Confucianism Primary Documents

The Spring and Autumn Annals is known as one of the 5 classics of Chinese liturature. It was this text that was a major influence for Confucius to find a way to make society better, he was inspired because this text also reflected basic chinese values. The Spring and Autumn Annals were most likely composed within 5th century BC and the recorded things like marridges, battles, funerals of leaders, specific rituals, and even natural disasters. Normally entires lasted only about ten characters but occasionally they were only one character long. Some people are begining to believe that the Spring and Autumn Annals were not originally meant to be read for people to enjoy, that it was meant for "ancestral spirits."

Daoism Social Impact

The people who believe in Daoism made something material out of their beliefs by creating a giant rock statue of an old man. This is significant because even though people don't know the creator of this statue, they predict that it is actually a statue of a man named Laozi, the creator of Daoism. This glorious statue is located on the Qingyuan Mountain in Fujian, China and is estimated to be about a thousand years old. Untouched nature such as flowers and trees and the rest of the moutain surrounds the statue, connecting to how Daoism focuses on harmonizing with nature.

Confucianism Modern Day Practice

An ancient tradition Confucius introduced when he created Confucianism is visiting your deceased elders, he called it ancestor worship. Ancestor worship is still is and is one of the most practiced rituals in Confucianism. When performing this ritual, one would normally go to where a dead older relative was buried and spend time with them at their grave, and even engage in conversation with them. Confucius believed that spending time with your elders was a strong virtue in filial piety, he thought even after your father dies you should still be loyal to him. Also the earliest date of this practice goes back to 1570-1045 BCE during the Shang Dynasty. After an elder passes away, the family will host a funeral and in many cases afterwords, will instal a household alter to honor that person. People in modern times will often visit loved ones graves and host funerals but the alter tradition had become much less common.

Confucianism Historical Figures

Clearly displayed by his name, Confucius was the creator of the philosophy of Confucianism. He created it based off of his beliefs that he thought that the society around him needed to improve. He thought they could improve by people simply acting they way they were originally supposed to, they needed to fit their roles. If people did this, he thought, it would bring harmony and peace within society. Confucius also believed that filial piety was an enourmous part of life, because everyone needed to respect people. In his eyes, every person needed to have integrety, generosity, loyalty and polietness. He also taught in Confucianism that women basically had no power, they had to move in with their husband at marridge and had to obey their father, husband, and sons. 

Confucianism History

The five key relationships was and still is a major part of Confucianism. They are put in order from most important to least important. It goes ruler and subject, oldest brother and younger brother, father and son, husband and wife, and finally friend and friend. Confucius stressed these relationships because he strongly believed that these people had to have respect for each other in order to keep family life peaceful and that filial piety (respect for your family and elders) was key in life. In these relationships, one person always has more power over the other, for example husband over wife, ruler over subject, and for friend and friend, the older friend has more power in the relationship.

Buddhism Primary Documents

The Buddhavacana is the sacred literature to many different types of Buddhism, it is special to each because for every type of Buddhism, there are different works in their Buddhavacana that they believed were the words of the Buddha, but none are actually proven to be his words. For example, in Theravada Buddhism their Buddhavacana is also known as the Pali Canon, it was origianally passed down orally and it was put together in its current form in 80 BC. In Tibetan Buddhism however, they combined their Buddhavacana along with other texts that they call the Kangyur, and the views on what actually is categorized as the Buddhavacana is extremely close between Tibetan and East Asian Buddhism. The word Buddhavacana itself means "the word of the Buddha. "

Buddhism History

During the Buddhas journey to discover how to end life's suffering, he eventually came to sit and meditate under a tree, the Bodhi tree. It was under this tree he finally reached the goal of his quest, to achieve nirvana also known as enlightenment. This tree is significant because after he achieved enlightenment, this specific tree became a symbol of worship and the Buddhas presence. The Bodhi tree has prominently displayed heart shaped leaves and the tree itself is a type of fig.

Buddhism Social Impact

People who believe in Buddhism made temples to show their worship and to practice their religion. One of the largest Buddhist temples outside of Thailand has been/is being built in Raynham Massachusetts. Some things that Buddhists do in a temple is learn and practice meditation, have public talks, and go on retreats. It is customary to remove your hat and shoes when entering and to wear extremely modest clothing. Another thing is that you aren't allowed to point or climb on the buddha statues that are inside. 

Buddhism Modern Practice

Something people still do today in Buddhism is practice a tea ceremony called chanoyu. This is a very complicated ceremony with around 13 different materials used. The procedure for this ceremony must be performed exactly right with extreme precision, even the flower arrangement used in the ceremony must be perfect. This ritual is based off of the principles of respect, harmony, purity, and tranquility, and is meant to capture the essence of Zen Buddhism. It is said by performing this ceremony and bringing these qualities into your life, you will be completely filled with peace.

Buddhism Religious Figure

Siddhartha Guatama was the first known Buddha. It was said when his mother was pregnant with him that he would either grow up to be a world ruler or a spiritual being.  Siddhartha the prince was raised in an environment that blocked out all bad things in life so he would not see them and realize the real pain in the world, his father did this because he wanted him to become a ruler. When siddhartha eventually found out about the pain and suffering in the world, he immeditaly set out on a journey to find the solution to lifes pain. He eventually learned that the cause of pain in the world is desire and to eliminate all personal desires will make you become enlightened. During this journey he became to be known as the Buddha. 

Hinduism History

The art of meditation is when people think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. Meditation is a major part of Hinduism because the Hindus believed that it was a key to be able to achieve moksha, because moksha was the ultimate goal for hinduism.