Quiz - Buddhism, Daoism, Legalism
Was Buddha a god?
No he did not allow people to consider him a god or worship him or his image after death
During what period in China did Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism arise?
The Warring States period
What are the 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism
1. Ordinary life is full of suffering 2. This suffering is caused by our desire to satisfy ourselves 3. The way to end suffering is to end desire for selfish goals and to see others as extensions 4. The way to end desire is to follow the Middle Path
Name the key accomplishments of Indian culture
1. Vedas - religious chants and stories (written in Sanskrit) 2. Architecture - Pilar/Stupa and Rock chamber became main structures designed to spread Buddhism 3. Science - astronomy and mathematics - including the concepts of algebra and zero
What are the two main elements of the Dao of Confucianism?
1. duty - people should prioritize the needs of the family and community above their personal interests 2. humanity - have compassion and empath for others
What are the major beliefs of Daoism
1. live a life of simplicity and humility 2. Let nature govern itself 3. Don't argue about what is right and wrong - let nature take its course 4. don't seek to become wiser or smarter - knowledge destroys simplicity and complicates the world
What are the 5 constant relationships of Confucianism
1. parent-child 2. husband-wife 3. older-younger sibling 4. older-younger friend 5. ruler-subject
What is confucianism
A system of ideas - that became an important part of Chinese culture. The Confucian view of life is called the Dao (Way)
What was the scope of the decree of Ashoka?
All people in Ahoka's domain
What foreign religion was absorbed into China during the classical period?
Buddhism
What religion did Ashoka convert to?
Buddhism
Who was Ashoka's grandfather?
Candragupta Maurya
Who founded the Maurian Empire / the new Indian State and where was it
Candragupta Maurya founded this Empire in Northern India at Pataliputra - ruled from 324 BC to 301 BC
What does the Confucian concept of "filial piety" mean?
Children should respect and obey their parents
Who was Confucious
Chinese philosopher who wanted to restore order to society. Known as the "First Teacher" - western pronunciation of "Kongfuzi"
Which philosophy believed that a good society has a hierarchy both in family and in state?
Confucianism
What were the 2 main ideas of Confucianism?
Duty and humanity
Describe the Gupta Empire
Established in central Ganges valley by a local prince Candra Gupta through alliances. Son Samadra expanded Empire. Became the dominant political force in India. Guptas created the "Golden Age" of India and emerged as a classical civilization. Lived in luxury. `
What is legalism
Founded by Han Feizi - believes that a well-regulated government brought harmony
Who was Ashoka?
Grandson of Candragupta Maurya who is considered the greatest ruler in the the history of India. He converted to Buddhism which became the principles of his rule. Trade expanded - the country prospered and expanded under his rule.
Under what empire did India's "Golden Age" occur?
Gupta Empire - it was considered a classical civilization
What do you know about the Buddha
He was born rich in Nepal and dedicated his life to seeking the cure for human suffering and the true meaning of life. He used intense meditation to reach enlightenment - an understanding of the meaning of life. He spread his teaching which formed the basic principles of buddhism
Describe the first Indian Empire
Highly centralised, divided into provinces ruled by appointed appointed governers
What are the major beliefs of Legalism
Human beings are naturally evil and will never choose to be good. Even rulers cannot be trusted so there should be a higher authority than rulers. Strict rules and punishments are the way to ensure order in a society. The "FA" or the LAW is the higher authority
What is the Middle Path / Eightfold Path
It consists of 8 steps to end desire 1. Right View - understand the 4 Noble Truths 2. Right intention - decide what you really want 3. Right speech - speak the truth and well of others 4. Right action - dont kill, steal, lie, be unchaste or consume alcohol/drugs 5. Right livelihood - do work to uplift yourself 6. Right effort - work hard to follow the middle path 7. Right mindfulness - keep your mind in control of your senses 8. Right concentration - meditate to see the world in a new way
What system of thought provided inspiration for the harsh reunification of China under Shihuangdi and the Qin Dynasty?
Legalism
Who was the founder of the Han Dynasty
Liu Bang
Did Buddha believe in the caste system?
No - he believed ALL people could reach enlightenment based on how they lived their lives
Who was the Budha
Siddhartha Gautama
What is Daoism?
System based on the teachings and ideas of Laozi (Old Master) - rival to Confucianism. It describes the proper forms of human behavior.
Harmony with nature and the "universal order" are main ideas of what philosophy?
Taoism
Which Empire traded with China, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean region and encouraged domestic trade?
The Gupta Empire
What is nirvana
The ultimate reality - the end of self and a reunion with the Great World Soul
Under what principles did Ashoka rule?
non-violence, education, and improvements for all
What did Gupta rulers earn large profits from?
religious trade
What is reincarnation
the belief that people are reborn after death - what you do in life creates your karma which affects how you are reborn
Why did Legalists believe a strong leader was necessary?
to keep order