Codified Religions and Cultural Traditions

Codified Religions

Religions with written texts and rituals, passed down consistently across generations.

Hinduism

A religion that originated in India around 1500 BCE, founded by the Aryans.

Rig Veda

The key text of Hinduism.

Reincarnation

Belief in rebirth after death.

Karma

The concept of good and bad deeds.

Dharma

The duty to family and community, such as fulfilling one's caste role.

Moksha

The ultimate goal of breaking the reincarnation cycle to join the universal spirit.

Caste System

A social and political structure in India that reduces the need for a strong central government.

Brahmin

The top caste, consisting of priests and academics, emphasizing the importance of religion.

Kshatriya

The warrior and king caste.

Vaishya

The caste of merchants, landowners, and skilled workers.

Sudra

The base caste, consisting of peasants and farmers.

Untouchables

Those outside the caste system, handling undesirable jobs such as waste disposal and handling dead bodies.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East, modern-day Israel.

Ten Commandments

A moral code for behavior to reach the afterlife.

Covenant

The special relationship with God that makes Jews the 'chosen people.'

Ethnic Religion

A religion that applies only to those born into it and is not focused on conversion.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, 'Enlightened One.'

Four Noble Truths

The core beliefs of Buddhism stating that all life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire, to end suffering one must end desire, and to end suffering one must follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

Guide to achieve enlightenment (nirvana) through right mindset, actions, and meditation.

Reincarnation, Karma, Dharma

Similar to Hinduism but outside the caste system.

Universalizing Religion

Applies to all (men, women, rich, poor), spreading via Silk Roads to China, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

Historical Impact of Buddhism

Appeals to lower castes seeking enlightenment in one life, challenging the Hindu caste system.

Conflicts with Hindu Governments

Due to rejection of caste hierarchy.

Christianity

Monotheistic, universalizing religion founded by Jesus (originally Jewish).

Core Beliefs of Christianity

Influenced by Judaism (Ten Commandments) and Zoroastrianism (good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell).

Holy Trinity

Unique to Christianity, not found in Judaism.

Historical Impact of Christianity

Spreads in the Roman Empire among the poor, offering hope for a better afterlife.

Persecution of Early Christians

Initially seen as cannibalistic due to communion, conflicting with Roman emperor worship.

Spread of Christianity

Via merchants and missionaries (e.g., Paul), eventually becoming the Roman Empire's official religion.

Social Cohesion in Empires

Provides social cohesion in large empires where governments fail to meet all needs.

Chinese Philosophies

Legalism and Confucianism focus on the dynastic cycle and Mandate of Heaven.

Dynastic Cycle

Ruling family weakens over time (corruption, overtaxation) and natural disasters signal loss of the Mandate of Heaven.

Legalism

Authoritarian, strict laws, and harsh punishments (e.g., mutilation, death).

Standardization in Legalism

Unified weights, measurements, language, and roads (e.g., Qin dynasty's Great Wall construction through forced labor).

Impact of Legalism

Unpopular due to severity, leading to the Qin dynasty's collapse after Emperor Shi Huangdi's death.

Confucianism

Founded by Confucius, author of the Analects.

Core Beliefs of Confucianism

Emphasizes respect (filial piety, ancestor veneration) and education.

Society as a Family in Confucianism

Emperor as father, subjects as children; mutual care and obedience ensure peace.

Civil Service Exam

Merit-based bureaucracy requiring knowledge of Confucian texts, history, and laws.

Historical Impact of Confucianism

Adopted by the Han dynasty (200 BCE) and lasts until 1911 (Chinese Revolution). Stabilizes China by linking the Mandate of Heaven.