity. Confucianism view suffering and evil are inevitable in human life and can promote learning and growth. A mistake isn’t a sin but and opportunity to learn and do better.
Daoism Confucianism view of salvation doesn’t typically hold beliefs about individual salvation or damnation of a person beyond this life.
Daoism view of after life reflects the religion’s approach to life rather than death. Confucianism view of after life believes both life and death as a responsibility to society.
Daoism (Taoism) make sacrifices on a regular basis on certain dates of the year to the departed/ the after life by slaughter of different animals. They practice yoga and meditation to help the body and spirit grow healthy and strong that lead to a long life. Confucianism practices and rituals are very important to
Confucians and its very critical to the religion. Confucians created rituals based on Li that is translated as
“rites” or “propriety” and is a very ancient teaching. They practice their teaching and they take it very serious such as bowing, being respectful to elders, and even taking off your shoes before entering a house. There are more rituals and practices such as birth: creative life form, marriage, and death. st Daoism celebrations: February 1
­ The Chinese New Year the day consists of rituals both at home and in the temple. The Taoism religion believes in the “Three Pure Ones, the Heavenly Official, Earth Official, st and Water Official. They have yearly festivals and rituals to honor them. On June 1 they have Children’s th Day and many more. The Confucianism Celebration is to honor their ancestor’s day on April 5 and th teacher day on September 28 also known as Confucius’ birthday. www.patheos.com/Library/Taois www.plato.standford.edu/entries/ www.brockbaker.pbworks.com m/Beliefs/After life­and­death daoism/#Origins View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation
View of After Life
Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 4 ­ Sources

WEEK 5
SHINTO

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

The origin of the universe is kami, which is a single essence manifesting in multiple places and the spirits perceived in the natural world. Kami is translated as “god” or “spirit”. Kami stands for “that which is above and refers to that which evokes wonder and awe in us. Kami harmonize in heaven and earth and guide the solar system and also the cosmos.

Nature of God/Creator

Shinto is an informal animist religion that honors ancestors, pays tribute to kami’s or spirits and has traditionally had a strong bonds with the Japanese state emperor and culture. They have no founder, no official sacred scriptures, no fixed dogma and no concept of afterlife. Shinto emphasizes rituals, purity, and cleanliness in one’s dealings with the kami. They are polytheistic that means they worship or believe in multiple deities.
Kami believe humans are part of natural realm, which is sacred. They also believe that the land, its nature, and all creatures including humans are children of kami. They believe that all things on this earth have the possibility of coming from kami.
Kami is not perfect and they believe that humans and the world is good. And that evil enters the world from elsewhere brought by evil spirits. They believe that human being is born pure and that badness or sin comes later in life. Purifying and cleansing rituals can be used to wash away sins or badness. Evil spirits causes humans to diseases and reduce the ability to resist temptation and causes them to take on bad ways, then sins fall upon them which obstructs the flow of life and blessing of the kami.
Salvation is based on the belief that all things have an essence soul or spirit known as “kami”. They live among us rather than in a glorified haven.
They believe and focus is on immortal kami and death isn’t directly addressed.

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation
View of After Life
Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

st th They visit shrines (home of kami) daily or on the 1 and 15 of each month, the practices the purification that’s done by the washing with water symbolize the removal of dust and impurities that covers one’s inner mind/sins. They do not have weekly services.
They have Matsuri festivals for nature throughout the year for agriculture cycle, the spring festival called kinensai, a festival to pray for the rich harvest, and the autumn festival called niinamesai. They have

Week 5 ­ Sources

WEEK 6
JUDAISM

ceremonial feast, sumo wrestling, and a lion dance are some of the events that they have during the festivals. They have a three day celebration called gantan, prakash utsav birthday, and many more celebrations and festivals. www.arcworld.org www.bbc.co.uk www.faithintowerhamlets.com www.factsanddetails.com https://shinto4life.wikispaces.co m Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

The cosmogony­origin of the universe for the Judaism is known as the old testament account of creation and may be viewed as the Hebrew version of the beginning of the world or universe but particularly the earth including all things in the world. The essential focus of this version is that the God is the creative force or power and created everything himself. The Jewish god is Yahweh and their religion is similar to the Christians.

Nature of God/Creator

The nature of God/creator in the Judaism is one of the few areas of abstract the Jewish belief where there are a number of clear­cut ideas about which there is little dispute or disagreement. The Judaism believed that God is the creator of everything; God is ethereal; God has no physical form; God is the universe at all times; God is almighty; God is all­knowing, past present, and future; God is everlasting.
The Judaism view of human nature: Humans are the pinnacle of creation, created in the “image” of God meaning in his nature and essence. Humanity was formed with two impulses: good and evil and people have the ability to choose which impulse to follow: the yetzer tov or the yetzer ra. It’s the heart of the
Jewish understanding of free will. The Talmud notes that all people are descended from Adam so no one can blame his own wickedness on his ancestry. They have the ability to make their own decisions, choices, and they will all be held responsible for the choices that they make.
The view of good and evil in the Judaism: Good and evil spoken of as a light and darkness in Judaism.
Both of them were created by God and humans have the capacity to make a choice of either good or evil acts which is the desire to meet one’s own selfish needs and desires.
The Jewish Bible salvation comes from the Lord and is favor bestowed upon the nation as a whole.
Disobedience is depression and bondage among the nation, s desolate land, suffering and hunger.
Conversely states that if hey repent their blessings will be restored.

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

View of After Life
Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 6 ­ Sources

WEEK 7
CHRISTIANITY

Teachings on the subject of afterlife are sparse and the Torah, the most important text has no clear reference to afterlife.
The practices and rituals are cosmetic and therapeutic functions and anointment were an important component of rituals formularies. The anointment of vessels was not a mere ceremonial trapping. The
Jewish spiritual practice has been scriptural study, also observance of the commandments. They also practices the diet called “kosher” which is the meat for a warm blooded animal that’s cloven hoofs which chew their cuds such as cows, goats, and sheep – and also poultry. The women is consider impure when the have their menstrual cycle and for seven blood­ free days afterwards the couple can’t be sexual active with each other until the time frame of the cycle is over with. And some foods are unclean and they can’t eat it such as pork or shellfish. The dietary instructions are laid out in the bible the book of Leviticus and the rules of the diet is strictly followed. The Sabbath is observed as an eternal sign of the covenant between the Jewish and God.
Holidays began at sunset the night before and work is forbidden on many holidays. Ashkenazic holiday is related to foods. The Passover is celebrated for more than seven or eight days starting on the night of a full moon in April. The Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, the day when the year number on the
Jewish calendar increases. It is a happy, festive holiday and then the Yom Kippur is the Jewish day of atonement, a day of fasting and repentances to reconcile themselves with the creator for the mistakes that they have made in the last year. The Chanukkah is a festival of lights and other Jewish holidays such as sukkot, shemini atzeret/ simchat torah. Also the minor fasts and tisha b’av fast. www.themystica.com www.jewfaq.org www.orthodox­jews.com

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Christianity believes that God created all the heaven, earth, human beings, and the animals. They believe in a personal and loving God who created everything on this earth and the universe.

Nature of God/Creator

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 7 ­ Sources

WEEK 8
ISLAM

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Nature of God/Creator

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 8 ­ Sources

WEEK 9

SIKHISM Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Nature of God/Creator

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 9 ­ Sources

WEEK 10
NEW RELIGIOUS
MOVEMENTS

Cosmogony ­ Origin of the
Universe

Nature of God/Creator

View of Human Nature

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

View of After Life

Practices and Rituals

Celebrations & Festivals

Week 10 ­ Sources

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