Confucianism
Confucianism is a very widely practiced belief system that has over 6.5 millions followers. It is often argued whether Confucianism is an actual religion or a philosophy because there is no Confucian deity and also it is taught that people cannot understand the possibility of an afterlife, so they should instead focus on doing good in this life. Confucius, who is the founder of Confucianism, was born in 551 B.C. during a time of crisis and violence. His main goal was to try to restore the order of earlier times back into his society. Although he tried, he never was able to his ideas into law due to his low standings in politics. However, he was able to teach to his disciples and traveled around China teaching to other students. Although Confucius did not write anything by himself his teachings live on through his students writings. The main books that make the foundation of Confucianism consist of the Five Classics and the Four Books (To learn more about these collection of books click here). One of the most famous books about Confucianism is the Analects. One main belief in Confucianism is that social order, harmony, and a good government should be based on strong family relationships. Another is the fulfillment of filial piety, which is the respect children owe to their parents. One religious practice in Confucianism is the performance of certain rituals when a parent dies. Confucius taught balance and harmony, so therefore Yin and Yang have become very associated with Confucianism. Also the Chinese character for water is popular in Confucianism because water is one of the five elements in Chinese philosophy. Confucius also made note of five major relationships between humans (To view and in depth page of these relationships click here).
Confucianism Symbols
Sikhism
History
The Sikh tradition was founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century C.E. in the Punjab region of what are today India and Pakistan. According to Sikh beliefs, the same revelatory spirit inhabited Guru Nanak and his nine successors. Today, this spirit can be found in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, the foundational scripture of the Sikh tradition. The Guru Granth Sahib's hymns describe and praise God, and provide moral guidance for all Sikhs. Symbol
A vertical double edged sword with a broad blade, also called a Khanda. Two curved swords, called kirpans. They are called miri and piri, after the names given to his personal kirpans by Guru Hargobind. A ring called a chakker. It is a very effective weapon, with a range of up to 50 meters. |
Beliefs
Sikhs reject ideas of divine incarnations, and hold that liberation results from being absorbed into God. Sikhs also reject the social doctrine of caste, and adhere to practices of equality in worship and life. The centers of Sikh worship are known as gurdwaras and langar. All Sikhs must enter a gurdwara with bare feet and a covered head. A Sikh worship service includes prayer and singing hymns from scripture. The service is concluded by the distribution of karah prasad, a sacramental food made of flour, butter, and raw sugar that is shared by all to demonstrate equality and the rejection of caste. Sikhs attempt to live balanced lives of worship, work, and charity centered on community. Besides gurdwara worship, festivals are also important community activities. Salvation
The sikhs believe that the only way to reach eternal paradise is to live a honest life, and meditate on god. They must not lie, and be true to everyone including them selves. This is the only way or a sikh to gain salvation, they also do not believe in reincarnation, so they have only one chance to make things work. Religious Practices
The sikhs practice meditation, go to temples, pray, and do 5k's. This is all apart of their religious practices, and help them attain eternal paradise. They think everyone is equal, so there is no judging on how fast you do the 5k, as long as you attempt it you are seen as doing well in the eyes of god. |