Comparing Asian Religions Compare ALL 4 religions 2

Comparing Asian Religions � Compare ALL 4 religions 2 at a time � Ex. Hinduism & Buddhism � Ex. Shinto & Confucianism � You should have 4 similarities & 6 differences for each comparison � Extra Credit –compare ALL 4 at once • Must have a least one similarity in each circle • You will receive one extra credit point for every THOUGHFUL and SOPHISTICATED similarity

Circle comparison (venn diagram) Buddhism Hinduism Similar

Table comparison Shinto Similar Confucianism

Table comparison Hinduism Similar Buddhism • 4000 yrs old • Monotheistic • No known founder • Brahman is the name of their god • Sacred text: Four Vedas • Caste system: inherited social class • Being released from samsara is called Moksha • Ganges River is holy • Both believe in reincarnation (process of being reborn after death) • Both believe in Karma (good and bad things you do throughout your life) • Both founded in India • Samsara • Buddha was born Hindu • Believe in gods and spirits • 25 oo yrs old • Founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha) • Non-thiestic • Belief in the Four Noble truths, 8 fold path, and middle way • Being released from the cycle of rebirth (samasara) is called Nirvana • Believe you must give up selfishness and greed to be at peace • Tripitaka is sacred text

Table comparison Shinto • 3 ooo yrs old • Polytheistic • Founded in Japan • No sacred text • Worship kamis (spirits) • Worship at home shrines • No known founder Similar Confucianism • Both found in SE Asia • Both believe you can practice another religion • Both founded in B. C. • Both uses shrines • Both have respect for family • 25 oo yrs old • Not a religion • Founded in China • Founded by Confucius • Importance of “Golden Rule” • Believe key to social order is through kindness and virtue (goodness) • Important book: Analects

Extra credit comparison Hinduism Shintoism Buddhism Confucianism