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World Religion pdf

Readings in Philippine History (Sacred Heart College)

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INTRODUCTION
TO WORLD
RELIGION AND
BELIEFS
SYSTEMS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to World Religion

I. What is Religion and Belief System? (pp. 1-5)

a. Definitions of Religions
b. Three Categories of definitions of Religions
c. Religion of Philosophy
d. Characteristics of Philosophy of Religion
e. Characteristics of Elements of World View
f. Three Main Positions or Temperaments to the Beliefs System
Activities

II. Effects of Religion (pp. 6-10)

a. Moral Life
b. Aesthetic Life
c. Social Life
d. Psychological Life
e. Transcendental Life
Activities

III. Understanding of Judaism (pp. 11-15)

Introduction
a. Founder and Origins of Judaism
b. Prophetic Books of Judaism
c. Sacred writings of Judaism
d. Symbol and Architecture of Judaism
e. Jewish Customs and Tradition based in the Old Testament
Activities

IV. Introduction to Christianity (pp. 16-24)

introduction
a. Three Affirmations at the Heart of Christianity
b. Five Remarkable Portraits of Jesus
c. Jesus’ Cross and Christian Salvation History
d. Three important Sources of Christian Teaching
e. World Issues
Activities

V. Understanding the Basic Teaching of Islam (pp. 25 – 29)

Introduction
a. Origins of Islam
b. Basic Teaching of Islam
c. Five Pillars of Faith
d. World Issues of Islam
Activities

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VI. Introduction to Hinduism (pp. 30-37)

Introduction
a. Definitions of Hinduism
b. Origins and Growth of Hinduism
c. Characteristics of Hinduism
d. Three Major Path of Hinduism
e. Sacred text of Hinduism
f. Basic Teaching of Hinduism
g. Hindu Festivals and Holy Days
Activities

VII. Introduction to Buddhism (pp. 38-43)

Introduction
a. The life of Siddhartha Gautama
b. Two sects or branches of Buddhism
c. Buddhist Scripture
d. Four Noble Truth
e. Eightfold path of Buddhism
Activities

VIII. Introduction to Confucianism (pp. 44-50)

a. Origins and Growth of Confucianism
b. Major Sources of Confucianism
I. Five Confucian Classic
II. Four Books of Confucianism
c. Overview of Confucian Practices and Virtues
Activities

IX. Introduction and Basic Teaching of Taoism (pp. 51-54)

a. Major Sources of Taoist Teaching
b. Basic Teaching of Taoism
Activities

X. Introduction to Shinto (pp. 55-59)

a. Basic Teachings of Shinto: Ancestor Worship and Kami
b. Sacred Words
c. Shinto in recent world
Activities

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Introduction to World Religion and Beliefs System

Module 1: The Religion and the Belief System

Discussion:

Different perspectives about religion:

Oxford dictionary - An action or conduct indicating belief in, obedience to, and reverence for a
god, gods, or similar superhuman power; the performance of religious rites or observances

Allaboutreligion.org - the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a

personal God or gods.

William James -
the feeling, acts, and experiences of individual people in their solitude as they stand in relation to
whatever they may consider the divine.

Emile Durkheim -
a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things which unite into one single
moral community all those who adhere to them.
Belief in Supernatural being

Religion Effort and Commitment

Relegere
Religari Re- Eligere
Constantly return
To be tied into To Choose Again
to

Substantive Excludes or limits

definition the subject matter of
religion to simply
about beliefs,
institutions and
practices.

Accommodates
other important
3 Categories of Functional ideas such as creeds
the definitions of definition and principles,
Religion
which are common
in religious.

We do not have a set

of defining
characteristics, but
Family of we have is a
Resemblances network of
similarities

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Philosophy of Religion - Branch of philosophy that deals with the philosophical analysis,
reflection, and examination of the central issues, themes, topics, and problems about religion.

Soul

Philosophy of
Theology Spirit
Religion

God

➔ Soul - he spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.

➔ Spirit - those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a
person, nation, or group or in the thought and attitudes of a particular period.

Contextual Clues: Soul and Spirit

Multi Variants of Theism Definition

Monotheism Belief in one God.
Polytheism Belief in two or more Gods.
Deism Belief that there is a powerful or higher
being who created universe or the world, but
its adherents do not believe that God
intervenes in human affairs.
Pantheism Belief that everything is God.
Pane theism Belief that everything in God
Atheism Denies/None existence of God.
Agnosticism It tells that one cannot prove nor dis-
approve the existence of a higher being
named God or Gods
Unaffiliated People who do not belong to any religion
but not atheist and agnostic

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Activity 1.1
Direction: Supply the information of the following graphic organizer.

Religion

Religari

Again or to Constantly to return

choose to

Activity 1.2
DirectionL Complete the Table of Variant Theism according to their meaning.

Variant of Theism Definition Rewrite you own Opinion

Monotheism belief in god
Polythesim belief in two or more Gods
Deism belief that there is a power or higher being who created universe or the world,
but its adherents do not believe that God intervenes in human affairs.
Atheism denies/None existence in God
people who do not belong to any religion
Unaffiliate but not atheist and agnostic.
Pantheism belief that everything in God/

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Activity 1.3
Direction: Match the following words in Column A with their meaning/definition in Column B.
Write the letter of the correct answer

Column A Column B
1. Anltionuf noinitfed a. the feeling, acts and experiences of
individual
2. Antivesbus efdinionit b. excludes or limits the subject matter
of religion
3. Ilymaf of eserbmalcnes c. a unified system of beliefs and
practices
4. Phyosoliph d. we do not have a set of defining
characteristics
5. Gyoloeth e. Study of the existence of God
6. Tipirs f. love of wisdom
7. Theismanp g. accommodates other important
ideas/principles
8. Aunifflladet h. those qualities regarded as forming the
elements
9. Durkheim miehkrud i. belief that everything is God
10. amilliw mesaj j. immaterial part of human being or animal
k. People who do not belong to any religion

Activity 1.4
Direction: Identify the multiple variants of theism according to the given situation.
1. Glydel believes that Jesus Christ is the only one God.
2. In contrast with Glydel, Jimmy believes that there are two or more Gods.
3. Miggy have a problematic situation then he realizes that God doesn’t Exist
4. Samantha sometimes believes/not believes in the existence of God.
5. Shantidope sees all of all things in this world are God.

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Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Module 2: Positive and Negative Effects of Religion

Discussion:

Religion has become a very important aspect in development of civilizations and cultures. In fact,
most ancient societies based their worldviews on religion, and it has been proven to be beneficial
to the attainment and maintenance of social stability and cohesiveness.

Positive Effect Negative Effects

Promotes love for nature Division instead of unity

Positive outlook on life Enemies instead of friends

Religions make people think they Destruction instead of creation or

are not alone - that they belong to a restoration
group

They give people a sense of Causes social discrimination

belongingness

Help them realize the value of family Causes fights and conflicts

Love is the most valuable virtue to Some principles of religion only

possess give false hopes

Living a good life means overcoming Anger or hatred instead of love and
suffering compassion

Religions teach human how to transcend Obstruct the use of reason

themselves by believing that there is
another realm that can only be accessed
after death

Activity 2.1
Directions: Bring a religious item or a picture that shows a part of religious activity or ritual.
Describe the item or activity or ritual guided by the questions below.

1. What is this item or picture?

2. What is it used for? What is its meaning or importance?
3. What does it say about God?
4. How is it supposed guide the believer on how to behave and relate with others?

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.Activity 2.2
Directions: Fill the graphic organizer. List down the positive and negative effects of religion.

Positive Negative

Effects of Religion

Activity 2.3 PanaKnow – Give your own perspectives about the positive and negative effects of
religion.

Introduction to World Religions and Systems and Beliefs

Module 3: Judaism
Discussion:
Origins of Judaism

• Judaism began before history in the eastern Mediterranean was even written. Judaism
was founded by Abraham around 1750 B.C.E. Although Abraham is seen as the founder
of Judaism, his grandson Jacob, who’s name changed to Israel, was the father of 12
children who became known as the “children of Israel”, or Israelites. Much later, they
came to be known as the Jewish people. So Jacob was the great, great, great grandfather
of each and every Jew.

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Who is a Jew?
Judaism began before history in the eastern Mediterranean was even written. Judaism
was founded by Abraham around 1750 B.C.E. Although Abraham is seen as the founder
of Judaism, his grandson Jacob, who’s name changed to Israel, was the father of 12
children who became known as the “children of Israel”, or Israelites. Much later, they
came to be known as the Jewish people. So Jacob was the great, great, great grandfather
of each and every Jew.

Note:
The Jewish people and the religion of Judaism are strongly interrelated. Converts to Judaism typically
have a status within the Jewish ethnos equal to those born into it. However, several converts to Judaism,
as well as ex-Jews, have claimed that converts are treated as second-class Jews by many born Jews. –
WIKIPEDIA

Abraham
In Judaism, he is the • Judaism is one of the oldest
founding father of the religions still existing today.
Covenant, the special
relationship between the • Jews share a core of
Jewish people and God
Monotheism principles

• The Tanakh and the Talmud

are the main holy books in
Judaism

• Has 613 commandments

Moses He was a miracle- from God but the Ten
working leader chosen Commandments are the most
by God to take the
important
Israelites out of the
bondage of slavery in
• Sabbath- Is known as the
Egypt more than 3,300
years ago. rest day for the Jews. It
begins before sundown
Friday night and ends
Saturday nightfall.

Tanakh Teachings of Adonai Three Divisions of Tanakh

which contained the
entire collection of
Hebrew Scriptures
Torah-(Teaching/Law) Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy.

Ketuvim-(writings)-Psalms,
Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth,
Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Ester,
Daniel,Ezra, Nehemiah, 1st and 2nd
Chronicles

Star of David
Universal Symbol of
Judaism

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Menorah It is the oldest

symbol of the Jewish
faith and has 7
branches to
symbolize the 7 days
of Hanukah.
Synagogues
A place where 10
men can go and
worship and study

Activity 3.1: True or False

Direction: Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is wrong. Write your answer on
the space provided.
______1. Abraham was the founder of Judaism.
______2. Judaism is a polytheistic religion.
______3. Moses led the Israelites out of Macedonia.
______4. Israel’s name was changed to Jacob.
______5. Yahweh is the name of God in Judaism.
______6. Judaism was founded around 750 B.C.E.
______7. Judaism has 613 commandments to follow.
______8. Torah contains the five books of Moses.
______9. Tanakh is the entire collection of Hebrew Scriptures
______10. Nev’im is consists of prophetic books.

Activity 3.2: Enumeration

Direction: Enumerate the Ten Commandments based on the context of Judaism.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

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Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

MODULE 4: CHRISTIANITY
Founder Place of Worship Holy Book Symbol
Jesus Christ Church Bible Cross

Christianity at a glance
1. Christianity is the most popular religion in the world with over 2 billion adherents. 42
million Britons see themselves as nominally Christian, and there are 6 million who are
actively practicing.
2. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.
3. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
4. Christians believe that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the
consequences of its sins.
5. One of the most important concepts in Christianity is that of Jesus giving his life on the
Cross (the Crucifixion) and rising from the dead on the third day (the Resurrection).
6. Christians believe that there is only one God, but that there are three elements to this
one God:
God the Father
God the Son
The Holy Spirit
7. Their spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers.
8. The Christian holy book is the Bible and consists of the Old and New Testaments.

3 Major Members of
Christianity

Eastern
Roman Catholic Protestantism
Orthodox

Five Remarkable Portraits of Jesus

Prophet

Activist Jewish Mystic Healer

Teacher

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1. Jewish Mystic – Jesus encountered vivid experience of God

2. A Healer – Jesus Performed extraordinary or paranormal healing
3. A Teacher – Jesus himself was a medium and the message.
4. A Prophet - Jesus belongs to the line of the Old Testament prophets
5. An Activist - Jesus initiated a movement that led to a division of and separation from
Judaism
Why Jesus condemned to Death?
The cross where Christ died conveys several interpretations or images.
1. Rejection-vindication - Is the idea that Jesus was condemned to death, crucified, and was
buried but after three days, resurrected and went to his father in heaven.
2. Defeat of the earthly powers - Points to the idea that the dominant powers during Jesus
time had caused his death.
3. Disclosure of the “Way” - Is a revelation of the possibility of living a life like Christ’s.
4. Love of God - It was revealed in cross which symbolizes the unconditional love of God
for us.
5. Died for our sins - Means he was the sacrificial lamb offered by God as atonement for the
sins of mankind.

Activity 4.1
1. Memorize and recite the Prayer “Our Father”
2. What is the message of the Our Father?
3. How were your religious traditions influencing the world today?
4. Based on Christianity what is the essence of the sacrificial of Jesus Christ?

Introduction to World Religion and Beliefs System

Module 5: Understanding the Basic Teachings of Islam

Discussion:
Islam – The second largest religion in the world. The Arabic word
Islam means, “submission”, while the word Muslim means “one
who submit to Allah”.
The meaning of Islam is “Peace”
Origin of Islam
• Its founder, Prophet Muhammad who was born in Mecca.
• He was oriented to trade handmade objects to foreign market in
Palestine and Egypt.
• He began to venture into public spaces and preach that there is
only one God – Allah.

4 caliphs of Islam
1. Abu bakr
2. Ali
3. Uthman
4. Omar

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Muslim task to bring to all parts of the world Islam’s own

value system.
1. Islamic religion continued its territorial expansion.
2. After the 12th century, there had been the Sufis.
3. The far ranging influence of Muslim Traders.

Basic Teachings of Islam

A. Qur’an
• Official sacred text of Islam
• Written in Old Arabic and is divided into chapters (suras) and
verses (ayas)
• The basic belief of Islam is expressed in the Shahadah
• Can be found in Al- Fatihah (the opening)
• Al-Baqarah is the second and longest sura (chapter) which is
address variety of topics.
• Islam centers its moral, social economic and familial life in the
proclamations and teaching of the Qur’an.
• It teaches that God is both transcendent and immanent.
• Shari-ah contains the specific laws and legal principles that
each member should follow.

B. No god but God: Allah

- Allah is a contraction word Al-llah which means “the God”
- Some from the 99 names of Allah:
One and Only, the Living One, the Subsisting, the Real Truth, The Sublime, the Wise, the
Omnipotent, the Hearer, the Seer, the Omniscient, the Witness, the Trustee, the
Benefactor, the Merciful, Constant Forgiver.
- The Muslim view God as one and unique – no other partner or equal.

Three Major Themes of Allah

1. Allah is the creator, provider, and judge
2. Allah is unique (wahid) and ane (ahad)
3. Allah is omnipotent and merciful

Five Pillars of Faith

The five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life
according to Islam;
1. Shahadah
- First of the five pillars of Islam
- Muslim’s declaration of faith, obedience, and submission to Allah which is expressed as:
“There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

2. Salat
- Offering five canonical prayers every day at prescribed times: before sunrise, in the early
afternoon, in the late afternoon, immediately after sunset, and between sunset and
midnight.

3. Zakat
- The compulsory giving of a portion of one’s wealth to charity or religious tax
- It is regarded as a form of worship and an act of self-purification

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4. Sawm
- Fasting

- Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan

- Usually begins at daybreak and ends at sunset

- During a fast, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, or have sexual intercourse

5. Hajj
- Annual pilgrimage to Mecca

- It is required at least once in their lifetimes, among all adult Muslims who have the
resources to spend and have enough provisions for their families while on pilgrimage

Mecca
- Considered a holy place among Muslims, such that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.
- Kaaba – Black Stone in Mecca

Holy Days
- Eid al – Fitr
• Signals the end of Ramadan
- Eid al – Adha
• A four day festival that remembers prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to
offer his son to God

2 types of Muslims

Shias- Related to blood of Muhammed Sunnis- Related to 4 Caliphs (Converted)

Activity 5.1

Direction: Answer the following questions according to following information.

1. What is the meaning of Islam?
2. What is the symbol of Islam?
3. Who is the Prophet/Founder of Islam?
4. What is the place of Worship of Islam?
5. What is the place of worship of Islam?
6. How many times that a Muslim need to pray every day?
7. Who is the God of Islam?
8. Holy book of Islam
9. What is the name of the black stone in mecca?
10. Who is the Angel that talk to Mohammed?

Activity 5.2
Enumeration
1-4 – Caliph of Islam
5-9 – 5 Pillars of Islam
10 – Holiday of Islam

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Activity 5.3: Fill up the Semantic Web Organizer

Islamic Countries
in Southeast Asia

Introduction to World Religion and Beliefs System

Module 6: Hinduism
Discussion:
World’s third largest religion by population after Christianity and Islam.
It has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings.
“a way of life” Generally regarded as the world’s oldest religion
Hinduism Defined:
Root word of Hinduism which is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu which refers
to the river in the Indus Valley.
Hinduism it is a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practice native
to India and based on a caste system; it is characterized by a belief in a reincarnation,
by a belief in a supreme being of many forms of nature, by the view of opposing
theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils.

SANATANA DHARMA
➢ The everlasting law
➢ Hindus preferred term to their religion rather than Hinduism
DHARMA
➢ Central to the Hindu worldview, speaks not just about religious obligations but of
social and cultural obligations as well

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ORIGINS AND GROWTH OF HINDUISM

Characteristics of Hinduism
 The Vedas as the source of Hindu belief
 Belief in karma and reincarnation
 Belief in the social class system known as caste system

Caste System

3 Major paths that every Hindu should follow:

1. The way of works
2. The way of knowledge
3. The way of devotion
Henotheism
 Belief in one god but at the same time accepting the existence of other gods

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Sacred texts of Hinduism

1. Vedas- sometimes called Sruti means “knowledge”. Hindus believe that the
contents are divinely inspired, sacred, and authoritative guide in dealing with life.
Four Major Parts of VEDAS
 Rig Veda – composed hymns to Gods and Goddesses
 Sama Veda – to be sung or recited based on the Rig
 Yajur Veda – composed of short proses and verses, or mantras used in ritual
 Atharva Veda – composed of the magical
2. Upanishads- Comes from the root word upa which means “near”, ni which means
“down”, and shad which means to “sit”.
Has a mystical aura, as it deals with problems of deepest concern to human beings such
as death and how to live, the purpose and meaning of life, the nature of God and the
beginning of the universe, and the relation of death to life.
3. Bhagavad-Gita- Also called “Song of the Blessed Lord.” Narrate the story of Arjuna
and his chariot warrior who is about to battle his cousins in a war between two branches
of their royal family .

Deity and Worship

Two ways of viewing the deity
▪ The statue made of stone or marble
▪ Humans have to respond properly by showing respect and reverence to the
image.

GOD AND GODDESSES

▪ Brahma, the Creator -he periodically creates everything in the universe.
▪ Vishnu, the Preserver - He maintains the order and harmony of the universe.
▪ Shiva, the Destroyer -tasked with destroying the universe in order to prepare
for its renewal at the end of each cycle of time.
▪ Ganapati, the Remover of Obstacles -Shiva’s first son. Lord Ganapati, who
has an elephant head.
Two of Vishnu’s ten avatars are Rama and Krishna.
▪ Rama - is one of the most beloved Hindu gods and is the hero of the Hindu epic
called the Ramayana.
▪ Krishna -Hindus identify Krishna as the teacher of the sacred scripture called
the Bhagavad Gita and as the friend and mentor of prince Arjuna in the epic
the Mahabharata.
▪ Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning
▪ Lakshmi-is the goddess of good fortune, wealth, and well-being.

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▪ Durga Devi -is a powerful, even frightening goddess who fights fiercely in
order to restore dharma (moral order).

BASIC TEACHINGS OF HINDUISM

 Atman- refers to the inmost spiritual property of the individual which is distinct
from the mind, intellect ego, or the objective self or stream of consciousness.

 Brahman- Means the Great, the Supreme. Explains the Hindu understanding
of the nature of the ultimate reality

 Karma and Reincarnation-One’s action will determine the kind of life he or

she will have in the future. It is a process wherein justice is preserved.

 YOGA: A Way of salvation-A means of releasing the negative energies from

the body. It helps one to form a stable mind and body

 Ahimsa- Nonviolence

8 Facts about Hinduism

1. The goal of life in Hinduism is to attain salvation, or moksha.
2. Hinduism believes in only one god, but in many forms
3. Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam.
4. The Rig Veda was written more than 3800 years ago, making Hinduism one of, if not the
oldest religion in the world
5. It is one of the few religions that does not consider the pursuit of wealth a sin.
6. Buddhism and Sikhism were both derived from Hinduism.
7.According to Hindus, the religion has no founder or origin.
8. Angkor Wat, Cambodia's defining temple complex, was originally a Hindu temple.

Activity 6. 1
Direction: Answer the following question.
1. In your own words, what is Hinduism?
2. If you will be given a chance to create your own God, what it would be and illustrate its
appearance. Explain your reason for choosing this God.

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Activity 6.2
Direction: Identify what is asked in each question. Choose the best answer on the box below and
write it on the space provided.
_____________1. Belief in one god but at the same time accepting the existence of other gods
_____________2. This God is called as the Preserver
_____________3. Traditionally called varnashrama
_____________4. It is composed of hymns to Gods and Goddesses
_____________5. It is called “Song of the Blessed Lord
_____________6. It is to be sung or recited based on the Rig
_____________7. World’s third largest religion by population after Christianity and Islam
_____________8. Root word of Hinduism which is derived from the Sanskrit word
_____________9. She is the Goddess of Learning
_____________10. It means everlasting law

Henotheism Vedas Rig Vedas Hinduism

Hindu Shiva Bhagavad-Gita Saraswati
Vishnu Sama Veda Caste System Sanatana Dharma

Activity 6. 3
Direction:
Let’s test your memory. We’ve listed 14 Gods of Hinduism but you’ll find only 13 of them in the
puzzle!
B R A H M A A B A R S T U B S
A S R S V V S R S A T W T H A
M A B A H I A S O P U S A A T
A S T I G S A R A S W A T I E
S F T W S H S A T B X Z W S S
A O P R T N M N T B U D D H A
B V X S E U N J H S H R W S C
S R S H I V A N M S O R S T X
S T Y A G R G A N A P A T I S
A L A K S H M I N S S M U O P
S B V A I N D R A E R A S A B
J I L L I A N K R I S H N A S
S S G Y S G D S E D U R G A S
S A F H T N S T T A B C Z S W
S A N M Q I A W Q S N M Z X W

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Word List:
1. Brahma 7. Hanuman 13. Saraswati
2. Vishnu 8. Surya 14. Buddha
3. Shiva 9. Agni
4. Ganapati 10. Indra
5. Rama 11. Lakhsmi
6. Krishna 12. Durga

Introduction to World Religion and Beliefs System

Module 7: Buddhism
Discussion:
• Buddhism is a Hindu that focuses on personal spiritual development and the
attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.
• It has 376 million followers worldwide.
• According to Meriam Webster it is a religion of eastern and central Asia
growing out of the teaching of Siddharta Gautama that sufferings is inherent
in life and that one can be liberated from it by cultivating wisdom, virtue and
concentration.

f. The life of Siddhartha Gautama

• Gautama Buddha (The Buddha)
• Birthname: Siddharta Gautama
• Born as a crown prince of Kapilavastu a small city
in Sakya
 The first three sights comprised his view of life a
suffering characterized by sickness, senility, and death.
It is the pillar of the docrine of dukkha (suffering) and
the last sight (the monk) gave Gautama the positive
insight regarding life.
 There are three essential virtues of qualities that
emerged in the life of Gautama:
1. Renunciation- opposes human’s worldly desires.
2. Wisdom –opposes ignorance
3. Kindness – opposes ill will

g. Two sects or branches of Buddhism

1. Theravada – means “advocates of the doctrine of
the elder.
• Is known as the first tradition of Buddhism known that emerged after
death of the Buddha.
• It is more direct, practical, simple and down-to-earth.
• It believes that sainthood can be obtained here on earth.
• Theravadin is the follower of Theravada.
• Monastic Buddhist (monks and nuns)
• Tries to remain faithful to the teaching of Buddha by emphasizing the
role of the individual without dependence on others or gods in
attaining enlightenment.

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2. Mahayana – liberal branch that accepted new teachings, text and rituals.
• No exact date and place can be identified to signal the start of this
Buddhism.
• It offers various way of how to attained liberation by overcoming
suffering.
• It teaches beyond what has been told by the Buddha.
• Mahayana monks believe that there are many other Buddhas and that
anyone is capable of being a Buddha.

Major Characteristic of Mahayana

• The sutras as Sources of Mahayana Teachings
Buddhahood is the main purpose of Mahayana practice. To
attain this is to strive for bodhichitta (means being kind hearted
– helping others when you are able to and/or avoiding harming
others.

• The Six virtues of perfection

(paramita):giving (dana), morality (sila), patience (ksanti),
energy (virya), meditation (dhayana), and wisdom (prajana)

• Bodhisattvas and Buddhas

In Mahayana texts, liberation, or nirvana is gained collectively
or collegially rather than individually.

• LAW OF DEPENDENT ORIGINATION

- It is a teaching that has to do with the problem of suffering
and how to free oneself from suffering.
- It is the principle that all dharmas ("things") arise in
dependence upon other dharmas.

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Buddhist Scripture
• The life and teachings of the Buddha were transmitted orally.
• When written came it was compiled into treatises called Tripitaka
(threefold basket)
Tripitaka (threefold basket) 3 main categories:
1. Vinaya Pitaka – discipline basket with 227 rules
2. Sutta Pitaka – discourse basket with life story of and the poems and songs
dedicated to the Buddha.
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka – further basket with the expanded and elaborated
teachings of Buddha

h. Four Noble Truth

1. Life is full of suffering;
2. Suffering is caused by desire;(cravings or tanha)
3. Suffering has an end (Nibbana);
4. There is a way to end the suffering (Eightfold Path)

i. Eightfold Path of Buddhism

- A practical guide to self-transformation and liberation from all defilements of life.
- Also known as the Middle Way.
- It is divided into three major categories:
 Morality or Shila (right speech, right conduct, and right livelihood)
 Meditation or Dhyana (right effort, right awareness, and right medication)
 Wisdom or Prajanas(right view and right concentration.

NIRVANA

• Also known “to cool by blowing”.

• Refers to a person who has curbed the intensity of hatred, delusional, and greed (klesha).
• It is a state of perpetual bliss, peace, or happiness.
• One is capable of attaining nirvana through the cultivation of prajana (wisdom).
• The Final nirvana (parinirvana) is achieved at death.

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REINCARNATION
In Buddhist, it means the eternal recurrence of craving until one is able to overcome it.

CONDITIONED ARISING
• It is the endless cycle of suffering.
Activity 7.1
Direction: Differentiate the two sects of Buddhism using Venn Diagram

Answer the following questions:

1. If you will choose from the two sects of Buddhism, which one is better? Explain.
2. How will you apply the learnings that you get from your chosen sects of Buddhism in
your daily life?
3. Enumerate the 4 sight of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and the meaning of each
symbolism

Activity 7.2
Direction: Identify what is asked in each question. Choose the best answer on the box below and
write it on the space provided.
_____________1. It means “advocates of the doctrine of the elder.
_____________2. A practical guide to self-transformation and liberation from all defilements of
life.
_____________3. It is a discourse basket with life story of and the poems and songs dedicated to
the Buddha
_____________4. This is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
_____________5. It is a state of perpetual bliss, peace, or happiness.
_____________6. It means the eternal recurrence of craving until one is able to overcome it.
_____________7. It is freeing your mind from evil.
_____________8. It is a discipline basket with 227 rules
_____________9. It is working for the good of others.
_____________10. It is further basket with the expanded and elaborated teachings of Buddha.

Bodh Gaya Introduction

Mahayana to Buddhism
World Religion Sutta
and Beliefs
PitakaSystem Eightfold Path
Theravada Buddhism Reincarnation Nirvana Vinaya
Pitaka Abhidhamma Pitaka Right Speech Right Action

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Module 8: Confucianism
Discussion:

Master Kong (c. 551-479), who is more popularly known outside China by the Latinized
name Confucius, would be seen as the most influential thinker in Chinese history, His
teachings were all about moral and political maxims, a way of life, or a traditional system of
values.
Confucianism has brought social and political changes in the world. The founder himself,
Master Kong or Kung Fuzi, was born during the troubled times of war, political intrigues,
and many social changes in China. One must understand his life and teachings in the light of
the political and social background that prevailed during his lifetime.

Origins and growth of Confucianism

 After the death of Confucius, his students and the many generations of his followers
generated text and compiled his different teachings.
 Throughout the Chinese dynasties, Confucianism made a great impact in the
political, social, economic, religious, and cultural aspects of many people’s lives
 During the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was promoted as a state ideology
 Confucianism has undergone hundreds of years of reforms in order to become what
it is now

Major Sources of Confucianism and Its Tradition

The Five Confucian Classics

-revered as China’s oldest literature, are vast collections of stories and precepts
1. The shijing or book of poetry- contains the oldest 300 poems to be chanted or
sung.
2. The Shujing or Book of History-contains the documents about mythology and
history of China from the time of the legendary emperors to Confucius’s time.
3. The Chun Qiu or Spring and autumns annals- contains the history of Confucius’s
home state during the years 722 BCE up to 481 BCE, two years before Confucius’s
death.
4. The YI Jing or Book of Changes- a divination (fortune-telling) manual.
5. The Liji or Book of Rites- consist of three separate ritual text and concerns the Zhou
dynasty’s bureaucratic system and the proper forms for many ceremonies.

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The Four Books

The Four Books serve as scriptural basis of teaching Confucianism. These are The
Great Doctrine of the Mean.
1. The Analects - was arranged by the disciples of Confucius. It contains 497 verses which
feature comments of Confucius on specific problems or situations and then suggestions of
appropriate reaction.
2. Ming zi- reflects Confucianism facing many intellectual challenges during the time
of Mencius. He gave his own views on the significance and meaning of some of the
saying of Confucius.
3. The great learning- is a guide on how to become a true Confucian Gentleman , in which
the theme is self-cultivation.
4. The doctrine of mean- consist of series of essays and stories pertaining to the characters
for normality and centrality and conveys the Confucian ideas of moderation, balance, and
harmony.

Overview of Confucian Practices and Virtues

Confucius’ teachings may be divided into two parts: who a good person is and what a good
society is
Who is a good person?
1. Filial piety - refers to the respect and reverence accorded to parents, which is also extended
to teachers and elders. Confucius would always say the one should not disobey.
2. Dutifulness or loyalty- A person’s first duty is the respect and service he or she gives to his
or her parent inside the home.
3. Honesty and sincerity- According to Confucius, honesty and sincerity are important in the
proper development of one’s inner self.
4. Rightness and knowledge- Rightness is knowing what is proper, right, and moral based on
one’s status and role as well as the specifics of the situations he or she is faced with. Knowledge
or wisdom, according to Confucius, must be worked on and be achieved.
5. Courage- During the time of political disputes, many civil servants and government minister
would just act blindly even if their rulers’ actions are not morally right and not for the good of
all.
6. Understanding, sympathy, compassion- “Understanding, “sympathy,” “compassion” or
shu means “not doing to others what one does not want to oneself.” This message is simple:
treat others in the same way you want them to treat you.
7. Humanity- Confucius helped us understand the different virtues, but for him, all of these
virtues are the ways toward moral attitude-ren. Ren originally means “handsome,” “manly,” or
“man’s man,”
8. Rituals- Rituals are district and unique to human society and are based on a society’s beliefs,
traditions, and religions.

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9. The Gentleman- A person who possesses all the virtues and can practice his humanity and
the rituals is called a “gentleman.”

What is a good society?

 Setting words right
 For the Benefits of other people

 Law
 Models

 Education without distinction

 Women
 The gods, spirit of the dead and the afterlife

 The choice of heaven or the command of heaven and fate

 The way
Basic Teachings of Confucianism
Five Hierarchical Relationship
 Parent to Child - Filial Piety

 Elder Brother to Younger Brother- Brotherly love

 Husband and Wife - Love and Chastity

 Friend and Friend - Trust

 Ruler and Minister - Loyalty

The Concept of “Gentleman” - Noble origin which is given to a young son of a lord and is
acquired by birth not by merit
Confucius redefined it as goal that everyone (male) should aspire to be
Gentleman - Possesses moral uprightness, ritual training, good education, and exemplar moral
behavior
 According to Confucius it is not a birthright but is a character that can be achieved through
training, education, and living a moral life

Two Noble task of a Gentleman

 To serve the government
 To teach the young of the same noble government
Is Human Nature Good or Evil?
1. Xing - Chinese translation of human nature which means “mind or heart”. For Confucian
scholars, the goodness of human nature is not only given as a gift from the heart but also is
something to be worked hard for.
2. Mencius - One of the greatest Confucian scholars, believes that all human beings are given
the sense of right and wrong which make them different from beasts.

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3. Xunzi - Believes that human nature is evil. Human nature as evil means a person is incapable
of living in a more cultured and civilized way with his or her fellow human beings.
4. The Cult of Heaven - A practice under Confucian tradition in the old times that the emperor
had to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. The Emperor had to go to the Temple of Heaven
to offer sacrifices to the God named Shangdi (ruler above) .
5. Cult of Ancestors - Expressed in a form of memorial services.
6. The Family Rituals - Confucian teachings give value to family order. Age is a way of telling
the social roles one must fulfill.

Confucius quotations
➔ It is easy to hate, and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All
good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
➔ The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at
large.

➔ When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action
steps.
➔ The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
➔ By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by
imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

ACTIVITY 8.1
Directions: Explain the following Confucius sayings in your own understanding.
1. The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at
large.
2. When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action
steps.
3. The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

ACTIVITY 8.2
Using ACROSTIC word give the acronym of CONFUCIANISM based on your own
understanding.
C - ____________
O - ____________
N - ____________
F - ____________
U - ____________
C - ____________
I - ____________
A - ____________

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N - ____________
I - ____________
S - ____________
M - ____________

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Module 9: Taoism
Discussion:
What is Taoism?
● The method of “Huang and Lao” is one the names given for Taoism
● Huang literally means “ the Yellow Emperor” while Lao refers to the Chinese old sage
Laozi (Lao Tzu).

Major Sources of Taoists Teachings

I - Ching (Book of Change)
● Contains teachings about change
● Uses the symbol of a lizard to describe the nature of change
● Calls on humans to know and master the dynamics of change and how to adapt it

Yin Yang
● This dualism explains various changes that occur in the world.

Eight Trigrams

Water
SKY Wind
Lake

EARTH
Fire
Mountain

Tao Te Ching
● One of the earliest materials that contain teachings of Lao Tzu.

Tao
❖ It is considered the ground or foundation of everything that there is - including
change.
❖ Leads one to value solitariness and the natural rather than the organized and well-
ordered society.

Zhuangzi (Book of Zhuangzi)

● Believes that nature is above culture and that the individual is above society.
● More deeply concerned and emphatic on the importance of self-preservation.

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Tai-P’ing Ching (The Scripture of the Ultimate Equilibrium)

● Is the earliest religious Taoist scripture
● Contains beliefs concerning comic energies

Basic Teachings of Taoism

Wu wei
● It is a lifestyle that encourages a person to practice contemplation and meditation.
● Acting without action
● Requires letting go

Law of Reversion and Following Nature

● The view emphasizing the natural should not be taken as going back to simply following
one’s impulses or whims. Taoism wants a person to get hold onto his or her naturalness.

Yin-Yang and the Five Elements

Five elements :
● Wood
● Fire
● Earth
● Metal
● water

STUDENT ACTIVITY 9.1

Direction: Fill in the Problem/ Solution Graphic Organizer “Taoist ideas about suffering and the
Problem of Evil”

Activity 9.1

Direction: Identify what is asked for, write the answers on the blanks.
___________1. In Chinese history, he is the one of the earliest rulers and foundational figures in Chinese
tradition
____________2. It refers to the Chinese Old Sage Lauzi.
____________3. One of the earliest materials that contain the teaching of Laozi.
____________4. A compilation of teachings of Taoism due to the proliferation of its religious scriptures.
____________5. Known as the Book of Change
____________6. The two basic component of the I-Ching
____________7. It explains various changes that occur in the world.
____________8. The ground or foundation of everything that there is change.
____________9. He is one of the champions of Taoism
____________10. The scripture of the Ultimate Equilibrium

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Activity 9.3

Direction: TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is correct and F if it is not.

____1. The idea of the Tao gives form to different.

____2. The Tao is personal with definite rules and plans.
____3. One of the images of Laozi was water.
____4. The Tao is conscious of itself.
____5. In Wu Wei, a lifestyle that encourages a person to practice contemplation and meditation.
____6. The Tao Te Ching explains the softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the
word.
____7. Taoism do encourage inaction or non action.
____8. Wu Wei require letting go.
____9. The doctrine of Wu Wei teaches that there is nothing permanent in this world
____10. Wu Wei encourages violence and aggression.

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Module 10: Shinto

Discussion:
ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF SHINTO
■ For majority of Japanese, there is only one indigenous religious tradition and that is
Shinto.
■ One becomes a member of Shinto through blood and not by means of proselytizing.
■ 90 percent of the Japanese population is still involved in Shinto ritual practice every year.
■ The Japanese people do not want to be labeled religious.
■ Shinto described as an action-centered religion. A religion not founded on a set of
propositional beliefs but rather on action.

SHINTO or "Kami No Michi" as One Tradition

IMPERIAL SHINTO
■ The emperor used to be considered as divine.
STATE SHINTO (KOKKA SHINTO)
■ The national faith of Japan.
Shrine Shinto (Jinja Shinto)
■ Is one of the oldest forms of Shinto expression.
SECRETARIAN SHINTO (KYOHA SHINTO)
■ Called as religious Shinto.
■ Which were thought as the “chosen ones”.
SHAMANIC SHINTO (MINKAN SHINTO)
■ Deals with shaman, spirit phenomena, and faith healing.
DUAL SHINTO (RYOBU SHINTO)
■ RYOBU SHINTO – A mixture of Buddhism and Shinto
■ Philosophical Shinto – interested in speculative thinking and conjectures.

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The kojiki creation story

The Kojiki creation story has been translated in various languages and variedly in the English
language. The following simplified translation is taken from the online site called Japanese
Classroom Resources Page (“Creation of Japan: Myth,” n.d.):

“Once upon a time, when the world was still young, floating like oil, two gods, Izanagi no
Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto were commanded by the primal gods to make the land and fix it
in place. The two stood on the Floating Bridge of Heaven and thrust the Heavenly Jewelled spear
into the sea. The brine that dripped from the spear became an island where the two performed a
marriage rite around a pillar. Izanami gave birth to the islands of Japan and their deities, the gods
of the sea, river, mountain, field, tree, stone, fire and many others. But in giving birth to the fire
god, she was burned and died. Izanagi followed Izanami to Yomi no Kuni (the Land of Dead) to
urge her to return. She agreed to consult with the gods of Yomi, but warned him not to look at
her. Impatient for Izanami's return, he entered the palace of the gods of Yomi, only to find her
corpse horribly transformed. He fled, pursued by the shamed Izanami, and escaped by blocking
the exit of Yomi with a large boulder. He then went to the river to purify himself by bathing
(misogi). From his left eye when he cleansed it was born Amaterasu Omikami (Goddess of the
Sun); Tsukushi no Mikoto (God of the Moon) was born from his right eye, and Susanoo no
Mikoto (God of Storms) was born from his nose. Izanagi charged Amaterasu with the rule of the
High Plain of Heaven, Tsukushi no Mikoto with the Realm of Night, and Susanoo no Mikoto
with the Plain of the Seas. Thus was born Japan and its surrounding world.”

Basic teachings of Shinto: ancestor Worship and kami

KAMI
■ Two important descriptive meanings”
1. Use as noun means “divine being”
2. Use an adjective points to religious quality such as divine, sacred and holy.

Sacred Words
WORD MEANING
KAMI DIVINITY, DIVINE, SACRED

KANNAGARA HOLINESS AND WHOLENESS

KI AWESOME POWER

WA HARMONY OR PEACEFULNESS

TENNO SACREDNESS CONCENTRATED

IN THE PERSON OF THE RULE
OF EMPEROR

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ACTIVITY 10.1

True or False: Write Fact if the statement is true, and Bluff if the statement is false.
1. According to the Japanese tradition, there is only one indigenous religious tradition in
their country that is Shinto.
2. Those who are born Japanese are called Shinto.
3. Majority of the Japanese embrace their membership as Shinto.
4. The Japanese still observe and perform practices of Shinto.
5. Shinto has historical founder; its beginnings lie deep the prehistoric practices of Japanese
people.
6. Shinto concentration around the globe reached a total of 2, 797, 700
7. Shinto simply view as an ethnic and local religion
8. The meaning of KAMI is loyal and humble.
9. Shinto meaning is “The way of Gods”
10. Shintoism is based on a belief in, and worship of KAMI can be elements of landscapes or
forces of nature.

Activity 10.2

Number Game: Identify the hidden words by analyzing the alphabetical numbers below.

A B C D E F G H I J K

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

L M N O P Q R S T U V

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

W X Y Z

23 24 25 26

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3. 11-15-10-9-11-9 →
1. 19-8-9-14-20-15-9-19-13 →
4. 10-1-16-1-14-5-19-5 →
2. 11-15-11-11-1, 19-8-9-14-20-15 →
5. 15-13-9-11-1-13-9 →

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