PHILOSOPHY

BUDDHISM: ORGINS/FOUNDER

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince.
• Created in India.
• Incorporates much of Hinduism in it's practice.
• Created with an idea that desire is the cause of suffering.
• Major world religion.

PRINCIPLES

• Desire is the cause of suffering, and the way to end suffering is end desire.
• Teaches the principles of dharma, karma, reincarnation, and nirvana.
• Has no belief in any deities.
• Is not a religion more than a philosophy.
• The core is based on the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

DIFFUSION

• Spread to southeast and Eastern Asia.
• During the Maurya Empire under Ashoka where it became very prominent.
• A religion that actively seeks to convert others.
• Never widely accepted in India where very much of It was used in Islam.

CONFUCIANISM

FOUNDER AND ORGINS

PRINCIPLES

• An ethical code dealing with individuals, society and government.
• Primary goals are harmony, peace and happiness on Earth.
• Most important principles deal with five relationships.
• 1.parent-child 2.husband-wife 3.elder sibling-younger sibling
• 4.elder friend-younger friend 5.ruler-subject

DIFFUSION

• Spread by followers after Confucius died as they got government positions.
• Formed the basis of the civil service exam in China.
• Became the foundation of Chinese education.
• The teachings spread to Korea and Japan.

TAOISM

FOUNDER AND ORGINS

• Founded by Lao-Tse
• Grew from Chinese philosophies to become one basic teaching.
• Created in a way of reaction to the spread of Confucianism and Buddhism.
• One basic teaching.

PRINCIPLES

• Focuses on "They Way."
• The way is achieving balance and harmony in the universe during your life.
• Has a great emphasis on nature.
• The Yin/Yang symbol shows balance and harmony in the universe.
• Uses Three Jewels, compassion, moderation and humility.

DIFFUSION

• Spread primarily to the areas surrounding China.
• Has been used in other philosophies-most notably Buddhism and Shintoism.