World Religion  As early as 3000 B.C.E.

, there were already

thriving civilizations in India, such as those
Dharmic Religions discovered in the ancient Punjab city of
 All emerged from the vast subcontinent of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro along the Indus.
India, a land of complexity and diversity in  The Vedic literature was chiefly composed at
terms of people, culture, practices, customs, the time Aryans had already settled in India and
and traditions. blended with the natives.
 These religions includes Hinduism and the two  Despite having a written language, it has not
branches of Buddhism, the Theravada and yet been deciphered.
Mahayana school of thought.  Vital information concerning the pre-Aryan life
 Central to their fundamental teachings are the and religious beliefs has been elusive.
beliefs in the dharma with each religion having  Aryans brought with them their set of beliefs
their own special meaning for the term. based on oral text known as Vedas.
 The Aryans brought with them a polytheistic
Dharma religion similar to that of other Indo-European
 The word dharma has no exact and specific peoples.
translation in the western language  The sun, moon, and stars are personified in
 For the Hindus, it could mean an individual’s reference to the pantheon of gods and
appropriate behavior or duty to be fulfilled in goddesses worshiped by the Aryans.
observance of a custom or law.  Sacrifice was the principal form of worship to
 For the Buddhists, it could mean universal law the Aryan gods.
and order, or the Buddha’s teaching itself.  Aryans were nomadic, they had no temple
(Hopfe 1983).
HINDUISM
 World’s third largest religion Sacred Scriptures
 With around 15% of the entire population  The sacred text of Hinduism have been
practicing the Hindu faith. principally passed down throughout generations
 Hindu followers in India comprise the major by way of music, recitation, dance and drama.
bulk with almost 80% of the country’s  Sanskrit has been the language of the earliest
population. writings (Coogan 2005).
 Hinduism was never a missionary religion  The sacred writings of Hindus are categorized
unlike Christianity and Islam. into two classes;
 Three other religions that sprung in India have - Shruti
their origins in Hinduism. - Smriti

Ramakrishna Paramhasa SHRUTI

 An Indian mystic and yogi during the 19th  Literally means “that which is heard”
century. He was one of the foremost Hindu  They are regarded as eternal truths that were
spiritual leaders of India. passed orally until the beginning of the present
age wherein there come the need to write them
Historical Background down (Bowker 1997).
 Oftentimes considered as the oldest and most  The four collection of texts of the Vedas form
complex of all world religions the shruti and are considered primary sources
 Hindu beliefs may have begun around the third and the most authoritative texts of the Hindu
millenium B.C.E. faith.
 Hinduism has no identifiable founder (Hopfe  Other writings that form the shruti include the
1983). Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and a few
 The term Hindu originated from the Persian Sutras.
word hindu (in Sanskrit sindhu) which means
“river”. VEDAS
 It also refers to the people of the Indus Valley -  The four basic Vedic books, which are
the Indians (Bowker 1997) sacrificial hymns compiled from an earlier oral
 The name Hinduism was given in the tradition, are composed of the Rig-veda,
nineteenth century to describe the wide array of Sama-veda, Yajur-veda, and Atharva-veda.
belief systems in India.  The word Veda means “knowledge” or
 Hinduism was originally known as “Arya “sacred lore”.
Dharma” or the “Aryan Way”.
 Earliest known Sanskrit literature from the Upanishads
Brahmanic period and oldest scriptures of  Sacred teachings transcends rituals to elucidate
Hinduism. the nature of the universe and human
 Scholars disagree as to when the Vedas were connectedness to it.
first written.  Forming the fourth part of the Vedas
 The earliest hymns have been written around  The term Upanishads literally translates as
2000 B.C.E. or before the arrival of the Aryans “sitting down near” or “sitting close to” as it
in the Indus Valley area. implies listening intently to the mystic
 In the great epic Mahabharata, Brahma was teachings of a spiritual teacher who has fully
said to have created the Vedas. understood the universal truths.
 It could also mean “brahma-knowledge”
Rig-Veda whereby ignorance is totally eliminated.
 Most important and oldest book that dates  The great Indian nationalist and philosopher Sri
back to to around 1500 - 1200 B.C.E. Aurobindo described the Upanishads as the
 Oldest living religious literature of the world “supreme work of the Indian mind”.
(Parrinder 1971).  Varying in length from one page to over fifty
 Collection of over thousand hymns and more pages, all fundamental teachings and concepts
than thousand verses dedicated to the Aryan about Hinduism are found in these profound
pantheon of gods. treaties:
1. Karma (action)
Yajur-Veda 2. Samsara (reincarnation)
 “knowledge of rites” 3. Moksha (nirvana)
 Second book 4. Atman (soul)
 Composed between 1200 - 1000 B.C.E. 5. Brahman (absolute almighty)
 Compilation of the materials recited during  Of the four hundred Upanishads may have
rituals and sacrifices to deities. originated in the ninth century B.C.E. (Hopfe
1983)
Sama-Veda *Vedanta
 “knowledge of chants”  Many teachings embedded in the Upanishads
 Dating back almost the same time as the yajur-  Teeming with spiritual truths
veda
 Collection of verses from the basic hymns SHMRITI
recited by priest during sacrifices.  Literally means “that which has been
remembered”
Atharva-Veda  These writings serve to reinforce shruti and are
 “knowledge given by the sage Atharva” interpreted by sages and scholars alike
 1500 - 1000 B.C.E.  Most of these texts are sectarian in nature
 Contains rituals used in homes and popular  The great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata,
prayers to gods. which contains the philosophical poem
 Contains numerous spells and incantations for Bhagavad Gita, are part of shmriti.
medicinal purposes and magical aids  The national epics of India are considered to be
sacred texts of the masses where they draw
Each Vedas consists of four main parts: their values and belief.
1. Matras
2. Brahmanas RAMAYANA
3. Aranyakas  “Story of Rama” or “Rama’s Journey”
4. Upanishads  Sanskrit epic poem written by the poet Valmiki
consisting of 24,000 verses in seven books
Mantras and 500 cantos
 Hymns and chants for praising god  Written between 200 BCE and 200 CE
Brahmanas
 Explanations of the mantras with detailed MAHABHARATA
descriptions  Composed of around 100,000 verses making it
the world’s longest poem
Aranyakas  Written around 500 BCE
 Meditations that explicate their meaning  Attributed to the author Vyasa who is also
considered to be the scribe of the Vedas
 With about 100,000 couplets and 1.8 million  In mythology, he is described as having a
words in total constant erect penis and sexually alert at all
 Four times longer than the Ramayana times (Hopfe 1983).
 Eight times longer than the Illiad and Odyssey
put together Bhakti
 Fifteen times longer than the Bible  Soul’s longing for and clinging to god
 It is an epic vision of the human condition, such
as intrigue, romance, duplicity, moral collapse, Routes of Moksha
dishonor, and lamentations 1. Every soul dies and is reborn anew in new form
(this cycle is called samsara).
BHAGAVAD GITA
 “Lord’s Song” 2. One’s deeds have an effect in this or a future life.
 Written between the second century BCE and
third century CE 3. One may escape the weary round of death and
 700 verses narrative of a dialogue between the birth (Parrinder 1971).
Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide-cousin
Krishna  Within every human is an eternal soul or
 The Gita instructs any person that one may atman that is being reborn many times and in
reach god through devotion, knowledge, or various forms in accordance to the moral law
selfless action. or karma (Bowker 1997).
 Layman’s Upanishad  A soul may escape the cycle of rebirth and
attain moksha.
Beliefs and Doctrines  This particular liberation can be achieved
 Central to Hinduism is the Brahman who is the through the 4 yoga that involve a system of
ulitimate reality, one, and undivided (Hopfe practices aimed at producing spiritual
1983). enlightenment.

 The Brahman is often seen in three forms or YOGA

functions, called Trimurti  The word yoga is derived from the root word
yuj which translates as “to yoke” or “to join”.
TRIMURTI  The philosophy of yoga was developed by the
Brahma sage Patanjali who lived in the second century
 Creator (receives least attention) BCE.
 four heads, eight hands  He was considered as the “father of modern
 Saraswati - his consort, goddess of science yoga” as he codified the teachings of yoga in
and wisdom his Yoga Sutra (Hopfe 1983).
 Vehicle- swan or goose which symbolizes The Four Yogas Practices
knowledge Jnana Yoga (The The path of
way of knowledge) knowledge, wisdom,
Vishnu introspection, and
 Preserver contemplation
 god of benevolence, love, and forgiveness Bhakti Yoga (The The path of
 Primary concern is humanity itself way of love) devotion, emotion,
 Has 10 avatars love, compassion,
 Have four arms and with dark complexion and service to God
 Lakshmi - the goddess of fortune (consort) and others
Karma Yoga (The The path of action,
Shiva way of work) service to others,
 Destroyer mindfulness, and
 God of death, destruction, and disease remembering the
 God of dance, vegetable, animal, and human levels of our being
reproduction. while fulfilling our
 In Hindu beliefs, death us but a prelude to birth, actions or karma in
hence, the god of death is also the god often the world
revered through the lingam, the male energy Raja Yoga (The The path of
surrounded by the yoni, the female source of way of meditation) meditation that
energy directly deals with
 the encountering and  Smartas are known liberals as they embrace all
transcending major Hindu gods.
thoughts of the mind
Selected Issues
The Four Desirable Goals of Life (purushartha) Hinduism and Women
1. Dharma (appropriate behavior)  Even though the Manusmriti or the “Laws of
2. Artha (the pursuit of legitimate worldly success) Manu” states that women should be honored in
3. Kama (pursuit of legitimate pleasure) Hindu society, women have always been
4. Moksha (release from rebirth) considered inferior to men in almost all aspects
of life.
Worship and Observances  A woman’s life revolves around the men in her
 Hindu scriptures state that there are 330 million life revolves around the men in her life, to be
gods or devas (Koland 1994). taken care of by her father in childhood, by her
 Hindu worship or puja involves images husband in married life, and by her sons upon
(murtis), prayers (mantras), and diagrams of old age.
the universe (yantras).  Women are relegated to performing household
chores and are expected to become loyal to
Diwali or “Festival of Lights” their husbands, even after their husband die.
 India’s biggest and most important holiday  In traditional society, women are expected to
of the year held in October or November that is perform sati or suttee wherein widowed
similar to the Christmas holiday of the women are expected to jump on the funeral
Christians. pyre of their husbands to prove their loyalty and
help save the soul of their husbands in the
Varanasi or Benares afterlife.
 The most important and sacred pilgrimage site
in India and is considered as the home of Caste System
Shiva.  A system of social class composed of the
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and
Subdivisions Shudras , opportunities are based upon family
Four Principal Denominations origin.
SHAIVISM  One person belongs to a caste by being born to
 Lord Shiva, the Compassionate One, is God for parents of that particular caste (Hopfe 1983).
the Saivites  There can be more than 3,000 separate castes in
 Followers of shaivism value self-discipline and India (Hopfe 1983).
philosophy.  However, the most deplorable group are those
 They worship in temples and practice yoga. persons that do not belong to any group - those
that are disparagingly called as “outcasts” or
SHAKTISM “untouchables”. Also known as dalits, they
 The goddess Shakti is supreme for Shaktas are highly ostracized in society.
 She is the divine mother and assumes many
forms, be it a gentle one or a fierce deity. THERAVADA BUDDHISM
 Believers use chants, magic, and yoga to  Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest forms
summon cosmic forces. of Buddhism that originated in India around 3rd
Century BCE.
VAISHNAVISM  The theravada means “the way of the elders”.
 Lord Vishnu is God for the Vaishnavites,  This form of Buddhism emphasizes the
especially in his incarnations Krishna and teachings of the Pali Canon, which are
Rama considered the most authentic and original
 Adherents have multitudes of saints, temples, teachings of the Buddha.
and sacred texts.  One of the most practical among the world’s
great religions because its belief system
SMARTISM intends to meet human needs and solve
 For the Smartas, devotees are left to choose humankind’s spiritual problem without
their own deity in one of six manifestations, depending on supernatural forces (Brown
namely Ganesha, Siva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, 1975).
and Skanda.
 The two main divisions of the religion are: Tripitaka/Tipitaka (“three baskets”)
Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada  Traditionally used to refer to Buddhist
Buddhism. scripture.
 Theravada Buddhism has 150 million  In Theravada tradition, it is also sometimes
adherents, and is followed in Myanmar, referred to as the Pali Canon.
Thailand, and Sri Lanka.  Tripitaka is the most sacred and authoritative
 A major branch of the religion, Theravada collective of texts.
Buddhism (“school of the elder monks or  The most conservative and the most complete
“school of the ancients”) or the “Southern extant early canon of Buddhist writings.
School of Buddhism” draws on the collected  In Pali language, the word pitaka translates as
teachings of the oldest recorded texts of “basket” referring to the receptacles where the
Buddhist texts to become its central precept, the palm leaf manuscripts were stored by the
Pali Canon. monks.
 This school claims to have preserved the  Immediately after Siddhartha’s death or
original teachings of Siddhartha with pristine parinirvana, the “First Buddhist Council” was
purity (Clasper 1992). called to order to recite the content of his
 Theravada Buddhism has gained considerable teachings or dhamma/dharma.
following in the West in modern times.  The monks saw the need to commit into writing
 Can be traced back to the time of the Buddha the Pali Canon so that in the event that the
Himself. monks die, important Buddhist teachings would
 Spread to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century BCE, still remain.
where it came the dominant form of Buddhism.  Five hundred monks recited Siddhartha’s
 The religion has been in existence for over teachings as they recorded them in palm trees.
2,500 years and has never experienced radical
schisms. The Three Baskets and their contents
 PALI CANON: Pali canon also called as
Siddharta Gautama “Tripitaka”/”Tipitaka” which means three
 Founder of Buddhism baskets
 Was born on Lumbini, Nepal in the 6th  The TRIPITAKA is divided into three sections:
Century BCE 1. Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)
 He was the son of king raised in luxury.  which contains guidance on monastic life;
 At the age of 29 he left his palace and seek the
meaning of life. 2. Sutta Pitaka (Discourse)
 Buddha “Enlightened One” “the awakened  which is a collection of Buddha’s sayings and
one” accounts of events in his life;
 Siddhartha “he who achieves his aim”
 Born into the Kshatriya caste, his father was 3. Abhidhama Pitaka (Ulitimate Doctrine)
Suddhodana, an aristrocatic Hindu chieftain,  which is a philosophical analysis of Buddha’s
and his mother was Mahamaya, a Koliyan teachings.
princess.
 Born into a noble Hindu family and renounced Beliefs and Doctrines
his luxurious life to seek truth and liberation.  every effect has a definite cause, and every
 After years of asceticism, he attained cause has a definite effect
enlightenment and became the “Buddha”.
 Buddhism’s teachings focus on ethics, self- IMPERMANENCE OF THINGS
understanding, and the belief that salvation lies  unavoidable fact of human existence,
within individuals’ control, without the need for  Old age, sickness, dying, decay, and death.
a supreme being.  When one achieves nirvana, a person’s mind is
 The religion also rejects the existence of a at perfect peace.
permanent, unchanging soul.
 Four Signs. The Sangha
- An aged man  sharer”
- A sick man  “association” or “assempbly”, sangha pertains
- A dead man to the Buddhist order and monastic community
- A religious ascetic as founded by Siddharta during the same year
that he attained enlightenment.
Sacred Scriptures The three Jewels
The first gem, the Buddha 2. Suffering is caused by desire
 inspiration from Siddharta Gautama, the 3. To end suffering, you must end desire
teacher who led his disciples to enlightenment. 4. To end desire, follow the Eightfold Path
 the believer recognizes his/ger capacity to “ be
a Buddha”, an enlightened one”, through the Noble Eightfold Path
practice of meditation and loving.  The first is the area of conduct and morality
which covers the person’s dealings with others.
The second gem, the Dhamma - Right speech: Avoiding slander, gossip, lying, and
 teaching of the Buddha, Dhamma in Pali Word all forms of untrue and abusive speech.
means “truth”. Buddhists believe that the - Right conduct: Adhering to the idea of
teachings of the Buddha found in the sutta nonviolence (ahimsa), as well as refraining from any
form of stealing or sexual impropriety.
The third gem, the Sangha - Right livelihood: Not slaughtering animals or
 the monastic order founded by the Buddha. working at jobs that force you to violate others

The Four Noble Truths  The second concerns the individual’s mental
The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha) development
 This identifies the origin of the problem - Right mental attitude or effort: avoiding
(Dukkha) negative thoughts and emotions, such as anger and
 Suffering can be experienced throughout the jealousy.
different stages of a person’s life - from birth, - Right mindfulness: having a clear sense of one’s
sickness, old age, to ultimate death. mental state and bodily health and feelings.
 When one clings to one of the previously stated - Right concentration: using meditation to reach
aggregates, this leads to suffering. the highest level of enlightenment.

The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samodaya)  The third area is gaining and wisdom.
 This explains the cause of suffering or the -Right understanding: understanding that the Four
samodaya - in craving or desire (or tanha), in Noble Truths are noble and true.
the perpetual thirst of humans to consume -Right Thought: Determining and resolving to
things, experiences, or ideas (Parrinder 1971). practice Buddhist faith.
 People are never satisfied as they always want
more or something else, want something new,  The dharma wheel, or Dharmachakra in
or just want to discontinue something. Sanskrit, is one of oldest symbols of Buddhism

The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering Dharma wheel

(Nirodha)  Buddhist symbol of reincarnation
 This asserts that there is a cessation or nirodha  Represents the eight-fold path Buddhist follow
to suffering and bondage by eliminating to achieve Nirvana
craving and desire.  Said to have sharp edges to cut through
ignorance.
The Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation  The hub stands for discipline, the essential core
of Suffering (Magga) of meditation practice.
 This directs an individual to the path or magga
leading to the termination of craving and The Five Precepts
desire, and to eventual cessation of pain. 1. I take the precept to abstain from destroying
 This is the path toward moderation or the living beings (killing).
“Middle Way” aimed at ending suffering. 2. I take the precept to abstain from taking things
 Known as the “Noble Eightfold Path” which it not given (stealing).
is an entirely practical path - and each 3. I take the precept to abstain from sexual
described as “right” or samma - it is divided misconduct.
into three aspects, namely, wisdom, morality, 4. I take the precept to abstain from false speech
and meditation. (lying).
5. I take the precept to abstain from anything that
Beliefs of Buddhism causes intoxication or heedlessness (getting drunk or
To obtain enlightenment, one must follow the Four using illegal drugs).
Noble Truths:
1. Life is suffering Impermanence of Things
 Nothing in this world is fixed and permanent eight followers and preserved in eight stupas
and everything is subject to change and (Toula-Breysse 2001).
alteration.  None of this stupas remain fully intact today.
 Impermanence is an unavoidable fact of human With a million stupas located all over Asia, not
existence. all stupas house Siddhartha’s relics.
 Buddhism affirms five processes deemed  Stupas represent Siddhartha’s body, speech,
uncontrollable by any individual: old age, and mind.
sickness, dying, decay, and death.  The design of the stupa depicts the path to
 When one is release from samsara, a being enlightenment.
escapes all these phenomena.  Stupas became pilgrimage sites as they were
 That being has then reached a state called covered in earth and decorated in Siddhartha’s
nirvana wherein desire has been extinguished life.
from one’s self.  In Tibet, the stupa was transformed into a
 No more unpleasant karma can be created while chorten. Elsewhere, it became a pagoda in
greed, hatred, and delusion have been Southeast and East Asia.
obliterated  Buddhist aspire to visit many holy shrines as
 When one achives nirvana, a person’s mind is possible during their lifetime for this is an
at a perfect peace. admirable deed.
 Everyone is capable of attaining nirvana in this  Siddhartha himself pronounced four to which
life just as the saints of Buddhism did in their every Buddhist must give high regard.
lives.  His birthplace
 Place of enlightenment
Arhat  The place of his first sermon
 Those who have achieve nirvana  The place of his parinirvana
 one who is “worthy of honor”
In Sri Lanka, many pilgrims visit:
 The Sangha The Pali word sangha literally  Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada - a tall conical
means “sharer” that refer to monks who share mountain popular for the mark of the sacred
in the general fund of alms provided by a footprint of Siddhartha (for Buddhist) and
community. Adam (for Christians).
 Translated as “association” or “assembly”, For Buddhist celebrations:
sangha pertains to the Buddhist order and  Vesakha or Vesak - Also known as “Buddha
monastic community as founded by Siddhartha Purnima” or “Buddha day”. It refers to the
during the same year that he attained his lunar month that falls in May and “Vesak Day”
enlightenment. is the holiest day for all Buddhists. They
 Kondana- Siddhartha’s follower and one of the commemorate the birth enlightenment, and
so-called “Five Ascetic”, was the first disciple death of Siddhartha about 2500 years ago.
ordained to the sangha.
Subdivisions
Five Ascetics  Theravada is the more conservative subdivision
 Sariputta of Buddhism than Mahayana.
 Moggallana  Theravada is closer to the fundamental
 Rahula (Siddhartha’s son) teachings of Siddhartha.
 Ananda  Sri Lank, Myanmar, and Thailand are
 Kondanna predominantly Theravada.
 The subdivisions of Theravada that existed
Worship And Observances during the early history of Sri Lanka can be
 Attainment of salvation for any Buddhist is by traced from the three monasteries of
way of one’s own action without the assistance Mahavihara, Abhayagiri Vihara, and
of any supreme or supernatural being. Jetavana.
 Followers are guided by the teachings of
Siddhartha as lay people offer gifts to Selected Issues
Siddhartha and the sangha during days worship War and Violence in Buddhism
and observance.  War is evil or akusala and some scholars state
 With the death of Siddhartha, his body was that it has no rationalization in Siddhartha’s
cremated and his ashes were divided among teachings.
 However, there are instances wherein Buddhist  A person becomes Bodhisattva by perfecting
monks engaged themselves in open conflict, certain attributes in their lives. There are sic of
such as those that occurred in China and Japan. these that Mahayana Buddhists focus on and
 Quite recently, monks have been in the are called the six perfections.
forefront of political and social activism in
Asia, such as Myanmar’s “Saffron Revolution” The six perfections
in 2007 and the Tibet demonstrations in 2008. 1. Generosity- to be charitable and generous in all
 When Buddhists defend their nations, home, that is done.
and family, this may not be necessarily wrong 2. Morality- to live with good morality and ethical
as the religion’s morality is based upon behavior
principles, not rules. 3. Patience- to practice being patient in all things
 Buddhists are taught not to yield to any form of 4. Energy- to cultivate the energy and perseverance
evil power, whether originating from humans or needed to keep going even when things get difficult
supernatural beings. (resilience)
5. Meditation- to develop concentration and
Women in Buddhism awareness
 Historically speaking, Siddhartha allowed 6. Wisdom- to obtain wisdom and understanding
women to participate in the sangha although
there were some stipulations. Belief of Bodhisattva
 Siddhartha’s outlook is very different when one  Mahayana Buddhists believe there are earthly
considers the status of women in ancient India transcendent Bodhisattvas - the ‘earthly’ ones
as being viewed as inferior to men. continue to be reborn and live on Earth, while
 Considered at times belonging to the lowest the ‘transcendent’ ones remain as spiritual or
caste, women’s principal role was to become mythical beings. Mahayana Buddhists pray to
faithful and devoted housewives subject to the these Bodhisattva in times of need.
whims of their husbands.
 In Buddhism, however, both sexes are seen as Tzu Chi Foundation
equally relevant in society as they share equal Life is Suffering
responsibilities in their family duties.  Tzu Chi is an international humanitarian
 Within the sangha, Siddhartha recognized the organization whose mission is to relieve the
potential and value of the bhikkunis who were suffering of those in need and create a better
also experts in teaching the dharma. These world for all. Putting compassion into action is
include Dhammadina, Khema, and the heart of Tzu Chi’s mission.
Uppalavanna.
Issue
MAHAYANA BUDDHISM  Buddhism to Zen Buddhism (merging of
 MAHAYANA (Sanskrit: “Great Vehicle”) Buddhism and Taoism
this movement added a further set of discourses  Tibet invasion
to the original canon, and although it was  More than 2000 years ago, schools were
initially small in India, it had longterm established that have their own rituals since the
historical significance. founding of MAHAYANA Buddhism.
 The term Mahayana also refers to the path of  Mahayana Buddhisms spread throughout
the Bodhisattva seeking complete China, Mongolia, Japan, and Tibet. The
enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient flexibility and openness to traditional views,
beings, also called Bodhisattvayana, or Mahayana Buddhism became more appealing
Bodhisattva Vehicle.” in the mentioned countries than Theravada.
Also, it is considered as a successful missionary
The four noble truths religion in the world.
Buddha’s four noble truths:
1. Life has inevitable suffering Historical Background
2. There is a cause to our suffering  During the 3rd BCE before the common era,
3. There is an end to suffering King Ashoka, a Mauryan king, expanded the
4. The end to suffering is contained in the eight fold Buddhism through missionary efforts that
path resulted to the rise of a new variation.

Becoming a Bodhisattva- introductions to the 6  The Mahasamghika (of the Great Sangha”),
perfections one of the oldest Buddhism schools was
 considered to be the source that gave birth to Subdivisions
the Mahayana Buddhism, especially during the 1. Pure land Buddhism – begun in India during the
2nd Buddhist Council hundred years ago after second century before the common era. Expanded in
the death (Parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama. China during the 6th century. They believe the when
they die, they could stay at the Pure Land of the
Teachings West/Sukhavati by reciting ‘Amitabha’ multiple
1. They believe that Siddhartha Gautama times.
secretly taught his loyal disciples.
2. Buddha is a celestial being. 2. Rationalist Sect- emerged during the 6th century
3. Siddhartha Gautama Buddha is not the only also known as T’en-t’ai that begun in South-eastern
Buddha on earth. There had been Buddha China. The founder is Chih-I. Their focus is to learn
before his time and in the future. and contemplation for spiritual enlightenment.
5. Buddha are here to help humanity to overcome
sufferings. [Link]-political Sect- from the Japanese Monk
Nichiren Daishonin. They believe that this is the
Sacred Scripture true version of Buddhism. They also believe in
1. Sutras are the sacred text of Mahayana Buddhism human revolution that focused on the growth of a
that was written in Sanskrit . person for the betterment of humanity
2. Lotus Sutra is the most famous as it is also
known as Saddharmapundarika-sutra. Selected Issues
3. These sutras were believed to be kept around 100  For centuries, both China and India have been
years and were reintroduced during the 4th claiming Tibet as their part of territory.
Buddhist Council.
DAOIC RELIGIONS
Beliefs and Doctrines CONFUCIANISM
 Trikaya (Three bodies) is the nature and  teaches the way of living virtuously and acting
reality about buddha namely Dharmakaya, in human nature to live for greater good
Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya.  Confucianism is both philosophy and religion.
The Body Nature or Manifestation  Philosophy is the study of the fundamental
Aspects of nature knowledge, reality, and existence,
“Buddha-hood” especially when considered as an academic
Dharmakaya Body of Buddha is discipline.
absolute truth transcendent  Its adherents are encouraged to living balanced
Sambhogakaya Body that Buddha’s body life and live in accordance to Tao (the way if
experience of bliss, or Heaven)
bliss of enjoyment  Learning to be human, in the Confucius
enlightenment body perspective, entails a broadening, and
Nirmanakaya Body that Buddha”s deepening of thought and being that
manifest the earthly body, acknowledge the interconnectedness of all
world just like any modalities of existence defining the human
other human condition.
being’s body
1. Confucius married at 19 years old.
Worship and observances 2. Confucius, a Latinized combination of the
1. Since Mahayana Buddhists believe about good surname KONG with and honorific FUZI)
karma, they also believe that they must be a blessing 3. Traditionally, parents choose their child’s
to others. marriage.
2. Their temples are used to know buddha and 4. Confucius was an arbiter, assistant minister or
boddhisattva such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushuri public works, and minister of justice in the state of
and Amitabha. Lu to support his mother and disabled brother.
3. They also offer vegetarian food and incense. 5. Today, there are millions who practice the
4. Pilgrimage is also practiced. teachings of Confucianism with his saying ‘Do not
5. Meditation is for liberation. inflict upon others that which you yourself would
6. Lotus symbolizes purity. not want.”
7. The 8 spokes wheel symbolizes dharma
8. Buddras (hand gestrures symbolize Mahayana. Confucian Classics
BOOK OF DOCUMENTS
 The book of documents is a compilation of 58
chapters detailing the events of ancient China. Four books
 The book of documents tells the deeds of the 1. Analects (Lunyu, Lun Yu)
early sage-kings Yao and Shun. T  A collection of the sayings speeches, and
 hese narratives are influencial in the discussions of Confucius and his followers.
development of the understanding if a sage.  The sayings and short stories often begin with
 The compilation also includes the history of the phrase “The Master said.”
Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.  As Confucius did not write down his teachings,
 The Book of Documents is often considered the his students took notes of them. These notes
first narrative history of ancient China. were later on compiled to form the Analects.

BOOK OF ODES 2. Great Learning (Daxue, Ta Hsueh)

 The Book of Odes is also translated as the Book  A text discussing the character and influence of
of Songs or Book of Poetry. the noble person, and deals with the three
 The Book of Odes is comprised of 305 poems central
dealing with a range of issues, including love  Confucian concerns: education, morality, and
and marriage, agricultural concerns, daily lives, politics. It teachers the cultivation of self and
and war. development of one’s virtue, through learning,
 The Book of Odes contains different categories as the way to produce order in the family and
of poems, including folk songs and hymns used state.
in sacrifice.  This book is actually a chapter in the Book of
 Kongzi is believed to have selected the 305 Rites.
poems in this collection from a much wider
collection. 3. Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong, Chung
Yung):
BOOK OF RITES  A book that demonstrates the relation of the
 The book of Rites described the social norms, Way of Heaven and human nature.
governmental organization, and the ritual  Accordingly, it is the way prescribed by the
conduct during the Zhou dynasty. heaven that humans achieve virtue or happiness
 Believed to have been compiled by Kongzi, the by living a life of moderation or equilibrium.
book of Rites is the foundation of many  This book is another chapter in the Book of
principles that arise in later imperial China. Rites, which is believed to have been written by
 According to the Book of Rites, proper ritual Zisi, a grandson of Confucius.
conduct would maintain harmony in the empire,
as well as emphasize the virtue of piety. 4. Mencius (Mengzi, Meng Tzu)
 A collection of the teachings of Mencius, often
BOOK OF CHANGES in the form of conversations that Mencius had
 The book of Changes contains a system of with kings during his time.
divination, which is centered largely around the  The sayings of the Mencius, just like the
principles of yin and yang. Analects, often begin with the phrase “Mencius
 The Book of Changes has also been translated said.” Mencius, who lived some generations
as Ching or Classics of Changes. after Confucius, is regarded as the second great
 Some of the divination practices are still used Confucian thinker after Confucius.
today.  Among the key ideas of Mencius the thought
that human nature is good.
SPRING AND AUTUMN ANNALS
 As the longest of the Five Classics, the Spring The Mandate of Heaven
and Autumn Annal is a history chronicle of the  The Mandate of Heaven (Tianming), also
State of Lu. known as Heaven’s Mandate, was the divine
 Unlike the Book of Documents, the Spring and source of authority and the right to rule of
Autumn Annals appear to have been created China’s early kings emperors.
specifically for annalistic purposes.  The ancient god or divine force known as
 The spring and Autumn Annals was Heaven or Sky had selected this particular
traditionally understood as being written by individual to rule on its behalf on Earth.
Confucius, but modern scholars believe the text  An important element of the mandate was that
was actually written by various chronicles from although the ruler had been given great power
the State of Lu. he also had a moral obligation to use it for the
 good of his people, if he did not then his state CARDINAL VIRTUES
would suffer terrible disasters and he would REN (JEN) or Benevolence or Humaneness
lose the right to govern.  Generally doing things that benefit other
people. A person practicing ren has compassion
T’ien/TIAN for others-as “[compassion for others is the
 Tian, Chinese: “heaven” or “sky”) Wade-Giles mark of a good person]” (Matthews 2010, 185).
romanization t’ien, in indigenous Chinese
religion, the supreme power reigning over Li or Propriety
lesser gods and human beings. The term tian  Generally doing things that are appropriate in a
may refer to deity, to impersonal nature, or given situation.
both.  It originally refers to proper ways of
 Chinese rulers were traditionally referred to as performing religious rites and to proper
Son of Heaven (tyanzi), and their authority was behavior in court ceremonies.
believed to emanate from tian.  In its general meaning, however, it includes
 Beginning in the Zhou dynasty, sovereignty proper ways of speaking, behaving, dressing,
was explained by the concept of the mandate of and others, in given social situations.
heaven (tianming).
 This was a grant of authority that dependent on Shu or reciprocity
divine right but on virtue,  Generally doing things in accordance to the
Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what you
HUMAN NATURE do not want others do unto you.”.
 Mencius believed that love and respect are
innate feelings which are common to all men Xiao or filial piety
and are possessed by them without having to be  Generally doing things that show love, respect,
learned. For him, love and respect embody and devotion to the members of one’s family.
what is good in human nature. He believed that Special emphasis, however, is put on the duty
the true end in life lies in the development and of children to respect and take care of their
cultivation of this innate goodness. parents.
 Xunzi is known for his view that, “human
nature is bad.” Mencius viewed self-cultivation Wen or culture
as developing natural tendencies within us.  Generally doing things that cultivate one’s
Xunzi believes that our natural tendencies lead sense and appreciation of culture which
conflict and disorder, and what we need to do is includes acquiring artistic skills (in the areas of
radically reform them, not develop them. music, painting, dance, and others) and art
 Human nature is originally good. Any evil it appreciation (like watching concerts, visiting
results from the changes upon it by external art museums, attending art exhibits and others).
things. Of man’s first disobedience and the fruit
of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste FIVE CARDINAL RELATIONS
brought death in the world for all our woe. –Lu There are five cardinal relations (“wu lun”)
wang (1139-1192). Chinese Philosopher and 1. Sovereign-subject
John Milton’s Paradise Lost. 2. Father-Son
3. Elder-Young Brother
RECTIFICATION OF NAMES 4. Husband-Wife
 One of the most important doctrines of 5. Friend-Friend
Confucianism is that of the proper naming of
things, what is known as the “rectification of ANCESTOR WORSHIP
names”.  Ancestor worship refers to rituals designed to
 This principle implies that naming is not only commemorate and venerate the spirits of one’s
important in practical and communicational deceased forebears.
terms but it also creates meaning and  While is is often associated with the Confucian
configures relations and structures within notion of filial piety, ancestor worship crosses
society. the boundaries of religious traditions,
 Confucius believed that the failure to geographical regions, and socio-economic
understand and deal with reality stemmed, at groups.
least partially, of the failure of calling things by
their proper names. Confucianism Symbols
 Despite being over two and a half millennia old  It began in the state of Chou in the southern
and coming from a culture with a hieroglyphic part of the present Hunan Province.
language system, Confucianism doesn’t have  It served as a protest of common people against
many symbols that are viewed as core to its the rising despotism of rulers and served as a
[Link] is being said, these symbols reaction to the growing firmness of the
are viewed as a pivotal for Confucianism. moralists, who were followers of Confucius.
 Confucius Symbol: water, stillness, dignity,  The ultimate goal of Daoists was to conform to
harmony the great pattern of nature, which is also called
 Yin yang Symbol: Balance in opposing forces Da, or “The Way.”
 Scholar Symbol: Importance of Knowledge  As a philosophy, Daoism focuses on the great
and Learning mysteries of the Dao; as a religion, its goal is to
 Scholar Symbol: Importance of Knowledge achieve long life and, ultimately, immorality.
and Learning
 Jen Symbol: Social and personal virtues for Lao Tzu
social harmony  The his torian Sima Qian (145-86 BCE) tells a
story of Lao-Tzu (Laozi), a ccurator at the
TAOISM /DAOISM Roral Library in the state of Chu.
 DAOISM (Taoism) is a nature-based  The name “lao Tzu,” is the world of learning,
philosophy which flourished in China. also means “old master” or “old scholar.”
 Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a Chinese  According to the Myth, Laozi was conceived by
philosophy attributed to Lao Tzu (c. 500 BCE) a shooting star and was born of a virgin mother,
which contributed to the folk religion of the who kept him in her womb for 82 years; he was
people primarily in the rural areas of China and said to be born with flowing hair, which
became the official religion of the country signifies that he would become a wise man.
under the tang Dynasty.  Lao- Tzu believed in the harmony of all things
 Taoism is therefore both a philosophy and a and that people could live easily together if they
religion. It emphasizes doing what is natural only consider each other’s feelings once in a
and “ going with the flow” in accordance with while and recognized that their self-interest was
the Tao (or dao), a cosmic force which flows not always in the interest of others.
through all things and binds and releases them.  Lao-Tzu grew impatient with people and with
 - Daoism is a nature-based philosophy authored the corruption ha saw in government, which
and founded by Lao Tzu (c. 500 BCE). caused the people so much pain and misery.
 The focal idea of Daoism is the relationship of  He was so frustrated by his inability to change
human beings and the nature. people’s behavior that he decided to go into
 Daoist believe that everything comes from the exile.
dao (The way).  Before leaving, a gatekeeper named Yin His
 Human nature should be aligned with the rest requested him to write a book. Laozi agreeably
of the nature to achieve harmony and balance. wrote two chapters about Dao (Way) and De
 Self-cultivation should be encouraged for (individual power), which came to be named
Daoist to return to the natural mode of Dao De Jing or Laozi.
existence.  Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), believed to live from
369-268 BCE. According to Sima Qian, his last
What is Taoism name was Chuang, his given name was Chou,
 Taoism is a religious tradition that began in and Tzu means “master,” thus Chuang Tzu
chinaabout 2,500 years –at about the same time (Zhuangzi) means “Master Chuang.” He was
Confucius lived. born in the town of Meng in a small state of
 While Confucius was interested in how people Sung, near the border between present-day
treated one another, Taoism is a spiritual Hunan and Shandong Province. He served as an
philosophy that focuses on a person’s outlook officer-in-charge of a royal garden during the
on life and the world around them. middle of the Warring States period and was
said to be invited by King Wei of chu to
 Daoism functioned as a philosophy of become his chief minister, which he declined.
abandonment and withdrawal from the rampant Zhuangzi is considered a great philosopher and
warfare and social unrest which characterized a great writer, and he wrote a book, together
the reign of the Zhou dynasty– a period of with his followers, which became known as
constant struggle for power, wealth, and Zhuangzi, and was believed to be completed
prestige.
 before the Han dynasty.(Fairbank and  Its meaning differs across religions and
Raischauer 1989) philosophies: for Confucians, it refers to the
basic principles of moral philosophy for the
Sacred Books of Daoism legalists, it is the way of power (Brown 1987)
TAO TE CHING  The dao is distinct from God. It is not being for
 The key book of Taoism was compiled around it is the origin of all things, and its great virtue
the 3rdcentury BCE. is that it does everything but desires nothing.
 It’s called Tao Te Ching (dao De Jing or Daode  It is “emptiness”, which does not compete with
Jing)- The way and its power, and is also other forces but is content with itself.
known as the Laotzu.  This contentment, when practiced by people,
 This short book of around 5,00 Chinese will enable them to lead good lives (Ching
characters is divided into 81 brief chapters 1993).
filled with short, enigmatic paragraphs of 2. Deity/God (dao as the Origin of all Beings)
advice on life, and poetic descriptions of the  Daoism does not have a God unlike other
nature of the universe. religions in the world.
 Taoists regard the TAO Te Ching as the  Daosists believe that the universe originated
essential guide to living a full spiritual and from the dao, which created and controls the
ethical life. universe and distantly guides things on their
 No one person wrote the tao Te ching. way.
 Although, elementary textbooks usually say it  However, the Dao itself is not God and is not
was written by Lao Tzu (Laozi) this is untrue. worshipped by the daosists,
 The book is probably a collection of the  Instead, they worship deities, who are gods of a
proverbs and sayings of many anonymous particular role, and they traditionally worship
people over a long period of time. Lao Tzu not only as the first god of Daoism but
 The earliest western version of the Tao Te also the representation of the Dao.
Ching was a Latin translation made by the  Daoists also believe that the Dao can only be
Jesuits in the late 18th century. found in silence since it is heavenly and beyond
change.
Chuang-tzu  For the daoists, God is found inside us, in the
 Another important book is the Chuang-Tzu. thoughtful emptiness from which all power and
Although this was published after the Tao Te life originates in all directions; it is the
Ching, its compilation began earlier. “Nothing” within all of us where all our energy
 Like the Tao Te Ching although it is attributed comes from.
to a man named Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), it is a
collection of the wisdom of many different The Three Pure One
people.  The most important of the Taoist deities are the
 The thinking that led to the Tao Te Ching was ones constituting the so-called the Three Pure
probably influenced by an older book called the Ones or Three Purities (called Sanjing or San
nei yeh. Ching), which regarded as the Taoist version of
 This includes early writings on some key Taoist Trinity. se gods are considered the pure
ideas, particularly ch’I, although some of the manifestations of the tao.
ideas differ from the later Taoist form.
A. “Jade Pure One” or the “Primeval Lord
Concepts in DAOISM of the Heaven” Yuanshi Tianzun).
1. The DAO He is believed to be residing in the Heaven
 It is the essential concept and creative principle of the Jade Purity. He is described as
in Daoism, existed before the world according eternal, limitless, without form, the source
to Lau Tzu. of everything, and the administrator of
 It is undetectable, indistinct, shapeless, and heaven. He is the highest Taoist deity.
indefinable.
 It is the foundation of all being, and the way in B. “Supreme Pure One” or “Lord of the
which nature and the universe exists. Numinous Treasure” (Lingbao tianzun)- He
 All things come from it, and are nourished by is associated with the principle of yin and
it, that is why sometimes the dao is called yang, and is considered the source of Taoist
“Mother.” knowledge and scripture (the Tao Te
 Dao is the origin of heaven and Earth and it is Ching).
also the way in heaven and Earth now live.
 C. “Grand Pure One” or “Lord of the Way  Shinto is not a way of explaining the world.
and its Virtue” (Daode Tianzun)- He is  What matters are rituals that enable human
believed to have been manifested or beings to communicate with kami.
incarnated in the form of Lao Tzu. He is  Kami are not God or gods. They are spirits that
depicted having pure white beard, are concerned with human beings – they
symbolizing an eminent , aged ruler. appreciate our interest in them and want us to
be happy – and if they are treated properly they
3. Yin yang will intervene in our lives to bring benefits like
 The Yin-Yang (meaning “shady side” and health, business success, and good exam
sunny side”) is one of the most famous symbols results.
represented in Taoism. The meaning behind the
symbol is the colors, black and white, are  Shinto is a very local religion, in which
complementary forces (rather than opposing devotees are likely to be concerned with their
forces). local shrine rather than the religion as a whole.
4. The De  Many Japanese will have a tiny shrine-altar in
 The De, which means virtue or the proper their homes.
adherence to Dao. It refers to the power to  However, it is also an unofficial national
bring the tao into realization, It means “virtue,” religion shrines that draw visitors from across
both in the sense of “moral character” and the the country.
“power to act.”  Because ritual rather than belief is at the heart
of Shinto, Japanese people do not usually think
5. Wu Wei of Shinto specifically as a religion – it is simply
 Wu-Wei means “no behavior” or “doing an aspect of Japanese life.
nothing.”  This has enabled Shinto to co-exist happily
 It also means “to do nothing” or “actionless with Buddhism for centuries.
activity.”
 It refers to the cancellation or restriction of Symbols
human behavior, especially human activities.  Torii Gate
 It advocates a “go with the flow” attitude by
cultivating a state of being wherein our actions History of Shintoism
are in harmony with the natural cycles of the  Generally, the religion in Japan
universe.  Literally means “the way of the gods.”
 80% of Japanese people practice Shintoism as a
6. Qi/Chi way of life.
 Qi/Chi is a primal substance that animates the  Although, around 40% of them considered it as
universe in Taoism, a mysterious for introduced a religion.
to us by Chinese myths and legends that have  Majority of Japanese population are known for
also told us about the tai Chi and about Tao. their great devotion to invisible spiritual beings
Chi is the force that sets the world and and powers.
everything in it into motion.  Shinto believes in the existence of kami (8M)
 The qi literally means “air” or “vapor.” or spirits.
 It is the fundamental substance of nature and  Considered as an indigenous religion.
living beings, as well as life force.  Shintoism can be classified as a nature religion
because they believe that nature is permeated
SHINTOISM with divinity.
1. In the movie “Spirited Away”, Shrine Shinto is  To communicate with the spirit world, they
used in the film, including ‘kami.’ asked the help of shamans.
2. Unlike Christianity or Buddhism, Shintoism has  In Shintoism natural phenomena and
no official founder or sacred text. geographical features are given divine
3. There is no Shinto preachers or missionaries. characteristics.
4. The Sun Goddess “Amaterasu” is the most  There are also concepts of evil spirits in
important Kami. Shintoism like oni (demon) and obake (ghosts).
5. Shintoism has been a practice in Japan.  Some Shinto kami (spirits) and Buddhist
bodhisattvas have been combined and formed
 The essence of Shinto is the Japanese devotion into a single deity in Ryobu Shinto (Dual
to invisible spiritual beings and powers called Aspect Shinto) or Shingon in the 12th century.
kami, to shrines, and to various rituals.
 When Japan Lost in World war II, the Emperor Izanagi
was asked to renounce his claim to divinity. Earth goddess
Susanoo
Sacred Text Wind/storm;Amaterasu’s brother
The Kojiki and Nihongi Tenjin
 expound that the kami chose the Japanese Education
people as a special race.
 These texts give the Japanese people sense of The concept of purity
pride and a strong sense of nationalism.  Another central concept in Shintoism is that of
 From these sacred texts, we can find dualism in Purity and Impurity. Each person should strive
the stories about Izanagi and Izanami, and in preserve his purity in physical, external and
the stories about Amaterasu, and Susa-no-Wo- even material aspects of his or her life.
noMikoto.  Since they consider blood as impure, events in
 -The Kojiki is composed of three books. The women’s life that involve blood would make
first book is the age of kami which gives them impure such as menstruation and child-
account of the mythology, and the other two birth.
give account of the imperial family up to death  Although purification forms a great part of
of Empress Suiko, the thirty-third ruler. The Shinto religion, it is more of the external or
third book is a story in song format that relates physical nature and not spiritual.
the revolts and love story of successive rulers  One should also respect nature where the spirits
ruled together. live.
 It also contains what transpired in the reign of
Emperor Kenzo and the lineage of each De/ Virtue
imperial family.  In the Shinto religion, if someone wishes to get
the favor of a particular kami, one should
The Ningi, undergo a purification ritual accurately.
 also called Nihon Shoki, is considered as
Japan’s first official history. Nihongi was Worship and observances in Shintoism
compiledby Prince Toneri together with other  Shintoism gives importance to the details of
historians and bureaucrats. their rites.

Core Beliefs and Teachings in Shintoism Hatsumiyamairi

KAMI WORSHIP  First shrine visit
 Central to Shintoism is Kami worship.  This is the first visit of newborn children so
Generally, there are three kinds of Kami: they can be placed under the protection of the
1. Ujigami (ancient ancestors of entire clans) spirits or kami.
2. Kami who reside in elements and forces of nature.
3. The sould of exceptional human beings who died Shichi-go-san
 Seven-five-three
 In Shintoism they have the eight hundred  This is another traditional rite of passage that
myriads of kami or yao yoruzu, some of which expresses the gratitude to the kami.
are deities of clas who were elevated as deities  It is done by boys aged five and girls aged three
of their communities. and seven.

Kami Description/Association Adult’s day or Coming of Age day (Sejin Shiki)

Amaterasu-o-mi-kami  In Japan, 20 is being considered as the legal age
Sun Godess; greatest of the kami; kami of the Ise of adulthood and so this festival is also the first
shrine; ancestor of the imperial family time by the 20 year olds to dress in adult
Benten clothing.
Music and the arts
Ebisu Wedding Rites (Shinzen kekkon)
Prosperity; abandoned leech-child of Izanami and  The wedding rites is Shintoism is usually a
Izanagi small affair involving only the family.
Hachiman
Archery and war Funeral rites (Sosai)
Izanami
Sky god
 Shinto funerals are not done in the Shinto Subdivisions of Shintoism
shrines and they are done not by priest but by Before WW2 there were four subdivisions of
lay people. Shintoism:
 State Shinto
Misogi  Shrine Shinto
 Is the Shinto practice of ritual ablutions done  Sect Shinto
by washing a part of the body for a religious  Folk Shinto
purpose At present only the last three exist.

Harae/Harai Shrine Shinto (Jinja)

 The second purification term  Considered both the traditional and purified
 Version of exorcism in Shintoism kind of Shintoism where the State and Imperial
Shinto now belong
Imi
 The third important term Sect Shinto (Kyoha)
 Preparation for the rites of offering and  This particular Shinto subdivision combines
dedication elements of Traditional Shinto, Buddhism and
 They would offer sake foods, and prayers to folk religions. Under Sect Shintoism there are
their deities with music and dancing. five recognizable subclassifications:
1. Pure Shinto Sect
 The followers of Shintoism both worship their 2. Confucian Sects
kami at home with the use of their kamidana 3. Mountain Sect
and at their Shinto shrines, on special occasions 4. Purification Sect
of their lives and in different festivals. 5. Faith-healing Sect

 They follow a specific steps of cleansing that Folk Shinto (Minzoku)

includes rinsing of hands, spitting, throwing of  The last subdivision in Shintoism is Folk or
coins, bowing, clapping, using the gong, and Popular Shinto. This particular kind of Shinto is
praying. deeply connected with growing of crops, major
blessings, and important events in their lives
 In Shintoism, amulets and charms (mamori or like birth and marriage.
omamori) are believed to provide protection
and to possess magic that can guard them and Issues of Shintoism
their homes. Buddhism &WW2
 The growth of Shinto has been threatened by
Matsuri the growth of other religions in Japan especially
 Refers to the shrine festivals in Shintoism Buddhism and by the defeat of Japan in the
Second World War.
 Shinto believers would carry around the town
the figure of their local kami using a decorated Religion of Ecology Vs. Japan’s Economic goals
float or dashi  The challenge here is how to reconcile the love
of nature taught in Shintoism with the need for
The Great Purification Festival economic advancement advocated by Japan.
 A celebration that recreates the act of
purification that gave birth to three deities in Lack of Institutional Structure for Missionary
Shintoism, Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsuki- Activities
Yumi  Another challenge that Shintoism faces it the
lack of a strong institutional structure that will
 This celebration includes a ritual where priests enable it to spread outside of Japan through
recites the great purification called norito as missionary activities.
they wave a cleansing wand over the people
who are present in the ceremony. The priests Issues concerning the Divinity of the Japanese
who would rub paper dolls on their bodies emperor
symbolizing the transfer of their uncleanness to  The association between Shintoism and
the dolls. After the ritual, these dolls are thrown Japanese government has been a source of
away by the priests or kannushi. controversies resulting in tirades to the
presumed divinity of the emperor.