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Period: 2300 BCE to
Hinduism
The Aryan's brought Hinduism to India, which then merged with the traditional religions being practiced. It did not spread much farther outside the borders of modern day India. People that practice Hinduism see their religion as a way of liberating the soul from mistakes and disappointments. Hindus also believe in reincarnation, good karma, and the caste system. -
1500 BCE
Makar Sankranti (Hinduism)
First celebrated in 1500 BCE, it is an important holiday to Hindus. It is celebrated differently in different areas, but occurs when the sun goes into the zodiac sign of Makar (makes the days longer). Most celebrate by flying kites, and some make large bonfires, and throwing rice. Some also celebrate by washing cows, and offering boiled rice to the God of the Sun the God of the Rain. -
Period: 800 BCE to
Shinto
Shinto was founded in ancient Japan, and its founder is not known. There has been no significant push to convert others to this religion. Shinto is polytheistic, and animistic, seeing animals and natural objects as deities.They focus on loving family, tradition, love of nature, physical cleanliness and Matsuri (festivals where people give offerings to the gods). -
Period: 600 BCE to
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha. To understand the enlightenment he achieved, he created the four noble truths: life is filled with suffering and sorrow, the cause of all suffering is people's selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world, the way to end all suffering is to end all desires, and the way to overcome these desires is to attain enlightenment by following the path between desires and self denial. -
571 BCE
Laozi is born (Daoism)
Laozi was credited to be the first philosopher of Daoism. His existence is debated, as some think that he never existed. He believed that the government should not be involved in people's lives, and let the natural order of events to occur. He also loved nature, and believed that it could help you find peace. -
563 BCE
Siddhartha is born (Buddhism)
Siddhartha was born into a noble family that lived in the foothills of Nepal. From birth, he exhibited qualities of a great man. Siddhartha started his spiritual journey at 29, seeing four men next to each other. An old man, a sick man and a corpse, next to a religious man. This made him realize that he needed to find the truth, and find enlightenment. -
551 BCE
Confucius is born (Confucianism)
Confucius (founder of Confucianism) was born to a poor family in China, during the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty. This was a time in China of violence and destruction. This would shape is later teachings. -
Period: 550 BCE to
Daoism
Daoism was created by a man named Laozi. Daoism practiced these ideas: The natural order is more important than the social order, A universal force guides all things, and Human beings should live simply and in harmony with nature. Daoism also believed that there should be as little government control over the people as possible. I chose a book to represent Daoism, as Laozi authored a famous boy called "the Way of Virtue", which helped outline his beliefs. -
528 BCE
Siddhartha finds Enlightenment (Buddhism)
Around this day, Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, after 49 days of continuous meditation under a fig tree. From here, he became a teacher of Buddhism, and would soon start preaching. -
527 BCE
Diwali Celebration (Hinduism)
Also known as the Festival of Lights. It lasts for five days, and is celebrated during October and November. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. People dress up in nice clothing and decorate homes and offices in art and lamps. -
520 BCE
Confucius begins his teaching (Confucianism)
This was the start of Confucianism, when he started to teach the foundations of confucianism. These were based on respect, kindness and fairness. -
Period: 500 BCE to
Confucianism
Founded by a teacher named Confucius. The main beliefs of Confucianism stem from the need for peace and unity. They are: practice social order, harmony and good government being practiced based on family relationships. Respect for parents and elders is the basis for a well functioning society. Finally, education is important for the welfare of every society. -
400 BCE
The Way of Virtue is written (Daoism)
This book outlined Laozi's ideas and beliefs. This book outlines the pirinciples of Daoism. -
280 BCE
Han Feizi is born (Legalism)
He was credited with developing Legalism in China. He was also a prince of the state of Han. Believed in strict punishments and powerful government. -
Period: 233 BCE to
Legalism
Legalism was founded by Han Feizi (ancient Chinese Philosopher), and first practiced by a group of political thinkers. Legalism spread in the Qin dynasty, of Ancient China. They practiced: A highly efficient and powerful government is the key to social order, punishments are useful to maintain order, and that thinkers and their ideas should be strictly controlled by the government. I chose a police officer to represent Legalism, as it was founded on strict rules and punishment. -
213 BCE
Legalism is official in China (Legalism)
Qin Dynasty elevates Legalism as official state philosophy and bans all other forms. -
4 BCE
Ise Grand Shrine founded (Shintoism)
The Ise Grand Shrine is founded in honor of the Shinto goddess Amaterasu. She is the sun goddess, and the most important god among the Shinto religion. -
712
Kojiki Written (Shintoism)
This is a collection of myths passed down orally through generations. These myths form the base for the Shinto religion. It was primarily commissioned to establish a clear line of descent from the ruling emperors. As the imperial court wanted to establish historical connection with the gods to be the legitimate rulers.