Caste system- social order of India; very strict brought by Aryans

Set social hierarchy- specific rules for each stage

Individuals can only work and marry within class

May be reborn into a higher caste, but never move in one lifetime

1. Brahmins (priests and scholars)

2. Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors) 3. Vaisyas (merchants,

traders, farmers) 4. Sudras (peasants) 5. Pariahs (“Untouchables” –

perform unpleasant tasks)

Based on the interpretations of sacred texts – the Vedas

Everything has Brahma Brahma- refers to Indian God Atman- the essence of an

individual Monism- Hindu belief that

Brahma and Atman are one

Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul

Dharma- fulfillment of one’s duty Help the soul be reborn to a higher caste

Karma- positive or negative force generated by a person’s actionsdetermines next caste level

Ultimate goal - complete rebirth cycle and unite with Brahma

Chief God = Brahma

Most important animal to Hindus is the cow; this is why many Hindus do not eat beef

Siddhartha Gautama (aka Buddha)- Truth and Enlightenment

Two questions: (1) Why does suffering exist(2) What is the value of life and death?

Search for truth for six years known as “The Enlightened One”

1 - All human life involves suffering and sorrow

2 - Desiring only pleasure and material goods leads to suffering and sorrow

3 - Giving up desires and material goods help achieve nirvana

4 - Eightfold path leads to denial of desire and achievement of nirvana

Nirvana- perfect peace; soul released from reincarnation

Stress: loyalty, humanity, integrity, tradition, family and social relationships

Focus on your actions on earth did not address afterlife.

filial piety – respect for parents and elders

Five Relationships1. Father to son2. Elder bro. to younger bro.3. Husband to wife4. Ruler to subject5. Friend to Friend

Except for 5 no relationship is equal. Always a superior.

Founder-Laozi (Lao Tzu) Ultimate goal: live in

harmony with nature Dao/Tao is “the Way” Stresses: understanding

the way things are Flow with natural order

accepting success and misfortune equally.

Yin/Yang

Founder- Hanfeizi and Li Si

Believed people to be naturally evil and bad

Motivated by greed and self interest

Stressed: strict laws and harsh punishments

Believed strength made great ruler and did not share this strength.

Torah – first five books of the Hebrew Bible- stories told to teach lessons

- Abraham - “father” of Hebrew people Covenant – God’s promise to protect

Abraham and his descendants

Moses – led Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt

Thou shalt have no others gods before me

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain

Remember the Sabbath Day and make it holy

Honor thy Father and thy Mother Thou shalt not kill Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not bear false witness against

thy neighbor Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife

Fastest growing religion in world Muhammad – founder Qur'an - holy book Five Pillars of Islam –rites of passage

Confession of fatih Pray 5 times daily, very formal Ramadan – no eat or drink during sun-up Charity to poor Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca