Sunday, January 8, 2023

An Introduction to the Religions of Asia

 

Asia is a vast and diverse continent with a rich history and a wide variety of cultural and religious traditions. Over the centuries, many religions have flourished in Asia, each with its own unique beliefs, practices, and scriptures. Some of the major religions that have flourished in Asia include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Animism.

This synthesis provides a brief overview of these religions, including a description of their deities, a brief historical background, a brief description of their founders, and a description of their holy scriptures. It is intended to provide a general introduction to the major religions of Asia and to give readers a glimpse into the spiritual landscape of this fascinating continent.

1.       Hinduism:

a.       Deity: Hinduism has multiple deities, including Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

b.       Historical background: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and it originated in India. It is a fusion of various cultural and religious traditions, including the Vedic religion of ancient India.

c.       Founder: Hinduism does not have a single founder and it developed over a period of time through various cultural and religious influences.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Vedas are the oldest and most revered scriptures in Hinduism. The Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Puranas are also important scriptures in Hinduism.

2.       Buddhism:

a.       Deity: Buddhism does not believe in a personal deity. Instead, it teaches the concept of "Buddha-nature," which is the innate potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings.

b.       Historical background: Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, in ancient India in the 6th century BCE. It spread throughout Asia and became one of the dominant religions in many countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand.

c.       Founder: Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the most revered scripture in Buddhism. It contains the teachings of the Buddha as well as the rules for monastic discipline.

3.       Taoism:

a.       Deity: Taoism believes in a single deity called the "Tao," which is the ultimate reality and the source of all things.

b.       Historical background: Taoism originated in ancient China and it is a indigenous Chinese religion. It emphasizes living in harmony with the natural world and the concept of "wu wei," or non-action.

c.       Founder: Taoism does not have a single founder. It developed over a period of time through the teachings of various sages and philosophers, including Lao Tzu, who is considered the father of Taoism.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Tao Te Ching, written by Lao Tzu, is the most revered scripture in Taoism. It contains the teachings of Taoism and its principles of living in harmony with the natural world.

4.       Confucianism:

a.       Deity: Confucianism does not have a deity in the traditional sense. It focuses on moral and ethical values and the cultivation of virtue.

b.       Historical background: Confucianism was founded by Confucius in ancient China in the 6th century BCE. It became one of the dominant philosophical systems in China and has had a significant influence on Chinese culture and society.

c.       Founder: Confucius.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Analects, a collection of Confucius' teachings and conversations, is the most revered scripture in Confucianism. The Four Books and the Five Classics are also important scriptures in Confucianism.

5.       Christianity:

a.       Deity: Christianity believes in one God who is the creator of the universe. This God is believed to be revealed through Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the savior of humanity.

b.       Historical background: Christianity originated in the Middle East and it spread throughout the world, including Asia. It has a significant presence in countries such as the Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia.

c.       Founder: Jesus Christ, according to Christian belief.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Bible, comprising the Old Testament and the New Testament, is the holy scripture of Christianity. It contains the teachings of Jesus and the prophets, as well as the history of the early Christian church.

6.       Islam:

a.       Deity: Islam believes in one God, called Allah in Arabic, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe.

b.       Historical background: Islam was founded by the prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. It spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and beyond, and it has a significant presence in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

c.       Founder: Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam and it is believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

7.       Judaism:

a.       Deity: Judaism believes in one God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe.

b.       Historical background: Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions and it originated in the Middle East. It has a small presence in Asia, with significant communities in countries such as India, China, and Iran.

c.       Founder: Abraham, according to Jewish tradition.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Torah, comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most revered scripture in Judaism. The Talmud, a collection of Jewish law, lore, and commentary, is also an important scripture in Judaism.

8.       Jainism:

a.       Deity: Jainism does not believe in a personal deity. Instead, it teaches the concept of "jina," or conqueror, which refers to those who have achieved enlightenment and liberated themselves from the cycle of reincarnation.

b.       Historical background: Jainism originated in ancient India and it emphasizes non-violence and the concept of "ahimsa," or non-injury to all living beings.

c.       Founder: Jainism does not have a single founder and it developed over a period of time through the teachings of various sages and saints.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Jain Agamas are the most revered scriptures in Jainism. They contain the teachings of the Jain Tirthankaras, or enlightened beings, as well as the rules for monastic discipline.

9.       Zoroastrianism:

a.       Deity: Zoroastrianism believes in one God, called Ahura Mazda, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe.

b.       Historical background: Zoroastrianism originated in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and it was the state religion of the Persian Empire. It has a small presence in Asia, with significant communities in countries such as India and Pakistan.

c.       Founder: Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, is the founder of Zoroastrianism.

d.       Holy scriptures: The Avesta is the holy scripture of Zoroastrianism and it contains the teachings of Zoroaster as well as hymns and prayers.

10.   Animism:

a.       Deity: Animism is a belief system that worships and reveres spirits and deities that are believed to inhabit the natural world, including animals, plants, and natural elements such as the sun and the moon.

b.       Historical background: Animism is one of the oldest belief systems and it is practiced by indigenous communities in many parts of the world, including Asia.

c.       Founder: Animism does not have a single founder and it is a traditional belief system that has been passed down through generations.

d.       Holy scriptures: Animism does not have a specific set of holy scriptures. Instead, it relies on oral traditions, stories, and rituals to transmit its beliefs and practices.



This is MELC-based supplementary reading material for Araling Panlipunan 7, 2nd Quarter - Week 5

Napapahalagahan ang mga kaisipang Asyano na nagbigay daan sa paghubog ng sinaunang kabihasnang sa Asya at sa pagbuo ng pagkakilanlang Asyano

 

No comments: