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Asia
The largest continent Pacific: Largest Ocean Russia: Largest Country China: Largest Population India: 2nd Population China/Japan: 2nd and 3rd Largest economies Gobi: hottest desert Himalayas: highest mountains
India
India was the 2rd Civilization Subcontinent Himalayas Monsoons Indus & Ganges Rivers
Hinduism is the historically dominant religion of India, but Islam is the most rapidly spreading religion of the world Hinduism is polytheistic, rooted in the caste system and reincarnation circular
Brahma: the overall life force of Hinduism Vishnu: the conserver god Shiva: the destroyer god These do not represent good versus evil as in our Western Civilization culture, but rather a balance of nature
Caste System 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Castes System Brahmins: priests Kshatriya: warrior/nobles Vaisya: skilled workers/middle class Sudra: unskilled workers Untouchables: outcasts who are outsiders or thrown from caste for breaking dharma
Hinduism
Dharma: the code of conduct in Hinduism which dictates marriage, jobs, living area and all aspects of life Karma: living by proper Dharma results in the reward of moving up the caste system in the next life cycle A Brahmin who lives by proper Dharma escapes the reincarnation cycle and becomes on with Brahma This circular philosophy makes Eastern Civilization culture radically different Western Civilization
Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India, but becomes more influential in China Founded by Siddartha Gautama to reform Hinduism
Buddhism
1.
2. 3. 4.
The Four Noble Truths All life is pain suffering and sorrow. The cause of suffering is the desire for material wealth which is an illusion The only way to overcome suffering is to overcome desire The only way to overcome desire is following the teachers, Budda, 8-fold path
Buddhism
The goal of Buddhism is to escape the reincarnation cycle and become one with Nirvana
China
China was the 4th Civilization Isolated by Gobi Desert (hottest) and Himalayas (highest) so Chinese culture remained isolated China saw itself as the Center of the Universe which heavily influences the nations in Chinas sphere: Vietnam, Korea, and Japan
Confucism
Buddhism spread to China and is a major religion, but Asian nations assimilate multiple religious views. Confucism is more of a philosophy of life based on the ancient teachings of Confucius rather than a religion
Confucism
Ruler over subjects Father over son Husband over wife Older brother over young Community members It is the job of the superior member of the relationship to teach the inferior. The actions of the inferior reflect on the honor of the superior.
Confucism
The Superior in the relationship must teach the four Confucian virtues Integrity Loyalty Generosity Politeness
Conclusion
The mix of Buddhism, Confucism and other religions such as (Taoism=the way) focuses on natural balance in the life forces and creates a circular life philosophy in Eastern Civilization based on fulfilling honor in current life in to gain good karma in the next life. This difference in culture has vast consequences on modern East and West relations.