Explain the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group.
Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia.
Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India. The founder is Siddhartha Gautama, in 520 BCE, when he found enlightenment from meditation. Buddhist believe in the 4 noble truths, the eightfold path, karma, and reincarnation. they believe that Buddha is the enlightened one. The 4 noble truths are: 1) all of life is marked by suffering, 2) suffering is caused by desire and attachment, 3) suffering can by eliminated, 4) suffering is eliminated by following the noble eightfold path.
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Confucianism
IS A PHILOSOPHY NOT A RELIGION. Founded by Confucius in China in 557-479 BC. they believe that the purpose of life is to fulfill one's role in society with priority, honor and loyalty. their practices include honesty, politeness, priority, humaneness, perform correct role in society, loyalty to family, and to nation. they have the Analects which is the only text of books they have.
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Hinduism
Hinduism is the main religion in India. They believe in one supreme god (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses. They also believe that humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Their purpose is the gain release from rebirth or at least a better rebirth. they believe that they reincarnate until they gain enlightenment. They practice yoga, meditation, worship, devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to ones dharma. They believe in the caste system.
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Islam
The founder is Muhammad. it was founded in 622 AD in Saudi Arabia. there are 2 types of Muslims: Shia and Sunni. they believe in 1 god (Allah in Arabic). Humans must submit to the will of god to gain paradise after death. they also believe that the will either go to paradise or.....the other place that i am not allowed to say. Their practices include the 5 pillars: faith, prayer, alms, pilgrimage, and fasting. No alcohol or pork. their scriptures is the Quaran.
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Shintoism
It is the indigenous religion of Japan. Their polytheism is based on the Kami, ancient gods or spirits. They believe that humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil though purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the Kami. They also believe that death is bad and impure. some humans become Kami after they die. Important texts are Kojiki or "records of ancient matter" and Nihon-gi or "Chronicles of Japan"
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