(SEAT) Southern and Eastern Asia Today Culture Lesson

Southern and Eastern Asia Today Culture

Southern and Eastern Asia is a diverse region with a variety of religions. While the three religions discussed in previous modules are also practiced and influence the culture in Southern and Eastern Asia; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam were brought to the region rather than developed in it. In this unit, we will add the religions that were formed in the region and their impact on the culture of the region. The religions that are from the region include Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism.

Religion

You will find many different religions in Southern and Eastern Asia. Click on each title to learn more.

 

 

Effects of Asian Religions

How have the different Asian religions affected Asia’s culture and history? Read below to find out.

  • Hindus believe in reincarnation, which means that a person’s soul returns to another body following the death...the better your karma, or actions, in one life- the better the experience in the next life. As a result, you can imagine that true Hindus would be hesitant to act in a way that would harm their chances of having a better life in the future - this would definitely cut down on aggressive behavior. In fact, the most famous modern Hindu - Mohandas Gandhi - is known for helping to end British rule in India through NONVIOLENT CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE. Gandhi has raised a Hindu and his upbringing taught him to rely on peaceful actions - even when you are trying to oust a foreign government from your home. Gandhi’s example of image of Asian religion nonviolence and honesty inspired many people around the world, including Georgia’s Dr. Martin Luther King.
  • Buddhism has its roots in Hinduism and shares the importance of karma. After the Indian emperor Asoka sent missionaries into other Asian nations to spread Buddhism, the religion or philosophy took off - especially since it was easily mixed with other religions. Several of the nations where Buddhist numbers rose are currently run by Communist governments that do not recognize or encourage religion. Many of the people who are working to end this form of government in these countries are Buddhists. One of the most famous of these Buddhists is the Dalai Lama of Tibet -who has employed peaceful protests against the Chinese control of Tibet.
  • Since Shintoists see spiritual essence in everything, they tend to treat the world around them with respect. The respect for family, nature, civility, and cleanliness is part of the Shinto teachings and has influenced the Japanese culture where you will find much stress on the importance of family, nature, civility, and cleanliness. In fact, following the tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 and caused a meltdown at a nuclear power plant, the Japanese government decided to turn away from nuclear energy and focus more on green technology that won’t harm the environment in cases of natural disasters.
  • As Confucianism is more philosophy on how to live and govern than a religion that studies spirituality - it has had quite an impact on Chinese history. Confucius taught about the importance of respect, education, and etiquette. At one time, to be hired by the Chinese government, a person had to pass a test on Confucianism. Confucian principles helped the different Chinese dynasties govern and united the people of China. Of course, now, China is a Communist nation that does not encourage religion. But even so, Confucian teachings are found within current economic debates in Asia - especially in China and South Korea as they work to grow their economies.
  • Islam has its origins on the Arabian Peninsula and came about centuries after some of the other Asian religions that we have discussed. However, since it first traveled into southern and eastern Asia, it has become a major religion in the region. In fact, in some of the nations, we will discuss, it has become the dominant religion. And just as is the case in the Middle East, the differences between moderate and conservative Muslims have led to political problems for some nations in southern and eastern Asia.

Challenge

 Take Away

 

Southern and Eastern Asia have a diverse cultural background with numerous religious and philosophical ideas that influence the area. Its trade routes have allowed it to see the spread of Middle Eastern religions that continue to influence the region. These religious and philosophical beliefs influence both the culture and the governance of the region.

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