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
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