Explore BrainMass

Explore BrainMass

    Asian and Indian Religions

    Asia, in addition to being the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions, is also home to the Taoic (East Asian) and Dharmic (Indian) religions.¹

    Taoic religions include Daoism (Taoism), Confuscianism, and Shinto. Other Asian folk religions are covered under Indigenous Religions.  Dharmic religions include Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.¹

    Taoism, based in China, has spread across Asia and focuses on the concept of wu wei – action through inaction, as well as teaching compassion, humility, and moderation.¹

    Confucianism has a strong history in China and was created by the Chinese philosopher K'ung-fu-tzu (Confucius).  The basis of Confucianism was to teach morals, and social and political rituals, but has expanded to include metaphysical religious elements.¹  Rules about relationships, family, and duty are central to Confucianism. Deities are accepted but not encouraged in Confucianism.¹

    Shinto, “the way of the gods”, is Japan’s indigenous religion.¹ Shinto ties closely with Buddhism and also has Taoic ties.  Nature and kami (spirits of the elements, animals, and the dead) are important in Shinto.¹ Ritual cleanliness, tradition and family values are important to adherents of Shinto.

    Dharmic religions are based in India but especially in the case of Buddhism, have spread to neighbouring Asian countries.  Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world.¹ Hinduism and Jainism are two of the oldest religions still in practice. Buddhism is common throughout most Asian countries.  Sikhism is a growing monotheistic religion founded in Punjab.¹

     

     

     

    Reference:

    1. Religion & Public Project. The Global Religious Landscape. Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-exec/

    © BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com March 18, 2024, 6:13 pm ad1c9bdddf

    BrainMass Categories within Asian and Indian Religions

    Buddhism

    Solutions: 36

    Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha (the awakened one). The Four Noble Truths teach of dukkha (suffering) and the Eightfold Path teaches wisdom, ethical conduct, and concentration.

    Hinduism

    Solutions: 42

    Hinduism has many traditions and philosophies including laws and rules of morality using karma, dh and dharma. Hinduism is diverse in its traditions and philosophies. The two main texts are Śruti ("revealed") and Smriti ("remembered").

    Sikhism

    Solutions: 2

    Sikhism is a system of beliefs that rejects the idea of separating the spiritual and secular lives. Community and sharing are vital to a Sikh, and Sikhism holds ethical and moral behaviour (honesty, equality) in high regard.

    Taoism

    Solutions: 12

    Taoism stresses harmonic living in "the way" (also known as the path or principle). Tao is the source and also the force of life but, under Taoic belief, cannot be explained. The Tao Te Ching is the major book of the Taoic religion.

    Jainism

    Solutions: 3

    Jainism professes non-violence and equality in all life, and stresses self-control as ways to achieve liberation. Jains "fight" to conquer bodily passions and pleasures. Jains believe in pluralism and the idea that no one can know absolute truth but that each person's truth is a part of the whole.

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Taoism and Confucianism: History and Practices

    Assistance in the following categories: 1. Countries: In this section, you should include the MAIN countries where people who practice these religion live. In most cases, it will be more than one country. However, don't just list all the countries where believers live. Choose no more than 5-10 (and in some cases considerably f

    Day of Yahweh, Justice and Sacrifice Word Study

    Based upon the following three words from the Old Testament book of Amos 5:18, 24, 25 please address the following: (1) Day of Yahweh (2) Justice (3) Sacrifice What are the parts of speech for each word? What is type of verb root is each word? How is each word translated in other versions of the Bible? How are the

    Hinduism and Buddhism

    Describe the theme of Brahman as it has been developed in Hinduism (even Jainism). Finally, show how the theme is an essential part of the Hindu (even Jain) tradition. It does not matter which theme is chosen but only one. What are the features of Buddhism that fit with our modern scientific outlook? And what are the features

    Women in Islamic Society

    There has been a lot of attention lately to the restrictions placed on women in Islamic society. How have women been restricted in other societies?

    Queen Hatshepsut and gender issues

    It is believed that Queen Hatshepsut dressed as a man to gain support of the Egyptians. After her death, her successor removed as many remnants of her rule as possible. Although a pharaoh, her mummified remains and tomb have never been conclusively found. 1. Clearly state the "mystery" and provide a brief summary of at least

    Characteristics of the Psalms as Israelite Poetry are embedded.

    DISCUSSION 6.1 1. Based on Carvalho, pp. 219-227, discuss the characteristics of the psalms as Israelite poetry. 2. Based on Carvalho, pp. 364-367, discuss the social context of the Wisdom literature. DISCUSSION 6.2 1. Based on Carvalho, pp. 406-410, discuss what should be expected in an Israelite short s

    Confucianism, Shintoism, and Taoism

    Could you please help me with the following questions?: 1. Are Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism religions? 2. If so, why? If not, what is a religion?

    Is Buddhism similar to Hinduism in the realm of devotion versus worship?

    When Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha through worship, they engage in actions that look very much like the devotional behaviors people have toward gods: They leave offerings, burn incense, and chant, often with images of the Buddha in elaborate temples. Does this mean that the Buddha functions as a god within Buddhism? What i

    Religion - Exodus and Leviticus Connections Examined

    In the books of Exodus and Leviticus what is the identify and nature of Israel and how does the country maintain this obtain and maintain its identify. What is the relationship between God and Israel in this content.

    Yogic overview

    This is an analysis and description of the history, schools, paths, and practice of yoga.

    Shintoism

    Historically, what influences have Shintoism had on Japanese society and politics? Especially during WWII and since then? What role do you think they may have played during the war, and what are your views of the role Church and State separation may have had had that been implemented? Or, was is not a violation of church and sta

    Question about Eastern Religions

    1. Historically, what influences has Shintoism had on Japanese society and politics? 2. What elements of Taoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism are characteristic of the Eastern religious traditions?

    Eastern Religion and the 1960s

    have looked everywhere I can imagine and can not find what I am looking for. Please help get me directed in the right path. What was the role of Eastern religion in the American counter culture movement of the 1960's?

    Central Ideas of Shinto

    What are the central ideas in Shinto about who or what God is? What role does the Islands of Japan have in Shinto? How did Shinto shape the Japanese concept of war in World War II?

    Eastern Religion Elements: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism

    I need to write a paper and need help with this problem. General information will be acceptable to help me put this paper together. I need to know the country of origin of: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. For each of these religions I need some information on the: Historical figures and events, brief descript

    Concepts of dharma and karma

    How would you describe the major concepts of "dharma" and "karma" Do you believe in practicing daily "karma"based on the contemporary dictum of : what goes around comes around?