AP World History - Asia: Belief Systems, Culture, & Society

Hinduism

Originated in South Asia from ancient Vedic traditions

Core Beliefs of Hinduism

Dharma (duty), karma, reincarnation, moksha (liberation), caste system (distinct roles in society)

Hindu Caste System

1. Brahmins/Priests (top of the pyramid)

2. Ruling Class: Nobles

3. Middle Class: Merchants

4. Lower Class: Undesirables (servants, farmers)

Hindu Texts

Vedas, Upanishads (philosophical and spiritual meaning of life), Bhagavad Gita (overview of Indian religious thought like dharma)

Hinduism Spread by 1200

Mainly dominant in India, had a cultural influence in S.E. Asia (Khmer/Majapahit empires)

Hindu Insitutions

Temples (centers for religion, education, and community life)

Cultural Impact of Hinduism

Temple architecture (reference Angkor Wat) and epics which shaped moral values

Moksha

emancipation, liberation, nirvana, or release.Iit refers to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth

Buddhism

Originated 5th Century AD —> Founded by Siddartha Gautama in India

Meditative Buddha Paintings & Statues

Conveys enlightenment

Core Beliefs of Buddhism

4 Noble Truths, Nirvana, Rejection of the Caste System, and Eightfold Path

Branches of Buddhism

Therevada (Sri Lanka, SE Asia), Mahayana (China, Korea, Japan; was syncretic w/Daoism & Confucianism), and Vajrayana (Tibet, Mongolia)

Buddhism Spread by 1200

Central Asia, East Asia, SE Asia via Silk Road & Maritime trade

Buddhist Institutions

Monasteries, Stupas (place of meditation & houses Buddhist relics)

Cultural Impact of Buddhism

Art (Buddha statues, temples), literary preservations of sutras (sacred scriptures containing Buddha’s teachings & are foundational texts)

Confucianism

Originated from 5th century BCE China and the teachings of Confucius

Core Beliefs of Confucianism

Filial Piety, Social Harmony, Hierarchy, and Education

Confucian Texts

The “Five Classics”

How Confucianism Spread by 1200

State Ideology in Song China and influence in Korea, Japan, Vietnam

Confucian Institutions

Civil Service Exams and Scholar-Official Class (Education)

Confucian Cultural Impact

Patriarchal family structure and moral philosophy in governance

Daoism

Originated in 6th century AD China and based on the teachings of Laozi

Core Beliefs of Daoism

Harmony (w/nature), Balance (Ying/Yang), Dao (“The Way”), Wu Wei (non-action)

How Daoism Spread by 1200

Primarily China, some influence in East Asia

Daoist Institutions

Monasteries and Ritual Masters

Cultural Impact with Daoist

Medicine, landscape art (painting), alchemy, poetry

What did Hinduism (and other eastern religions) emphasize

A universal spirit that is responsible for the universe & all humankind (it’s disembodied, persuasive, and all human souls are pieces of the spirit)