Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.

Carmelite Street, Escalante City

Basic Education Department

Subject Introduction to World Religions and Belief System

Grade Level 11 Strand HUMSS

Semester 1st Quarter 2nd

Module No. 5 and 6 Chapter No. Chapter 1

Lesson No. 1 Date

The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of:
A. The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of
Confucianism;
Content  Founder: Confucius (551-479 B.C.)
Standard  Sacred texts: Confucian Classics
 Doctrines: Mandate of Heaven, T”ien, Human nature as
originally good (Mencius) or evil (Hsun Tze), Rectification of
Names, The Moral Way consisting of five cardinal virtues,
Filial Piety, and Ancestor Worship
 God: Heaven
Performance The learner presents a character sketch of a person who personifies
Standard the Confucian virtues.

Most Essential The learner analyze the brief history, HUMSS_WRB12

Learning core teachings, fundamental beliefs, Code(s)
- II/IVe-12.3
Competencies practices, and related issues of
Confucianism
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Give examples of acts showing filial piety in the family,
community and society,
2. Describe the five basic relationships (king to subject,
Specific father to son, husband to wife, elder brother to younger
Learning brother and friend to friend),
Outcomes 3. Explain; the core teaching of Confucianism is to be a
“gentleman” by following the moral way consisting of the
virtues of love, righteousness, wisdom, propriety and
loyalty in order to promote harmony in society.

Lesson 1 Confucianism

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
1|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

INTRODUCTION
There has always been a debate whether Confucianism should be regarded as a
religion or a philosophy. Those who argue that Confucianism is never meant to
establish a new religion; he merely wanted to interpret and revive the ancient religion
of Zhou dynasty. Confucianism gives emphasis on the ethical dimension of the world
its social values and ideal serves as the foundation of Chinese society. Advocates of
Confucianism as a philosophy also argued that Kung Fuzi seldom touched religious
matters branding him as a humanist advancing practical and ethical wisdom.
Much debate has been raised if Confucianism should classify as religion or
philosophy. On the one hand, it is often described as a system of social and ethical
philosophy rather than a religion. Founded on the ancient Chinese religion, its very
purpose was to establish the social values, institutions and inspiring ideals of
traditional Chinese society. Confucianism, in the other hand is considered a religion
because its ideals were inspirational, not in supernatural sense but in the sense of
aiming for excellence in one’s relationship with others. For Confucius, what happens in
everyday life should not be trivialized but should be considered as the realm of moral
and spiritual fulfillment.

PRE-ACTIVITY: Activity # 1.
Instructions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following
questions below. Your answers must contain more than 200 words.
Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Criteria Improvement
5 4 3
2
Interesting content and
Some interesting content; Conventional ideas; little Gives the impression of
presentation; ideas is well-
Content conceived and developed with
points not sustained or supporting detail writing just to complete
not fully developed. included. the assignment.
sufficient examples.
Structure, Disorganized; appears to
Logical progression of
Logic and Logical progression of ideas with Gaps in logic or no have been written as
ideas but often lacks
Transition well-executed transitions.
transitions.
transitions. thoughts occurred to the
writer.
s

1. Considering the current social issues and concern, can we conclude that
human beings are by nature good? Why or why not?
2. How does a man avoid disharmony with his society?

ANALYSIS
Based on the Confucian context, disharmony is a problem that arises when
people think only of themselves without considering the welfare of others. The
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
2|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

behavior of such self-centered and narrow minded xiaoren is perceived to be harmful

to the society because it sets bad example and it destroys the natural goodness of the
people around him. To avoid disharmony, one must begin by taking his own feelings
as guide how to treat others- by not doing to others what does not want done to
oneself. One must learn to vigilantly fulfill obligations to parents, siblings, friend, and
one’s ruler. Those who are superior must be kind to those who show difference,
because they teach through the example of their own conduct.

DISCUSSION
Chinese people believe that the three dynasties
preceded the birth of Confucius the founder of
Confucianism. The legendary Xia (Hsia) kingdom is
considered to date from 2000 B.C.E. The emperor Yu
claimed to be the “Sky God”, and his successors
considered themselves “son of heaven.” The Shang
dynasty, 1500 to 1027 B.C.E. was located in the valley of
Yellow River. Ancestor worship was clearly important to
that historical family. The famous Zhou (Chou) dynasty Kung Fuzi or Master Kong, the Founder of
ruled form 1207 to 256 B.C.E. The founders of Zhou Confucianism

family exerted such strong leadership that Confucius look

back to it as an example of how society should be governed.

Confucians, as followers of Confucius thinks that their founder believes on the

inherent goodness of humankind and like Daoism, the origins and development of
Confucianism is anchored on the history and culture of Chinese civilization. Unlike
other religious views, it professes no belief in deities or in afterlife, and has no clergy
nor sacred places, and fixed religious services. Furthermore, it stresses orthopraxis
or right action over orthodoxy or right belief.

Confucianism is a collectivist based value system which embraces a set of moral

codes of behavior designed to regulate the relationships between ruler and subject,
father and son, friend and neighbor, husband and wife, and brother and brother. Strict
observation of this social code promotes collective social norms which constitute the
foundation on which social harmony rests. It also gives emphasis on the importance of
personal cultivation of a moral or virtuous individual both at the collective level and the
individual level. Self-cultivation promotes “a government by goodness” and
improves human relationships that are well structured and balanced.

The Confucian tradition is the general term for the religious and ethical ideals,
values, and behaviors that have shaped Chinese culture for the previous three to four
millennia. These include the veneration of ancestors, education in history and culture
(such as poetry, music, painting and calligraphy), the cultivation of harmonious,
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
3|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

hierarchical relations in one’s family and social life , and the grounding ethical behavior
in a cosmic reality. Confucianism aims towards the ultimate transformation of and
individual and society. In addition, it also provides the means of achieving that ideal,
gives emphasis on education for good governance making it the leading educational
theory in China.

The founder of Confucianism, was a man

named Kong Qui (later became Kong Zhongni)
was named Confucius by the west. Chinese people
refer him as Kong Zi or Kong Fuzi that means Lord
or Master Kong. He was born into a minor
aristocratic family on the 28th day of September in
the year 551 B.C.E. in the Chinese state of Lu. His
family is said to have become poor, likely because
his father, who had once been a successful
government official, died when Confucius is about
three years old. Legends claim that his father was
The memorial stone of Master Kong
a famous warrior of gigantic size and strength (Confucius); the founder of Confucianism
who was seventy years old when Master Kong
was conceived. As a young person, he worked as a stable manager and granary
bookkeeper for the local ruler. This experience opened his eyes to the social
inequalities experienced by heavily-taxed peasants who had to support the luxury of
the small ruling class.

In his late teens, he became a minor local government functionary, who was
known as moral, wise, fair and diligent. During his twenties, Master Kong, with his
reputation as a man of learning, established himself as a teacher of young people.
Teaching principles of good government, history, and divination, he attracted many
students who lived in his home and followed him in his journeys. He was always at his
best when teaching although he believed that he could make a greater impact on his
society as a government official. In 501 B.C.E., at the age of fifty, he was appointed as
governor of Zhongdu province and in less than a year, was promoted as Minister of
Criminal Justice legends say that during this time, crime rate dropped to almost zero.
However, due to the envy of his conspiring rivals, he was forced to retire and go into
exile for five years.

Kong Fuzi died in 479 B.C.E., supposedly disenchanted with his own life,
believing that all his hard work, idealism, and optimism had not made an impact and
difference to the world. His followers however, did not agree to their master’s idea and
mourned his death. One tradition has it that his most faithful disciple, inspired by
Master Kong’s example, built a hunt beside his grave and stayed to mourn him for
three years. His teachings however had not received widespread support and were
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
4|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

remembered and followed by only by a small group of his followers, who were not
welcomed by the rulers of China.

The Confucian canon of sacred texts is believed to consist of writings that came
before Confucius and of texts that were edited and later added by Confucian scholars.
These basic Confucian texts are the Sishu or Four Books and the Wu Jing or Five
Classics. The Four Books serve as an introduction to Confucian thought and used to
be core of the curriculum for the Chinese civil service examinations.

 The Analects or Lunyu is a collection written by disciples, of speeches by Grand

Master Kong and his disciples as well as discussions with him.

 Mencius or Mengzi is a collection of conversation between the Confucian scholar

Lord Meng and kings of his time.

 Great learning or Da xue is an essay expressing many themes of Chinese

philosophy and political thinking.

 Doctrine of the Mean or Zhong yong is an essay concerning the relationships

between heaven and earth demonstrating the usefulness of Dao to gain perfect
virtue.

The Five Classics contain many Confucian ideas even if they are not exclusively
Confucian texts and were for centuries at the core of Asian education.

 Book of Changes or Yijing is a complex manual of divination, which grew over

the centuries as a uniquely Chinese combination of practical wisdom and esoteric
lore. Were the future could be predicted by studying patterns of nature; contains
64 hexagrams used for interpreting patterns from casting coins or plant stalks.

 Book of Historical Records or Shujing is a record of events that supposedly goes

all the way back to three million years before the Common Era.

 Book of Odes or Shijing is an anthology of poetry written between 1000 and

500 B.C.E

 Book of Rites or Lijing is a record of about 300 years of the social forms,
administration, and religious practices of the Zhou dynasty from 8 th to 15th
centuries B.C.E.

 Annals of Spring and Autumn or Chunqui is a vast detailed and well-organized

collection of subject matter from years 771-476 B.C.E., which included music,
agriculture, conduct of rulers and even divination.

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
5|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

Like Daoists, Master Kong believed in the innate goodness of human beings, who
believed in the innate goodness of human beings, who learn best through example. It
is the bad example and poor leadership in the society that influences the people to
become evil. Every society needs a model that Master Kong called Junzi (son of the
lord, gentleman, nobleman, superior being) being a Junzi means that you are not
Xiaoren or small and petty person. Master Kong, in his entire life strived to be a Junzi
for his disciples. His goal was not only to inform but to form and reform. This
presupposes the practice if the Confucian doctrine of zhengming or rectification of
names. Zhengming is the knowledge and use of the proper designations of people and
things in the web of interrelationships that generates meaning, a community, and
appropriate behavior in order to ensure harmony in the society. Because social
harmony is extremely valuable, without the proper zhengming, society would simply
break down.
Zhengming acknowledges five lasting relationships, which are unequal but
reciprocal. When these five basic hierarchical relationships are properly ordered
according to li, there will be harmony in society. Li, which literally means “ritual,” is
the correct formal way to behave in religious rites or in ceremonies of the imperial
court. Confucianism re-appropriates li, understood as “propriety and conformity,”
making it refers to appropriate patterns of human interaction.
Five Lasting Relationships
There should be kindness to the parent and filial piety in
Parent to Child
the child
There should be righteous behavior and affection in the
Husband to Wife
husband and obedience and fidelity in the wife
Elder Sibling to Among siblings, there should be gentility and concern in the
Younger Sibling elder and humility and reliability in the younger
There should be consideration and guidance among
Teacher to Student
teachers and deference and respect among students
There should be benevolence among rulers and loyalty
Ruler to Subject
among their subjects.
A junzi always acts from the internalization of Li, and will behave appropriately in
any situation and when li is internalized, selfishness is overcome and is replaced by
ren. Ren is humaneness, the quality of being a genuine human being to other human
beings. It is also an Confucian inward ideals that focuses on the Love, Goodness,
Benevolence, Human-heartedness, and Co-humanity. In addition to ren and li, there
are three other constant virtues in the Confucian tradition: Yi (Justice or
righteousness), Zhi (Wisdom or Knowledge), and Xin (reliability, integrity, loyalty).
Consequently, these five core teaching of Confucianism to be a Junzi aims to promote
harmony in the society.

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
6|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

In his entire life, Master Kong discusses a lot of things especially in the
educational and political aspects. The following are his most famous philosophy.

1. When people are educated, the distinction between classes disappears.

(Education was the meaning of life, the key to understanding this world.) People
become better by being educated.

2. If the sons of emperors and princes are without quality they should be reduced
to the ranks of the common people. If the common people have quality, they
should be elevated to the ranks of the rulers.

3. (He was the first to teach a school of students of all social classes. Makes him
the greatest philosopher in China and East Asia.)

4. (Superior men: Men of noble character, not noble birth.) Anyone can be a
superior man. It is only necessary to decide to be one. (Demanded honesty,
rigorous self-control and virtue of his students).

5. A Superior man thinks of what is right; a small man thinks of what is profitable.
A superior man demands much of himself; a small man demands much of
others. A superior man accepts his lot calmly; a small man is full of complaints.
APPLICATION: Activity #2
Directions: Confucius believed that human beings are innately good and
that they learn best through experience and example. The core
teaching of Confucianism helps a man in promoting harmony to his
society. Give at least five reasons why a Junzi makes a good leader.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Criteria Improvement
5 4 3
2
Interesting content and
Some interesting content; Conventional ideas; little Gives the impression of
presentation; ideas is well-
Content conceived and developed with
points not sustained or supporting detail writing just to complete
not fully developed. included. the assignment.
sufficient examples.
Structure, Disorganized; appears to
Logical progression of
Logic and Logical progression of ideas with Gaps in logic or no have been written as
ideas but often lacks
Transition well-executed transitions.
transitions.
transitions. thoughts occurred to the
writer.
s

SUMMARY

 Confucianism is a religion believed to be founded by Confucius also

known as Master Kong. Unlike other religion, this religion it stresses right
action over right belief. Under Confucian concept, man is perceived to be

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
7|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

inherently good. In addition, this stresses out that a man learns by

emulating the people from his society.

 There are two basic Confucian texts the (1) Sishu or Four Books (Lunyu,
Mengzi, Da xue, Zhong yong) and the (2) Wu Jing or Five Classics.
(Yijing, Shujing, Shijing, Lijing, Chunqui

 Every society needs a model that Master Kong called Junzi (son of the
lord, gentleman, nobleman, superior being) being a Junzi means that you
deemed by the society as a man worthy to be called the leader and model.

 There are five constant virtues in the Confucian tradition. (1) Li, (2) Ren,
(3) Yi, (4) Zhi, (5)Xin. To be considered Junzi by the society, a man must
first develop these virtues.

POST ACTIVITY
Fill in the columns bellow. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper
Rubric for Post Activity
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED
Content The content was well-thought of; questions are 25
thoroughly answered
Organization The ideas were arranged in a manner that it contribute 25
of ideas to the development of the answer

WHAT ARE MY PRIOR WHAT ARE THE THINGS I WANT WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT JUDAISM TO KNOW ABOUT JUDAISM JUDAISM
(Write at least five of the most important)

Subject Introduction to World Religions and Belief System

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
8|Page
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

Grade Level 11 Strand HUMSS

Semester 1st Quarter 2nd

Module No. 7 and 8 Chapter No. Chapter 1

Lesson No. 1 Date

The learner demonstrates understanding of;
A. The elements of Taoism:
a. Founder: Lao Tzu (604 B.C. - ?)
b. Sacred texts: Tao Te Ching, Book of Chuang Tze
c. Doctrines: Wu-Wei, Law of Reversion, Following nature
Content
d. Tao as the Origin of all Beings, unamiable and eternal
Standard
B. The elements of Shintoism:
a. Founders: Prehistoric Animists of Japan
b. Sacred texts: Kojiki and Nihongi
c. Doctrines: belief in kami, divinity of emperors
d. Gods: kami (animist and nature spirits)
The learner:
A. Identifies the things she can do without by making an
Performance inventory of personal belongings (e.g. things in the
Standard bedroom) and writes a reflection on Taoism based on the
result of the inventory
B. Interprets the Kojiki creation story creatively.
The Learner:
A. Analyze the brief history, core
teachings, fundamental beliefs,
practices, and related issues of
Most Essential Taoism
Learning B. Examine the brief history, core Code(s)
Competencies teachings, fundamental beliefs,
and practices of Shintoism
C. Explain the uniqueness and
similarities of Confucianism,
Taoism and Shintoism
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Give examples of acts showing love and respect of
nature and the environment.
2. Explain why is it important for Japanese people to
worship gods,
Specific
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
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 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

3. Evaluate: The core teaching of Shintoism is to

worship the ancestors and forces of nature to achieve
harmony in all dimensions.
Learning 4. Explain; the core teaching of Confucianism is to be a
Outcomes “gentleman” by following the moral way consisting of
the virtues of love, righteousness, wisdom, propriety
and loyalty in order to promote harmony in society.
5. Provide evidence that Confucianism, Taoism and
Shintoism share common traits in viewing nature and
ancestors

Lesson 1 Taoism and Shintoism

INTRODUCTION
There are three known religions in East
Asia namely; Confucianism, Taoism and
Shintoism. After having a glimpse on the first
one, let us now continue on the other two. In
this specific module, we are going to discuss
Taoism and Shintoism. Taoism is impersonal, Laozi (Lao Tzu), or Lao tan; the
an invisible way that the universe follows, a founder of Daoism

harmony of tensions between opposites. This

powerful force is indifferent to human desires
and artificial structures. It is not influenced by
prayers, hymns and rituals.
Daoism or Taoism developed the teachings contained in the books Tao Te
Ching that is believed to have been written by Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, a book named
after the philosopher Chuang Tzu who wrote a big part of it. A Taoist practitioner
believes that the Tao, the way, through unknowable being beyond words and
concepts should not be hindered as it flows or moves within the nature and human
nature. Hindering such natural flow of Tao will lead to natural disaster and
disharmonies.
Shintoism’s history on the other hand stretches from prehistory until the
twenty first century. During that long period, there have been many different ways of
selecting and grouping aspects of Shinto’s beliefs and practices.
Shinto is animistic and polytheistic, and devotees worship the Kami deities and
spirits, and ancestors. Shintoism’s origin shrouded in the mists on prehistory, it also
been considered as the original native religion in the people of Japan. When Buddhism
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
10 | P a g e
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

came to Japan from china in the sixth century C.E., an identifying label was needed to
distinguish the nameless ancient way. From the Chinese shen dao, “the way of the
sacred,” it came to be known in japan as Shinto or kami-no-michi or in Nihongo
“Path/Way of Kami.”
In this specific module, we are going to explore the context and mysteries of these
two of the world religion that has a great impact on the cultural development of East
Asia.
Pre-Activity
Activity # 1
Think of your personal belongings. Group them into two: those that you can do
without (you can go on with your normal life without it) and those that you cannot.
Reflect your classification and write an essay using the guide questions below.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Rubric for Post Activity
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS OBTAINED
Content The content was well-thought of; questions are 25
thoroughly answered
Organization The ideas were arranged in a manner that it contribute 25
of ideas to the development of the answer

1. What are the bases for your classification?

2. Focus on the things you considered you cannot do without. If you were to
simplify your life, will the list of things under this group change?

ANALYSIS:
Most of the time, we are too attached with the material things that it seems like
we cannot live without it. Due to our strong connection with it, we often forget the
very essence of its existence. Taoism or Daoism gives emphasis on abandoning one’s
petty desires and resigning themselves to the flow of Dao.
DISCUSSION
The beginning of Daoism as a philosophy in the 6 th century B.C.E. has been
attributed to the old sage Laozi (Lao Tzu), or Lao tan. He is believed to be the author
of the classic Dao De Jing or The Way and its Power”. It is said that before Laozi’s
journey to the west on a water buffalo, the gatekeeper persuaded him to write down
and leave behind his most important ideas. Since then, the book has been passed
down for centuries in Chinese civilization and its author, believed to have been Laozi
has been deeply revered.

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
11 | P a g e
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

Dao De Jing focuses on the harmony of opposites within a peaceful flow of Dao.
Beneath phenomenal changes of the natural order, there is a relentless flow, or way,
which is neither entirely visible nor open to full knowledge. Nevertheless, it influences
the process of the changes that can be observed. The way of Dao includes peaceful
harmony of opposites. Dao is believed to be the mysterious cosmic power present to
all human experiences. It refers not only to the actuality of experience but also to the
potential activity of the universe unfolding itself; it is the nonbeing that gives rise to
phenomenal reality. Hidden, nevertheless manifests itself to those who patiently
observe and reflect enough can be known of the Dao that a person can choose to live
in harmony with it.
“The Tao (Way) that can be told is not the unchanging Tao;

The name that can be named is not the unchanging name

The Nameless is the origin of heaven and earth;

The Named is the mother of all things.

Therefore, let there always be non-being so we may see their subtlety, and let
there always be being so we may see their outcome.

Two are the same.”

Daoists believe that societies suffer when they disregard the Dao. History shows
that societies often base standards and principles at odds with Dao. Eventually, human
efforts are destroyed and human purposes are thwarted, bringing misery on entire
societies. If they develop wisdom in the face of Dao’s inevitability, they learn to
abandon their petty desires and designs and resign themselves to the flow of Dao.
Those who insists on their own way or who force society into their own plan may seem
to succeed for a while, but inevitably the pendulum will swing the other way.

Rituals are not needed, except in magical and sectarian Daoism. The alchemist’s
stove was once a symbol of Daoism. Charms, formulas, and drugs continue to be a
part of folk Daoism. But philosophical Daoism had no rituals, for they considered
useless. The symbol of the Dao, the Yin and Yang in harmony is sufficient for many
Daoists. Artists’ paintings of humans absorbed in nature are also acceptable.
Philosophical Daoists think that “gods” of the people are only ghosts , dead mortals are
wrongly deified. However, “disease and its cure are a paramount focus in the earliest
accounts of Taoism,” Daoist priests in Taiwan learn esoteric rituals that are carefully
hidden from all except initiates. Studying with a master, disciples learn to sing, dance,
cite some ceremonial texts, and other matters of standard ritual.

Students excel in priesthood when they learn cure

for illness, exorcism of evil spirits and magic. The most
powerful priests learn to contact at least one of the other
ancient spirit listed as deities; the more spirits contacted,

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
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Yin and Yang
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Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

the higher the rank of the priest. Yin and Yang are two complimentary forces that
exist in nature. Yang represents everything masculine and active. Yin represents
everything feminine and passive Too much of either is bad, a balance needs to be
achieved.

Shintoism traditionally focused their worship the sun Amaterasu-Omikami.

The sun has been an object of veneration in many religions, for example, that of the
Egyptians. But the Japanese have looked Amaterasu-Omikami not so much as a
universal deity but as a deity partial to the people of Japan.

Japanese people revere the extraordinary power and order immanent in nature
and animals, including humans. Power and order are revered where impinge on human
experience. Although Shinto can be classified as polytheism, it is, perhaps, more
accurately described today as a reverence for manifestation of power that have had
special value for Japanese people.

Shinto also reveres many natural phenomena.

Japanese islands as a group are regarded as sacred.
The Japanese feel that their country is a special
creation and gift of Amaterasu. Mt. Fuji, other
mountains, streams, rivers, and the sea are all
blessings bestowed on the Japanese people. The
land belongs to the Japanese; it was made for them.
There is still a feeling among Koreans who have
lived in Japan for several generations that Japanese
people will never accept them as Japanese and SHITO SHRINE IN MOUNT HAKONE
grant them a share in the country.

There are three forms of Shinto. (1) Domestic Shinto, (2) State Shinto, (3)
Secretarian Shinto. Domestic Shinto is a very simple and common form that is
practiced in many Japanese homes. The basic symbol of domestic Shinto is the Kami-
dana (God-shelf), which usually contains the names of family ancestors or statues of
beneficial or highly regarded Kimi. Traditional kimi-dana contains any object of
religious significance to the family that evokes good memories or is perceived to bring
good fortune, such as relics bought at the major shrines.

State Shinto was established as a religious foundation with no other function

other than to stimulate patriotism and loyalty to the Japanese nation under its
emperor. The first article of the Japanese Constitution of 1889 declare: “The Empire of
Japan shall be reigned over and governed by a line of Emperors unbroken for ages
eternal…The Emperor is Sacred and inviolable.” Shinto priests are also forbidden by
the state from performing religious act, such as funerals. Each state-supported jinja

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
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was dedicated to a local Kami or historical event. The grand imperial shrine at the city
of lce is dedicated to Amaterasu, the mother goddess of Japan. Secretarian Shinto
refers to the Shinto imposed by the state in order to promote patriotism and
nationalism. The more recent thirteen or fourteen major Shinto sects can be classified
into three: those which stressed the traditional religious rituals and ancient, mythology
of Shinto; those with a primary emphasis on nature worship, particularly venerating
the beautiful and graceful mountains of Japan (them are Fuji and Ontake); and those
that emerge from folk practices shamanism, divination, and faith healing.

In Shinto mythology, creation takes many forms: Sexual Union, Cutting up

existing Kami, and Releasing the Lifeblood of a Kami. Three of the major Shinto
deities were created through a rite of purification, giving such rites significance as a
means for human beings to gain divine power.

APPLICATION: Activity #2
Directions: Spend an hour with nature. In silence, pay attention to the
natural state of things around you, both living and nonliving. For
example, observe the sturdiness and rootedness of trees; touch the
softness of the soil; feel the coldness of the wind; smell the fragrance
of the flowers or listen to the sound of birds.
Notice yourself being surrounded by all of these things. Be aware of
how closely are they connected with each other, and how closely you
are connected to them. Then think of the interconnectedness that
brings about harmony and well-being around you, imagine yourself
responding to with appreciation, care and respect to them.
In a separate sheet of paper, give five concrete acts that you can do
to show appreciation and respect with nature.
1. __________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________
5.__________________________________________________

Activity #3

Directions: Read the Kaojiki Creation Story below. In a separate sheet of

paper, answer the succeeding questions.

According to the Kaojiki, the first time kami arouse from the primordial
chaos and lived on the high plane of heaven. The original parents were Izanagi,
the male principle and Izanami, the female principle – descended from heaven
Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system
along a rainbow
Teacher: Kevin Reybridge. Standing on the tip of the rainbow bridge, Izanagi thrust
E. Caballeda
hisNo.:
Contact jewel-like spear into the ooze of the formless sea below. Drawing out the
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spear, the precipitate dripping from its point became an island. When the island
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Eventually, Sunano-o was vindicated after the final confrontation with his
sibling; he had intended no evil and his heart was as pure as Amaterasu’s. As
such, Shinto views evil, not as malevolent, but as unintended result of ignorance
and error. Susanp-o was exiled from heaven and settled in Izumo, were he slew
a many-headed snake and married to the daughter of a local chieftain, and
founded a dynasty.
One day, the grandson of Amaterasu, Ninigi, was given a sword, along
with the mirror and jewels used to lure his grandmother and commanded to
descend
Subject: to earth
Introduction to religion
to world take over Japan.
and belief system This meant subduing a descendant of
Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Susano-o named Okuninushi, who was the chief priest and ruler of Izumo. The
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age kami descended with Ninigi and negotiated in his favor with the kami of
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Recall the details of the story.

1. Who were the original parents of Japanese People and where did they
came from?
2. Describe the tragedy that took place during the birth of the birth of the
male kami of fire.
3. Who were Amaterasu and Susano-o?
4. How were Ninihgi and Jimmu connected to Amaterasu?

SUMMARY

 Daoism or Taoism is one of the World Religions that believes in the

impersonal, an invisible way that the universe follows, and a harmony of
tensions between opposites. Daoist focuses not only on the actuality of
experience but also to the potential activity of the universe unfolding itself.
It also gives emphasis on the interconnectedness of every living and non-
living things, animate or inanimate objects.
 Shintoism is a world religion that is believed to have been originated in
Japan. This world religion gives emphasis on the extraordinary power and
order immanent in nature and animals, including humans and also gives
emphasis on the divine origin of the Japanese people.

PERFORMANCE TASK

Create a 3-minute video presentation about summarizes the different world

religions giving emphasis on it similarities and differences. Include your personal
realizations at the end of the video. Performance task should be submitted before Feb.
15, 2021
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Presentation Content
(0-4pts) (5-7 pts) (8-11 pts) (12-15 pts)
Adequate Coverage Video lacks required Video lacks required Video includes all required Video includes all required

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
16 | P a g e
 Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc.
Carmelite Street, Escalante City
Basic Education Department

information and has

information and has only a information, with only a few information, with ample examples
no examples and
few examples and details details and examples and details throughout
details

Historical Accuracy Video has several factual Video contains 1-2 factual
Video has many Video is factually correct and is
errors and a small amount of errors, but contains supporting
factual errors supported by facts and visuals
factual support facts or visuals

Research/ Excellent
Poor (0-3 pts) Fair (4-6 pts) Good (7-8 pts)
Reference Skills (9-10 pts)
Video does not
include a
Video includes a bibliography Video includes a bibliography in
bibliography in the Video includes a bibliography
in partially correct format or correct format with the more
Bibliography required format or in correct format with the
with only some of the than the required sources, all
include far fewer required sources
required sources clearly used in creating the video.
than the required
sources

No evidence yet Working on it Excellent

Creativity Skills Good (2-3 pts)
(0) (1 pt) (4-5 pts)

Video shows the inventions from

The video shows the many points of view: different
Video shows both inventions
invention from the users, different time periods,
Flexibility from the point of view of more
perspective of only one user/ different social stations, etc.
than one time period and user
time period Video inspires deep questions
and thoughts by its perspective.

There is a glimpse of an
Video is predictable Some aspects of the video are Video presents the inventions
unusual idea (but accurate)
Originality or parallels examples unexpected or highly unusual, through a unique and unexpected
approach the video, but it is
very closely while still accurate lens while still accurate.
not carried through

REFERENCES
Manaloto, C.B., & Rapadas, M.R. (2016). Pilgrimage to Sacred Spaces: An Introduction
to World Religion, 927 Quezon Ave., Quezon City: The Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Jose, M. L., & Ong, J. A. (2016). Introduction to World Religions and Belief System,
1253 Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.
Mabaquiao, N.M., (2017) Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, 927
Quezon Ave., Quezon City: The Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Wisdom in the Light of Faith, Live in Love!
________________________End of Module ________________________

Subject: Introduction to world religion and belief system

Teacher: Kevin Rey E. Caballeda
Contact No.: 09073434850
17 | P a g e