Introduction
A new civilisation began to develop in northernIndia, with the revival of trade and urbanizationduring the sixth century BC (BCE). In this period of major political and socialchanges in north India, Buddha and Mahavirawere born. In the century following theirdeath, Buddhism and Jainism took root as major religions in India. This meant that new religious orders were coming up with many followers, propagating new beliefs and .philosophies Similarly Zoroastrianism in Persia and Confucianism and Taoism in China became popular during this period.
Religion in the SixthCentury BC (BCE)
The new civilisations that emerged in the new Iron Age had certain common features. They were characterised by the proliferation of new crafts, growth of long-distance ,trade building of cities and towns, rise of universalisticreligions and evolution of a code of conduct. Sixth century BC (BCE) was, ,therefore a period of exceptional development inall spheres of life such as material, cultural andintellectual. About this time, we find that a number of prominent men, great thinkers and founders of new religions lived, making it a period of great historical importance. Philosophical and religious thinkers such as Confucius in China, Zoroaster in Iran and Mahavira and Buddha in India gained popularityin sixth century BC (BCE).
Confucianism and Taoism
In the sixth century BC (BCE), two great
thinkers were born in China: Confucius
and Lao-Tse. They laid down the systems of
morals and social behaviour for individuals
and communities. But after their death,
temples were built in their memory and the
philosophy they taught was developed into a religion. Known as Confucianism and Taoism respectively, their books were held in great reverence in China. Confucianism exerted a big influence on not only the political class of China but also on the common people.
Confucius
(551–478 BC (BCE))
Confucius was born in the Shantung province of China in 551 BC (BCE). He studied history, poetry, philosophy and music. He is the author of five important works: (1) The Book of Records, which is chiefly ethical, providing guidelines
for the regulation of human society; (2)
The Book of Odes, illustrating the sound
principles of morality in songs; (3) The Book
of Changes dealing with metaphysics; (4) The Spring and Autumn Annals, a code of
political morality; and (5) The Book of History narrating the events and
legends of the early religions of China
Five Cardinal Principles of Confucius’ Ethics
1. Humaneness
2. Righteousness
3. Propriety
4. Wisdom
5. Trustworthiness
Confucius said that wisdom grows from the
family, and that the foundation of society
is the disciplined individual in an orderly
family. The superior man, according to him,
is not merely intelligent or scholarly, but his
character should be exemplary. Thesuperior
man of Confucius possesses three virtues:
intelligence, courage and goodwill. Though
Confucius insisted on children obeying
parents and wife her husband, he also clearly proposed that “when the command is wrong a son should resist his father and a minister
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest of the
revealed world religions. It remained as the state religion of three great Iranian empires, which flourished from the 6th century BC (BCE) and dominated much of the Middle East. Zoroaster of Persia is the founder of Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster was pained to find his people worshipping primitive deities. He revolted against it and proclaimed to the world that there is one god, Ahura Mazda (the Lord of Light).
The holy book of Zoroastrians is Zend
Avesta. It is a collection of sacred literature of different epochs, containing religious hymns, invocations, prayers, confessions, laws, myths and sacred reminiscences. The doctrines and rituals of the Zoroastrians have much similarity to those of the Vedas.
Teachings Zoroaster taught that the great object of religion, state or society is the cultivation of morality. The highest religious conception is purity of thought, word and deed. He asserted that Ahura Mazda has seven qualities:
(1) light;
(2) good mind;
(3) right;
(4) dominion;
(5) piety;
(6) well-being;
(7) immortality.
Ahura Mazda is omniscient (knowseverything), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (is everywhere). In Zoroastrianism, sacrifice and image worship were discarded. Fire was
worshipped as a symbol of the deity and
considered the highest form of worship. Charity was made an essential part of religion, and service to the poor was particularly emphasised.
0 கருத்துகள்