AP world history: major belief systems Flashcards
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Brahmins
Priests
Performed sacrifices, studied Vedas, intermediary between gods and humans
Kshatriyas
War aristocrats
Provided protection
Dispense justice
Offer sacrifice
Vaishyas
Merchants landowners artisans
Farm and tended cattle
Studied Vedas
Offer sacrifices
Lend money and trade
Shudras
Peasants servants
Serve other castes
May not study the Vedas
May not hear sacred chants
Pariah Dasas
Untouchables
Indigenous people
Dravidians
How many days was siddhartha in meditation for?
49 days
Jati
People working in the same or similar tasks in a given area
Law book of Manu
Handbook of moral behavior and social relationships
Indra
Varuna
Chief god, boisterous, warrior god
Sky god, oversaw human behaviors
Atman
Individual soul
Part of Brahman
Enters body at birth
Goal: reunite with Brahman
Samsara
Dead –> world of fathers
Return in reincarnation
Dharma
Moral duties and religious obligations determine karma
Moksha
Completion of the cycle
Asceticism (purification)
Caste system
Result of a frozen economic system
Four caste systems
Hinduism
No beginning
No single founder
So single sacred text
No organization of central activity
Uniqueness of Hinduism
No definite beginning No single founder No single sacred texts No organization or central authority Differing beliefs and practices : caste, gender, region
4 noble truths
Life is full of suffering and pain
People have selfish desires
Eliminate desires by following the
8 fold path
The dharma
8 fold path
Right view: know the 4 noble truths
Right intention: know what you truly want
Right speech: speak the truth and well of others
Right actions: no killing, stealing, drinking, drugs, be chaste.
Right livelihood: do what uplifts you
Right effort: work hard to achieve goals
Right mindfulness: mind>senses
Right concentration: meditate for new pov’s
Appeal of Buddhism:
Sought to escape the cycle of reincarnation
Jati
Ashoka’s support
Pain of violence
Mahayana Buddhism
Development of Buddhism: bodhisattvas: individuals who reached spiritual perfection
The spread of Mahayana Buddhism: faith
The epics
Mahabharata
Ramayana
Vishnu : God of the world
Bhagavad Gita: short poetic work
Focal points of Buddhists:
Monasteries, stupas
