Unit 9: Belief Systems

Ms. Burns Global Studies Grade 9

Do Now

What are some Belief systems you know? Do you

follow any belief systems? Why or why not?

Overview
This week we will be discussing Belief Systems! The Belief systems we will be
taking a look at include…

- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Christanity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Confucianism
- Dioism
Hinduism
In context: Hinduism is one of the world's oldest Belief Systems. With roughly 900
million followers in the world today. Hinduism is currently the third largest religion
in the world.

Holy Books: Hindus don’t follow a specific Holy book however they do have
multiple sacred writings which are called Vedas.

Fun Fact: In Hindu culture Cows are a sacred animal! In the Vedas cows are associated with
Aditi the mother of all the gods.
Hinduism (Important Gods)
- Triumvirate: This consists of the three gods responsible for creation, upkeep and
destruction. -
- Brahma: the creator god. Creator of the four vedas. One of the three gods in the
Triumvirate
- Vishnu: Known as the protector. The supreme being that creates, protects and
transformers the universe. One of the three gods in the Triumvirate
- Shiva: The destroyer, destroys the universe in order to recreate it. One of the
three gods in the Triumvirate
- Devi: She fights to restore Dharma.
- Krishna: God of compassion, tenderness and love.
- Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth and purity.
- Saraswati: Goddess of learning.
Hinduism (Caste System)
Caste system in India is based off the Hindus belief in Dharma and Karma.As a person is
reincarnated they move on this caste system. This movement is determined on whearted a person
has accumulated good Karma.

Dharma: Is the universal law. This law defines behavior and social order.

Karma: Affects people's actions in this and previous states of being.

Reincarnation: Rebirth, after one dies that reincarnate into something new.

- Brahmin: Consists of intellectual and spiritual leaders.(Highest level)

- Kshatriyas: Consists of the protectors and public servants of society.
- Vaisyas: Consists of skillful producers.
- Shudras: consists of unskilled laborers.(Lowest Level)
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Otherwise known as “The
Buddha”. The religion was formed nearly 2,500 years ago and is most prominent in
East and Southwest Asia.

Founder: the Buddha was a man of nobel birth and was sheltered form suffering. One he discovered
all the suffering in the world he left his lavish life to endure poverty. He later moved to promoting the
idea of the “Middle Way,” which means existing between two extremes.

Nirvana: Is the main state of being within Buddhism. It is the highest state of enlightenment and a
buddhist absolute goal. By achieving Nirvana one can end suffering and desire.
Buddhism
4 Noble truths
Definition: Explain human hurt and how to
overcome suffering.
- Dukkha: The truth of suffering
- Samudaya:The truth of the cause of
suffering
- Nirhodha: The truth of the end of suffering
- Magga: The truth of the path that frees us
from suffering
8 Fold Path
In order to end the suffering described in the 4
Noble Truths the Buddha advised following the 8
fold path.
- Samma ditthi: Right understanding
- Samma sankappa: Right thought
- Samma vaca: Right speech
- Samma kammanta: Right action
- Samma ajiva: Right livelihood
- Samma vayama: Right effort
- Samma sati: Right mindfulness
- Samma samadhi: Right concentration
Do Now

Do Now: What are some examples on how

religion has impacted society?
Groups
Questions

- How was (Focus religion) used to unify groups of

people?
- How has (Focus religion) impacted social order?
- How has (Focus religion) impacted gender roles?
Share Information

Compare key takeaways from your religion with

the opposite religion groups.
Questions to spark conversation:
- What did the Belief systems have in common?
- What was different?
Whole class discussion!

Hinduism Buddhism

Hinduism