History of Asian Civilization I
History 253:  Topic 2
Asian Religions and Their Cultures
 

History 253 First page  I  Fall and Spring Semester Syllabus  I  Summer Session Syllabus  I

 

Identification Items:  Identify and discuss the importance of the following items.
 Hinduism: 
Agni, Krishna, Vedas, Karma, Bhagavad Gita, Dharma, Ghee, Paravati, Diwali (Festival of Lights), Dravidian, Sadhu, Vishnu, Upanishads, Ahimsa, Moksha, Ganesh, Kali, Holi (Spring Festival), Shiva
 Buddahism and Jainism: 
Sakyamuni,  Siddhartha Gautama, Sage of the Sakyas, "Wheel of Law", Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle), Mahayana (Greater Vehicle), "Eight Fold Path", Banaras, Buddha, Papal Tree, Stupas, Sarnath, Nirvana, Mara, Buddha Amitabha, Amida Buddha, Zen Buddhism, Bodhisattvas, Kannon, Lamaistic Buddhism, Pagoda, Samsara, "Sky clad", "White Robe", Mahavira, Prakit
Confucianism, Daoism, Traditional Religion in China, Judaism and Islam in Asia: 
Confucius (551-479 BCE), Right Relationships, Daoism, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Yin and Yang, Muhammad, Hejira, Muezzin, Mulllahs, Hajj, Kabir of Barnes, Sunni Islam, Kami, Sun Goddess, Torii, Analects, Book of Odes, Spring and Autumn Anals, Book of Menicus,  Book of History, Ancestor Worship

 Essay

1.  What do you find most appealing about Hinduism?  Why?  What do you think of the concept of Dharma?  Explain in detail.

2.  Compare and contrast Buddhism and Hinduism.  Why did Buddhism disappear from India?  Discuss the major influences on Buddhism;  on Hinduism.
3.  What a re the positive teachings of Jainism?  Why are so few Jains to be found in India?  How has Jainism influenced Indian thought?
4.  How were the first Buddhist scriptures brought into China?  What was the appeal of Buddhism for the Chinese peasantry, elite scholars, and officials?  How did the the civil authorities restrict the growing power of Buddhist monastries?
Reading Assignment:  Murphey, Chapter 2
 
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Last update, April 28, 2006 I © Jean H. Braden, 2004 
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