Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems - This is the ultimate goal of the Atman

- In this, your Atman returns to Brahman and

Lesson 6 – Hinduism
becomes one with it.
Hinduism 7. Cyclical Time
- One of the world’s oldest religions - There is no beginnings or endings.
- It is not just a religions but a way of life - Time is a series of cycles.
- Called by Indians as Sanatana Dharma which - Each cycle contains four ages or “Yuga”
o Means eternal faith, truth, or eternal - 4 Yuga:
religion. o Krita Yuga
- People outside Hinduism thinks that Hinduism o Treta Yuga
is a Polytheistic Religion, Hindus believe that o Dwapara Yuga
their religion is Monotheistic o Kali Yuga
- Hindu – Sindhu – Pertains to the Indus River - Hindus believe that we are currently in the Kali
Yuga, the last Yuga before the destruction.
Core Beliefs of Hinduism:
1. Dharma Sacred Texts:
- Duty, correct practice, truth A. Shruti – Means which is heard or revealed
- Hindus need to uphold the Hinduism 1. Vedas – The Vedas contain hymns,
teachings and apply them in their everyday incantations, and rituals from ancient India.
life. a. Rig Veda – Collection of songs that
- This is your responsibility as a person. praise the gods and discusses the ideas
2. Brahman of truth, reality, and the universe.
- Formless, Genderless, Source of all Reality b. Yajur Veda – Contains sacrificial Rites
- Brahman is the Universe and the material that and Rituals.
makes up the universe. c. Sama Veda – Contains songs
- All the other deities that they have is a dedicated in praising the gods and
manifestation of Brahman. mantras used in rituals
3. Atman i. Sama – “Sweet Songs that destroy
- “Soul” sorrow”
- Assumes a physical body depending on the d. Atharva Veda – Composed of magical
merits of one’s deeds. formulas and hymns related to the
4. Karma matters of daily life
- Means “action”. 2. Upanishads – Elaborates on how the soul
- It refers to the consequences of one’s (Atman) can be united with the ultimate truth
actions. (Brahman) through contemplation and
5. Samsara mediation, as well as the doctrine of Karma-
- Refers to the cycle of birth – death – rebirth - the cumulative effects of a persons'
(reincarnation) actions.
- Your next life depends on your deeds during B. Smriti – Means that which is remembered.
your present life. (It depends on your Karma) 1. Puranas - Contains a complete narrative of
6. Moksha the history of the Universe from creation to
- Momentous release or liberation from the destruction, genealogies of the kings, heroes
seemingly endless cycle of birth – death – and demigods, and descriptions of Hindu
rebirth. cosmology and geography.
 a. Encyclopedia of Hindu Beliefs. This o Kalki is believed to be the last avatar of
also covers things like Yoga, taxation, Vishnu who is believed that will appear
Hell, gods and goddesses, etc. on a white horse with a mighty sword
2. Epics in the present Yuga or the Kali Yuga
a. Ramayana – Epic poem that tells the and destroy the evil existing in
story of Rama and the battles he has mankind. Interestingly, it is also said
to fight in order to save his wife Sita that the entire cycle of four worlds will
from the demon Ravana. restart after Kali Yuga ends.
b. Mahabharata – An epic poem that is 15
times longer than the Bible and Hindu Festivals:
considered as the longest poem in the 1. Diwali – Celebrated every October or
World. November in honor of Lakshmi.
c. Bhagavad Gita – “Song of the Blessed 2. Janmashtami – Celebrated every August or
lord”. Part of the Mahabharata that September to commemorate the birth of
tackles the discussion between the Krishna.
Great Warrior Arjuna and Krishna. This 3. Navratri – Celebrated every
shows how Arjuna must follow his September/October in honor of Durga, the
Dharma as a Warrior to fight evil. “mother goddess”.
4. Holi – Festival of Spring and Colors
Hindu deities: a. Celebrates the slaying of the
- Even though there are many Hindu gods and demoness Holika by Prahlad, Vishnu’s
goddesses, Hindus believed that Hinduism is a Devotee
monotheistic religion. b. Devotees drench themselves and
- Brahman – eternal origin who is the cause and others with water and would spray
foundation of all existence colorful power to celebrate the end of
- Trimurti – Three Principal gods of Hinduism winter and the return of spring.
1. Brahma – Creator of the Universe c. Some also consider this as the time to
o Consort: Sarasvati – goddess of forgive past faults and start anew with
knowledge relationships with family and friends
2. Vishnu – Preserver of the Creation d. Some associate this feast with the
o Consort: Lakshmi – goddess of wealth god Krishna.
and prosperity
Sacred Spaces
3. Shiva – Destroyer
1. Mandir – Hindu Temple. This is a place to
o Consort: Parvati – benevolent
connect with the divinities.
goddess
2. Ganges River – Bathing in this river purifies the
- Avatars – As the Preserver, the god Vishnu
individual spirituality as it is believed that this
have come down to the world in order to
river is a holy river.
maintain the order, the balance, and the
Dharma. As he come down, he has used Rituals
different avatars. 1. Puja - This refers to the most common way
o Buddha was considered by some to express worship for deities. It consists of
Hindus to be the ninth Avatar of offering mostly material goods and ritual
Vishnu acts to the altar of a god or goddess. This
varies according to local customs.
 a. Darshan – Intimate encounter Lesson 7 – Jainism and Sikhism
between the devotee and the deity,
Jainism
the deity responds by sanctifying the
- A religion established by Mahavira in India.
food ritually offered by the devotee
- Mahavira is one and first of the 24
i. Darshan is the main goal of the
Tirthankaras
puja, where the devotee
o Jains accepts their teachings
“exchange glances with the
o “Maker of a Ford”
deity.
o They have removed all their
b. Prasad – Sanctified Food that the
attachments from the world and have
devotee receives as a gift from the
break free from the cycle of birth and
god or goddess.
rebirth.
2. Sati – Widow Burning; The wife has to join her
o They built a ford across the river of
husband in his funeral pyre.
rebirth in order for others to follow
3. Caste System – This is a system that divides
them towards liberation.
the Hindu Society to different castes. A
o 24 are given highlight, but for the Jains
person is born in a caste, this caste depends
there are infinite number of
on the caste of their parents. Mingling and
Tirthankaras.
marriage between two different castes are
- Some considers this as the most peaceful
not allowed. (See last page for the Caste
religion
Hierarchy)
Three Jewels of Jainism:
Four Main Goals of Life for Hindus:
1. Samyag-darsana – Right Faith
1. Artha – Virtuous pursuit of wealth and
a. Accept and Believe the 7 Tattvas
economic prosperity.
(Truths) of Jainism
2. Kama – Virtuous pursuit of pleasure and
2. Samyag-jnana – Right Knowledge
affection.
a. Truly Understand the 7 Tattvas
a. Kama Sutra – Not just limited to
3. Samyak-caritra – Right Behavior
Sexual intercourse, but it also tackles
a. Use your faith and knowledge to live
other aspects pertaining to pleasure-
that is good and does not hurt others
oriented faculties of human life.
b. Follow the Five Mahavratas (Great
3. Dharma – Live in an ethical and morally sound
Vows of Jainism)
way.
4. Moksha – Union with Brahman Five Mahavratas
- Artha and Kama should be practiced in 1. Ahimsa – Non-violence to all living things
accordance to one’s Dharma in order to 2. Satya – Always be truthful, never lie
achieve Moksha. 3. Asteya – Not Stealing
4. Brahmacharya – Being Faithful to your
Yoga - The word "yoga" came from the Sanskrit root
partner / Celibacy
yuj which means "to yoke". It is generally translated
5. Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness
as "union of the individual atman (soul) with
Paramatma, the universal soul." Beliefs:
- Jain Nuns and Monks always carry a broom-
Ahimsa – Non-violence to all beings.
like object in order to sweep small creatures
as they walk. This is done so that the small
 creatures won’t be harmed or killed as they a. Maya built a wall between people and
pass by. god. This is built with the 5 Thieves:
- They wear mask over their mouth and nose so Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and
that their breath won’t harm small creatures Pride.
in the air, also for them not to inhale such 3. 5 Kakar (5K) of Sikhism
creatures. a. Kesh - Uncut hair
- Jain Monks and Nuns do not cook, they go to b. Kara - A Steel Bracelet
houses to beg for food. And giving food to c. Kanga - A Wooden Comb
Nuns and Monks are holy acts for regular d. Kachera - Cotton Underwear
Jains. e. Kirpan - Steel Sword

Sikhism Lesson 8 – Buddhism

- A religion established by Guru Nanak in the
Buddhism
Punjab region between India and Pakistan.
- Nontheistic Religion and philosophical system
- Guru Nanak is the first and the most
- Buddha was their teacher; model to attain
important of the 10 Gurus.
enlightenment
- Fifth Largest and one of the youngest
- The individual is solely responsible for his/her
religions.
own enlightenment
- Guru Granth Sahib – Sikh’s Holy Book
- Reaction to Hinduism
o Believed to be the words of the Gurus
- Practices Ahimsa (nonviolence)
o The last Human Guru created this and
this became the source of the Siddhartha Gautama
teachings and beliefs of Sikhism. - The Buddha (The Enlightened One)
o Sikhs believe that this is the Last Living - Prince in present-day Nepal
Guru - His father protected him and sheltered him
because of the premonition that he could be
Core Beliefs of Sikhism:
a Great emperor if he will stay in the palace or
1. There is only one god.
a Great Teacher if he goes out.
a. For the Sikhs, there is no need to fight
- Four Sights:
anymore because all religions believe
o Old Man
in the same god.
o Sick Man
b. There is no difference between men
o A Corpse
and women in Sikhism.
o Monk
c. Karma is modified by god, it may
- Became an ascetic and fast for days, but it is
decide what kind of life will you be
not the answer.
reborn to, but god make sure that
- He sat under a Bodhi Tree for 49 days until he
everyone could be a good person in
gained enlightenment.
their lifetime if they try.
- He taught about the “Middle Way” between
d. Your ultimate goal is to unite your soul
too much pleasure and too much deprivation.
with the soul of god by letting go of
your ego. This uniting with the soul of Sacred Text
god is called Mukti (Sikh term for Tripitaka – Three Baskets
Moksha) 1. Vinaya Pitaka – Basket of Discipline
2. Maya – What distracts people and takes the a. Contains guidelines and direction for
person’s mind off god. monastic life
 2. Sutta Pitaka – Basket of Discourse 5. Eightfold Path
a. This is made up of doctrinal and ethical a. Right View – Awareness of the law of
discourses taken from the Buddha’s karma and the Four Noble Truths.
sermons. b. Right Thought – Avoiding thoughts of
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka – Basket of Ultimate anger, greed, and illicit desire.
Things c. Right Speech – Avoiding lies, unkind
a. A more detailed discussion of the speech, and frivolous talk.
Sutta Pitaka. Contains Songs, poetry, d. Right Action – Avoiding evil acts,
stories of Buddha those against the five precepts.
e. Right Livelihood – Avoiding lifestyles
Core Beliefs
and occupation that harm oneself and
1. Nirvana – Liberation from samsara and
other beings.
suffering
f. Right Effort – Doing one’s best in
2. Triratna – Three Jewels of Buddhism
doing good things at the right time.
a. Buddha – represents the ideal human
g. Right Mindfulness – Learning to be
being whose life all Buddhists strive to
attentive to the present moment.
emulate.
h. Right Concentration - Training the
b. Dharma – sum of Buddhist teachings
mind to be focused and calm.
about how to view the world, live
6. Panca Sila (Five Precepts)
properly, and ultimately achieve
a. I take the precept to abstain from
enlightenment
destroying living beings. (Do not Kill)
c. Sangha - community of Buddhist
b. I take the precept to abstain from
monks and nuns who preserve the
taking things not given. (Do not Steal)
Dharma and teach them to the laymen
c. I take the precept to abstain from
3. Three Marks of Existence:
sexual misconduct.
a. Impermanence – There is nothing
d. I take the precept to abstain from
permanent in this world because all
false speech. (Do not Lie)
things change.
e. I take the precept to abstain from
b. Anatma (No Self) – There is no self.
anything that causes intoxication. (Do
We are all interconnected with one
not use Alcohol, Drugs, Cigarettes,
another and with other living things in
and other toxic materials that harms
this world. A person is made up of Five
the body)
Khandas (Aggregates).
c. Suffering – This is explained more in Branches of Buddhism:
Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. 1. Theravada Buddhism
4. Four Noble Truths - Teaching of the Elders
a. Dukkha – Life is a Suffering. - Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle)
b. Samudaya – There is suffering - Arhats – Ascetics who want to leave the
because there is desire. world and follow the path to liberation
c. Nirodha – There is an end for suffering - More individualistic
(To get rid of suffering, one must get 2. Mahayana Buddhism
rid of desire). - Greater Vehicle
d. Magga – There is an eightfold path to - Meditation leads to emptiness
follow in order to end suffering. - Concept of a Bodhisattva
 - Bodhisattvas are people who have attained o Kotoamatsukami - First group of
enlightenment but chose to stay in the world primordial gods born between the realms
in order to help other people to also attain of heaven and earth.
enlightenment. 3. Izanagi and Izanami
3. Vajrayana Buddhism a. The 7th generation of Kami
- Indestructible Diamond Vehicle b. Descended to the Earth and formed the
- Tibetan Buddhism Earth. They created the Earth’s first land.
- Incorporation of Shamanistic practices into c. They decided to live in this land, and they
the teachings of the Dharma have decided to procreate.
- Dalai Lama d. They erected a ceremonial pillar and
o Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism performed a marriage ritual by walking
o Tenzin Gyatso – 14th Dalai Lama around the pillar in opposite direction.
o The Dalai Lama have had to flee from e. When they met on the other side, Izanami
Tibet and cross to India in order to greeted Izanagi first which resulted to the
escape an uprising in China against birth of Ebisu, a limbless and boneless
religion. child. They have put him on a boat and
pushed him off the sea. Ebisu later on
Lesson 9 – Shinto
grew bones and became the Kami of Luck
Japan’s Geography and Fishermen.
f. They did the ritual once again with the
- Capital City: Tokyo
same process in which Izanami greeted
- Land of the Rising Sun
Izanagi first. The ritual still failed and
- 5 Main Islands
Izanami gave birth to their second child,
1. Hokkaido – Northernmost Island
the Island of Awa.
2. Honshu – Main Island
g. They did the ritual for the third time, but
3. Kyushu
this time, Izanagi greeted Izanami first.
4. Shikoku
This resulted to the birth of the Islands of
5. Okinawa – Southernmost Island
Japan and many more Kami like the Kami
Shinto of Wind, Mountain, and Grass. (See
- Indigenous Religious Practice of Japan Appendix A for more info)
- Shinto – “The Way of the Kami” 4. Kagu-Tsuchi
o Shen – “god” or “spirit” a. Kami of Fire
o Dao – “Way” b. The last child of Izanami before her death
(Ikaw ba naman manganak ng apoy di ba?)
The Japanese Creation Myth
c. Out of grief, Izanagi killed this child which
1. In the beginning there was nothing but formless then became the volcanoes of Japan
chaos. The lighter particles of this chaos formed (AND REMEMBER!!! There are many active
the heaven and the heavier particles formed the volcanoes in Japan. The Japanese People
earth made up of muddy ocean. relate this to this killing).
2. Three Kami were born between these realms 5. Longing for his wife, Izanagi decided to descend
which is then followed by 7 more generations of to Yomi (Underworld). He saw Izanami there, but
Kami. when he shined his light on her, she is already
rotting.
6. Izanagi bolted which enraged Izanami. She sent them is a way for them to maintain their
an army of demons after him, but Izanagi relationship with their surroundings.
escaped and sealed the door to the underworld o Kami are worshipped across the country
with a boulder. while some are localized.
7. In anger, Izanami cursed him and promised to kill o Shinbatsu – Punishment for
1000 people per day. With this, Izanagi promised disrespecting a Kami or for failing to
to make sure that 1500 people would be born perform a ritual. (Illness is the most
every day. common form of this)
8. After his journey to the underworld, Izanagi o Yokai – A class of supernatural creatures
purified himself in a river. His clothes and the that can fall anywhere between good,
parts of body he washed produce more Kami. passive, mischievous, neutral, animalistic,
9. The three most important Kami came about and evil.
when Izanagi washed his face. ▪ Kitsune - Holy Nine-tailed foxes
a. Amaterasu-Omikami – Kami of the Sun are servants of the Shinto deity
b. Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto – Kami of the Inari, and Inari’s shrines are
Moon decorated with statues and
c. Susanoo-no-Mikoto – Kami of Storms images of these foxes.
▪ Tofu Kozo - Timid and weak yokai
- Kojiki and Nihon Shoki who carries tofu, and are not
o Oldest surviving Japanese history and known to be aggressive towards
Mythology text. humans.
o Kojiki contains the Japanese creation o The emperor of Japan is considered as a
story. Kami until it was renounced after the
surrender and defeat on World War 2.
Core Beliefs
o Not all Kami are good and some may bring
- Kami – The Japanese equivalent for god/s disasters and misfortune.
o This could range from spirits of the - Musubi - This is the force that connects
landscape, nature’s forces, and spirits of everything in the universe together. For the
ancestors. Japanese, everything is connected to each other.
o Anything in this world that fills you with - Harae / Harai – General Term for Purification
the sense of wonder and awe. Ritual
o The world we live in is also the home of the o Central ritual of Shinto
Kami. This is why for the Japanese; the o Removes the spiritual pollution that
physical world is sacred and worthy of separates a person from the creative
respect. energy of the universe (Musubi)
o There is no single god for Shinto, the o Spiritual pollution is temporary and can be
universe is being watched over by the cleansed because for them, humans and
harmonious cooperation of the Kami who nature itself is inherently good.
live alongside human beings. o Temizu – Most common form of Harae.
o Remember this one simple rule of A person performs this purification ritual
reciprocity: Humans respect the Kami, before entering a temple.
the Kami takes care of Humans. ▪ Using a ladle, a person washes
o Communication with the Kami could be his/her left hand and right hand.
through Prayer and Offering. Worshiping Afterwards, s/he pours water on
 his/her hand to wash his/her the Kami. Failure to do this may result to
mouth. Shinbatsu or misfortune.
o Misogi – More extreme form of Harae. A o Mikoshi – Shinto Shrine that can be carried
person performs this cleansing ritual by around at some of their Matsuri.
bathing in the ocean or standing under a o Hatsumode – First visit to a
waterfall. Shinto/Buddhist Shrine during New Year.
o Shubatsu – Purification Ritual that uses o Nakizumo – Crying Sumo Festival. This is
salt. a festival where Sumo Wrestlers rock a
o Haraigushi – Ritual Wand being waved to baby in their arms. The one whose baby
purify people or things like cars and land. It cries first is declared as the winner.
is believed that this also brings good Blessings were given to the baby
fortune. afterwards for fortune and good health.

Sacred Spaces Shinto and outside influences

- Shrines - It is important to note that Shinto beliefs are

o Places where Shinto followers worship the influenced by Daoism, Confucianism, and
Kami enshrined in it. Buddhism.
o This can be any place where a Kami lives - As Mahayana Buddhism entered Japan, it has
and interacts with humans. been merged with Shinto through the process
o A Kami can have many shrines related to called Shinbutshu-Shugo.
him/her. o Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples are
o Go-Shintai – This is an object where the built alongside each other.
Kami lives in, but this thing is not the Kami o The Japanese treated Buddha as a Kami
itself. o Shinto was practiced alongside Buddhism
o Kannushi – Shinto Priests that take care and other religions.
of a Shrine.
The “Original” Japanese
o Honden – Main Hall where the Go-Shintai
is found. This is closed to the public. - Kokugaku (National Studies) – Study of the
o Haiden – Worship Hall found in front of “original” and “pure” Japanese Culture which
the Honden where the people can perform started way back the 17th Century.
rituals. o The main goal is to study the pure
o Torii – Gate that marks the entrance of Japanese culture in order to remove all
the Sacred space of the Shrine from the the foreign influences to the Japanese
secular outside world. Culture.
o Shimenawa – Ritual Rope that keeps the o Emperor Meiji envisions a culturally united
sacred space pure and wards off evil and pure Japanese Japan inspired by the
spirits. ideas of Kokugaku Scholars. Shinto
became a Nationalistic Tool because of
Celebrations
this.
- Matsuri – Japanese Term for Festivals ▪ In this period, the mixture of
o Shinsen – Food offerings to the Kami Buddhism and Shinto was banned
which is offered as a way of maintaining a and Shinto Shrines were
good relationship between humans and nationalized making it under the
control of the state.
 ▪ Shinto was directed towards the 1. Civilizations in China started in the land near the
worship of the Imperial Family. two rivers: Yangtze and Huang Ho
▪ The imperial family is considered 2. Overall, the civilizations in China are dynastic in
to be living descendant of terms of its government and society. Different
Amaterasu and the emperor is a dynasties rise and fall in this region and each have
living Kami their own contribution towards the history of
▪ This thinking and the “State China. (See list at the end of the reviewer)
Shinto” led to the nationalistic and 3. Each dynasty is headed by an emperor who is
imperialistic Japan as seen during believed to be granted of the Mandate of Heaven
the World War 2. and follows a dynastic cycle (see Confucianism).
▪ With the defeat in the World War 2, 4. Hsia (Xia) and Shang Dynasties are known to be
the emperor was forced to mythical dynasties for it is believed that these
denounce the divine nature and dynasties are based on stories. But recent
admit that he is not a living Kami. archaeological findings and evidences proved the
▪ With this, State Shinto is abolished existence of such dynasties.
and the Shrines are separated 5. Ceramics used during the time of the dynasties
from the control of the State. have proven the existence of the Xia dynasty
while Oracle Bones (pieces of oxen shoulder
Notes from Sir EA
bones (scapula) or the underside of turtle shells
- Shinto is the INDIGENOUS RELIGION of Japan, used to read / predict the future) have proven the
but Japan has no state religion and no single existence of Shang dynasty.
religion dominates Japan. Many of the Japanese 6. The restructuring and rehabilitation of the
people consider themselves as both Shinto and dynastic system happens during the Ch’in dynasty
Buddhist. which is believed by the Chinese to be the First
- Shinto develops the Japanese people to be caring Dynasty. With this, Emperor Chin Shih Huang Ti is
about the nature and this can be seen in the proclaimed and believed to be the First Emperor.
different landscapes of Japan. The nature is also 7. In line with the Ch’in Dynasty, it was believed that
the home of the Kami, this is why the Japanese Emperor Chin Shih Huang Ti have ordered the
People take good care of it. burning of the records, books, and other remains
- The touch of nature and the use of figures of of the dynasties before him in order for his
speech related to nature in Japanese Literature dynasty to be considered as the first dynasty.
is an influence of Shinto. Remember Haiku from 8. Emperor Chin Shih Huang Ti is also the emperor
your Creative Writing? It is written in a sense that who have ordered the construction of the Great
nature and its wonders are connected one’s Wall of China as a protection from the attacks of
experiences and feelings. the Mongols.
9. During the Yuan dynasty, the Mongols have
Lesson 10 – Daoism & Confucianism
successfully conquered China and established
Geography of China their own dynasty. In this, Mongol leaders such as
- Capital City: Beijing Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan have led China as
- Red Dragon / Sleeping Giant of Asia part of the Mongol Empire.
- Most populated country in the World. 10. After the Qing (Manchu) dynasty, the dynastic
system in China have started to weaken which
Historical Development of China
eventually led to its collapse.
11. Government and Military leaders such as Sun Yat o Born and died in the State of Lu
Sen and Chiang Kai Shek started the Presidential (Currently known as Shandong, China).
government in China. o Birthname: Kong Qiu / Kong Zhongni
12. Sun Yat Sen became the First President of the o Confucius was born in a middle
Republic of China. aristocratic family.
13. Years later, Chinese Thinker and Leader Mao Tse o His father was a 70-year-old government
Tung (Mao Zedong) have rose and started the worker when Confucius was born which
campaign towards a Communist China. explains why he is from a middle
14. Inspired by the works and ideas of Karl Marx, Mao aristocratic family.
Tse Tung have campaigned for the start of a o His father died when he was just 3-years-
Communist China. He started convincing old which left him and his mother poor.
Chinese farmers to follow him through his ideas o His mother worked hard in order to give
and promises of empowering the working class. him proper education.
15. Later known as Chairman Mao, Mao Tse Tung o Confucius worked as a stable manager
have started a revolution against the Chinese and as a keeper of granary accounts.
government and eventually takes over the o When he finished his education, he worked
presidency after Chiang Kai Shek fled to the island as a teacher and he highlighted the
of Formosa. characteristics of a good government
16. Following Marx’s stages of history, the agenda of and political leader.
Chairman Mao is to revolutionize China towards a o He later on became the Minister of
capitalist society which will then collapse and lead Industry, Minister of Public Security, and
to a socialist and, eventually, a communist eventually the Acting Prime Minister of
society. He have planned to do this process rapidly Lu.
through the “Great Leap Forward” movement. o His teachings were then compiled to form
17. Mao Tse Tung (Mao Zedong) eventually became the Analects and the Basic teachings of
known as the Father of Communist China. Confucianism
18. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai Shek settled and
Sacred Texts
established his own government in the Island of
Formosa which eventually became the country - Five Classics
of Taiwan. o Book of History - This is a collection of
19. On the other hand, Chairman Mao’s Great Leap historical materials like speeches and
Forward eventually failed which led to the death reports on the deeds of the emperors, and
of many Chinese Farmers due to famine and pieces used in ritual dance performance.
starvation. This also contains the idea of the Mandate
20. Currently, China is still headed by the Communist of Heaven, the belief that heaven grants
Party which is led by the current president, Xi its mandate to emperors who care for
Jinping. (Ang tunay na asawa ni Duterte XD) their subjects.
o Book of Poetry - An anthology of early
Confucianism
poems also known as Book of Songs. This
- Confucius (Kong Zi / Kong Fuzi) – The Founder contains 305 poems whose topics include
of Confucianism love and war, and are grouped into folk
o Confucianism is based from the songs, festal songs sung at court
teachings and examples of Confucius, a ceremonies and hymns and eulogies sung
great teacher and minister. at sacrifices to heroes.
 o Book of Changes - A manual of divination through education and to conduct their lives
and philosophical appendices. accordingly.
▪ Divination system refers to the - This is also an important concept for the
system that shows the patterns of Dynastic China as this mandate gives idea to the
the universe through the use of people about the Dynastic Cycle, in choosing the
hexagrams that consequently rightful person to become the emperor, and in
enables us to see or predict the seeing the emergence of a new dynasty.
future. - The Dynastic Cycle:
o Book of Rites - A compendium of rituals 1. A New Dynasty will emerge after the collapse
performed for court ceremonies. of an old one. This new dynasty will bring and
o The Spring, Autumn Annals - A chronicle maintain peace, harmony, and development
of the state of Lu where Confucius was in the empire.
born and died. 2. This New Dynasty, as generations go by, will
- Four Books turn into an old dynasty. This Old Dynasty will
o Analects - A collection of saying, be corrupt and will tax people too much.
speeches, and discussions of Confucius Selfish, Hateful, and Abusive emperors will
and his followers. take on the throne and fail to protect the
o Doctrine of the Mean - A book that people and even treats them in an unfair way.
demonstrates the relation of the Way of 3. As this now Old Dynasty continues its corrupt
Heaven and human nature. It is a way ways of governing the empire, they will lose
prescribed by the heaven that humans the mandate of heaven which will then bring
achieve the virtue of happiness by living a challenges and massive problems to the
life of moderation and equilibrium. empire such as famine and invasion.
o Great Learning - A text discussing the 4. The Old Dynasty will fall and another Dynasty
character and influence of the noble will emerge with the Mandate of Heaven and
person, and deals with the three the cycle will then again happen.
Confucian concerns: education, morality,
The Five Basic Relationships
and politics. It teaches the cultivation of
the self and development of one’s virtue - Father - son
through learning. - Elder brother - younger brother
o Mencius - a collection of teachings of - Husband - wife
Mencius who was regarded as the second - Elder friend - younger friend
great Confucian thinker after Confucius. - Ruler - subject
Among the key ideas of Mencius is the
Rectification of Names
thought that human nature is good.
- These four formed the basis of Confucian - This refers to the idea that everyone should know
education and training for imperial officials. and do the appropriate duties or responsibilities of
every role that he/he assumes in society. These
Mandate of Heaven
roles are defined by certain names or
- Tian – “Heaven” designations.
- Confucians think that the Tao is contained in the - This could be related to the Indian Concept of
Way of Heaven which can be known or learned Dharma.
through proper education. The ideal of
Confucian Virtues
Confucians is thus to know the Way of Heaven
- Ren (benevolence or humaneness) – Doing member of the Society? How can you become a
things that benefit other people. good person who exhibits the Confucian Virtues?
- Li (propriety) – Doing things that are appropriate See, this is not for your own personal gain, but for
in a given situation (speaking, behaving, dressing, you to realize your place and responsibilities in the
etc.). society and how can you fulfill it.
- Shu (reciprocity) – Doing things in accordance - Always remember that a Junzi could be anyone,
with the golden rule, “do not do unto others what as long as s/he exhibits the virtues and knows
you do not want others do unto you.” his/her responsibilities. Also, for the Confucians,
- Xiao (filial piety) – Doing things that show love, the qualities needed to be a Junzi could be learned
respect, and devotion to the members of one’s at school. This is why the teaching of the Classics
family. A special emphasis is put on the duty of and the Four Books are a staple in the Chinese
children to respect and take care of their parents. Education.
- Wen (culture) – Doing things that cultivate one’s - A manifestation of Confucianism in the present
sense and appreciation of culture which includes times is the Civil Service Exams. Confucianism
acquiring artistic skills and art appreciation. teaches that those who want to be in public
service and the government should be trained to
Junzi
be a good public servant and uphold the virtues in
- Confucians believed in an ideal human which is his service and leadership.
translated as a superior man, an excellent - Confucianism served as the guide for rulers on
person, or a noble person. The goal of the how to govern/rule well and how to maintain in
Confucian education is to produce noble persons them the Mandate of Heaven. The teachings of
for it is only when rulers and subjects are noble Confucius guide even the most famous Chinese
persons that social harmony would be achieved. Emperors of the Dynastic China.
- A person who exhibits the Confucian Virtues and
Daoism
is a responsible member of the society.
- Lao Tzu - Recognized as the author of the
Respect for Ancestors
primary foundational text of Daoism, Daodejing.
- Filial piety extends to the dead relatives. To show o Scholars are debating whether Lao Tzu
respect for one’s dead relatives, one has to visit was a real person, or it is a collective name
their graves at least once a year. They offer food for those who have written the Daodejing.
and wine, burn incense and kneel before the Little was known about the life of Lao
graves to pray for them. They can also put up a Tzu.
shrine for them at home. - Dao (Tao) - “The Way” or “The Way of Nature”
- They believe that their ancestors are still guiding o The natural flow of the universe is
them as they live their life here on Earth. directed towards stability or harmony
(Remember Mulan? Where did her Father pray for among the various opposing forces.
her protection? To the Ancestors. That’s o Without harmony, these forces will
because they believe that their ancestors are eliminate each other, eventually leading
guiding them and they have the power to protect to the destruction of nature.
the living.) o What human can do is either go with the
flow of nature or resist it. Whatever the
Notes from Sir EA
human pick will have consequences. If you
- Confucianism is about you in the society you are go against, this will result to conflict,
living in. How can you become a good leader and chaos, and damages. If you do otherwise,
 it will result in peace, order, and ▪ Ex: It takes a man and a woman to
preservation. produce a child.
- De (Te) – Virtues o REMEMBER: There is Yin in the Yang and
o refers to the power to bring the Dao into there is Yang in the Yin. If the Yin loses
realization. Yang, it will result to imbalance same as
o refers to the virtue of acting without when the Yang loses the Yin.
effort or without following prescribed
Notes from Sir EA
rules.
o Compassion, Moderation (simplicity), and - There are many sacred texts in Daoism, one of
Humility. these is the book of Zhuangzi (I think this name is
- Wu Wei – Non-Action familiar sa inyo, kapag hindi susumbong ko kayo sa
o Doesn’t mean that you won’t be doing Philo teacher niyo ).
anything. - Daoism teaches a person to live in moderation
o These just states that your actions and go with the flow of nature. Too much
shouldn’t be against the flow of nature. possession and indulgence and too much
o Living in harmony with nature, never deprivation is against the flow of nature. Learn to
resisting it. It is through resistance live in simplicity and moderation. Don’t let your
against the flow nature that chaos and desires make you go against the current of life’s
conflicts prevail. river.
o Detached action: That is, doing things with - Daoism is more personal and it teaches a person
openness to their consequences and not how to live and cultivate his/her life.
being attached to them.
o REMEMBER! It’s difficult to paddle and go Appendix A: Shinto Deities
against the flow of a river. 1. Watatsumi - Kami of the sea
- Daodejing 2. Kukunochi / Kukunoshi - Kami of the trees
o This is the most important text of 3. Oyamatsumi - Kami of the mountains
Daoism. 4. Fujin - Kami of the Wind
o This talks about the “Dao” in terms of its 5. Raijin - Kami of Thunder
reality and fundamentality and how it can 6. Kayanohime - Kami of Grass / Herbs
be known whether it can be expressed in 7. Amaterasu-Omikami – Kami of the Sun
words and its different manifestations in 8. Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto – Kami of the Moon
various areas of life. It is a guide to 9. Susanoo-no-Mikoto – Kami of Storms
cultivating a life of peace, serenity, and Appendix B: List of Chinese Dynasties
compassion. 1. Hsia / Xia
o To simply put it, Daodejing explains the 2. Shang
concept of the Dao and how can we live 3. Chou / Zhou
with its natural flow. 4. Ch’in
- Yin and Yang 5. Han
o This concept shows that the world is made 6. Sui
up of opposites. But even though they are 7. Tang
opposite forces, they need each other and 8. Song
they maintain harmony and unity between 9. Yuan / Mongol
each other. 10. Ming
11. Qing / Manchu