Al-Mahdi-third Abbasid caliph to reign in Abbasid nation
Harun Al-Rashid-most famous caliph, only cam to the throne because Al-Mahdi/poisoned
Buyids-dynasty that came from Persia empire
Seljuk Turks-nomadic invaders from Persia
Ottoman Empire-great empire stretching from Greece to other eastern countries
Crusades-eight European campaigns to Israel to take the Holy land
Saladin-Muslim leader/conquered most of crusader's outposts
Muqaddimah-Islam book written by Ibn Khaldun
Fustian-City where this specific type of cloth was made
Taffeta-Muslim city/European people got fabric of high quality from them
Muslin-Textiles sent to Europe
Damask-Rugs were made for the crusades/and high ranking government officials=Europe
Shah-Nama-book that has history of Persia from beginnings until Islamic conquests
Al-Ghazali-first theologian to say that the Greek and Qu'ran should fuse traditions
Ulama-orthodox religious scholar/suspicious of Islam traditions
Sufis-wandering mystics/wanting personal unification's with Allah=God
Mongols-nomadic people in Mongolia
Genghis Khan-war leader who brought the tribes of Mongolia under one banner
Hulega-grandson to Genghis and sacked the rich centers of Islam cities
Mamluks-Turkish slaves defeated Mongol campaign
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
pgs 138-145 (part of other chapter)
Baghdad-Abbasid new capitol
wazir-chief administrator of Islamic empire
dhows-sailing vessels with triangular sails
ayan-very wealthy landlords in the Abbasid region
wazir-chief administrator of Islamic empire
dhows-sailing vessels with triangular sails
ayan-very wealthy landlords in the Abbasid region
Thursday, November 19, 2009
pg 121-138
Islam-religion/surrender of one self to god=Allah
Muslims-followers of Muhammad
Qur'ran-holy book containing revelations from Allah to Muhammad
Bedouin-a nomadic culture
shaykhs-Arabian leaders of tribes and clans
Mecca-city located in the mountainous region along the red sea
Umayyad-Arabian clan
Quraysh-Bedouin tribe
Ka'ba-revered religious shrine in pre-Islamic Arabia
Medina-city of the prophet Muhammad
Khadijah-widow of wealthy merchant
Ali-he took Muhammad's place
Umma-a community of the faithful to Islam
Zakat-tax for charity
hajj-pilgramage to holy city of Mecca
Ridda wars-fighting among prophets and large clans
jihads-holy wars
Damascus-community center for Umayyads
mawali-Muslim converts
dhimmi-people who shared the bible with the Muslims
Battle on the River Zab-battle near tigris river
Muslims-followers of Muhammad
Qur'ran-holy book containing revelations from Allah to Muhammad
Bedouin-a nomadic culture
shaykhs-Arabian leaders of tribes and clans
Mecca-city located in the mountainous region along the red sea
Umayyad-Arabian clan
Quraysh-Bedouin tribe
Ka'ba-revered religious shrine in pre-Islamic Arabia
Medina-city of the prophet Muhammad
Khadijah-widow of wealthy merchant
Ali-he took Muhammad's place
Umma-a community of the faithful to Islam
Zakat-tax for charity
hajj-pilgramage to holy city of Mecca
Ridda wars-fighting among prophets and large clans
jihads-holy wars
Damascus-community center for Umayyads
mawali-Muslim converts
dhimmi-people who shared the bible with the Muslims
Battle on the River Zab-battle near tigris river
Monday, November 16, 2009
Buddhism and Christianity
Buddhism/Christianity
I will tell you how Buddhism and Christianity differ in their Political and social impacts that they had. But also I will say how they compare and how they are similar to each other in certain areas. The core understanding of the human condition will also be one of my main topics of interest and I will show you Buddhism and Christianity and how they differ and compare to each other in each of the topics.
Buddhism had a large political and social impact on the population, it was good for the lower class of China or Japan whichever region it was in because it was tolerant of all religion and if the peasant's believed n Taoism which was the superior religion at the time in China then Buddhism could co inside with it and not have it's beliefs do any harm to what most of China already believed. Women also loved the religion of Buddhism because the Buddhist beliefs said that men were to honor their wife. But the upper class men twisted what it said and made so that women were supposed to do whatever their husband told them to do. It appealed to women and the poor so it turned many of the population against the Taoist beliefs of china
Both Christan's and Buddhist followers felt that their spiritual life would be better than that of the Earthly life that is why the poor loved both of these religion because it meant that they could have something to look forward t not just killing themselves working on a farm for their whole life then dying and nobody caring about what happened to them.
The Christian political and social impact was much different that the Buddhist impact. Once people became a Christian they believed that every single person that they came in contact with must be a Christian or they would shun them from civilization, or at least theirs.Mostly the reason that the Mediterranean loved it and the Eastern countries did not was because Christians believed that their was a hell and that you had to be Christian or you would die and end up in hell. Buddhist beliefs however believed that when you died we all went to the same place their was no hell, it was all good for everyone.
Buddhist core understanding was that you were to lead a moral life no matter what was thrown at you. You were to take responsibility for your action and to not blame someone else for something that you did. The Buddhist beliefs were that you were to abandon earthly life(not physically just in mental state) and to look to spiritual dedication. There were also four different types of Buddha each with a different way to teach the Buddhist ways, they were Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, and Zen. The Mahayana worshiped with the simple beliefs of Buddha, they still believed that he was a divine savior for them.
Both Christianity and Buddhism believed that there was a life after death and that depending on what you believed it could turn out good for you when you died or it could turn out bad. Because Buddhism believed that their was a life after death but with no consequences more Eastern people believed that and not Christianity which said if you don't believe you shall go to hell. Many thought that that was unruly and not believable.
The Christian's core understanding of the human condition differed greatly with the Buddhists core understanding of the human condition. Christians believed that there had to be Church structure and order within the church. They also did not tolerate when someone said they are a Christian then believed another religion as well, that was a frowned upon by the church and it's followers. The church believes that if you believe in their one god then you will go to heaven when you die and you will be there forever.
I will tell you how Buddhism and Christianity differ in their Political and social impacts that they had. But also I will say how they compare and how they are similar to each other in certain areas. The core understanding of the human condition will also be one of my main topics of interest and I will show you Buddhism and Christianity and how they differ and compare to each other in each of the topics.
Buddhism had a large political and social impact on the population, it was good for the lower class of China or Japan whichever region it was in because it was tolerant of all religion and if the peasant's believed n Taoism which was the superior religion at the time in China then Buddhism could co inside with it and not have it's beliefs do any harm to what most of China already believed. Women also loved the religion of Buddhism because the Buddhist beliefs said that men were to honor their wife. But the upper class men twisted what it said and made so that women were supposed to do whatever their husband told them to do. It appealed to women and the poor so it turned many of the population against the Taoist beliefs of china
Both Christan's and Buddhist followers felt that their spiritual life would be better than that of the Earthly life that is why the poor loved both of these religion because it meant that they could have something to look forward t not just killing themselves working on a farm for their whole life then dying and nobody caring about what happened to them.
The Christian political and social impact was much different that the Buddhist impact. Once people became a Christian they believed that every single person that they came in contact with must be a Christian or they would shun them from civilization, or at least theirs.Mostly the reason that the Mediterranean loved it and the Eastern countries did not was because Christians believed that their was a hell and that you had to be Christian or you would die and end up in hell. Buddhist beliefs however believed that when you died we all went to the same place their was no hell, it was all good for everyone.
Buddhist core understanding was that you were to lead a moral life no matter what was thrown at you. You were to take responsibility for your action and to not blame someone else for something that you did. The Buddhist beliefs were that you were to abandon earthly life(not physically just in mental state) and to look to spiritual dedication. There were also four different types of Buddha each with a different way to teach the Buddhist ways, they were Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, and Zen. The Mahayana worshiped with the simple beliefs of Buddha, they still believed that he was a divine savior for them.
Both Christianity and Buddhism believed that there was a life after death and that depending on what you believed it could turn out good for you when you died or it could turn out bad. Because Buddhism believed that their was a life after death but with no consequences more Eastern people believed that and not Christianity which said if you don't believe you shall go to hell. Many thought that that was unruly and not believable.
The Christian's core understanding of the human condition differed greatly with the Buddhists core understanding of the human condition. Christians believed that there had to be Church structure and order within the church. They also did not tolerate when someone said they are a Christian then believed another religion as well, that was a frowned upon by the church and it's followers. The church believes that if you believe in their one god then you will go to heaven when you die and you will be there forever.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
religons
• What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
• Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
• How Can Buddhism Help Me?
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
• Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.
• Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?
One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.
• Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
• Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.
• Is Buddhism Scientific?
Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.
• What did the Buddha Teach?
The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• What is the First Noble Truth?
The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.
• What is the Second Noble Truth?
The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.
• What is the Third Noble Truth?
The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.
• What is the Fourth Noble Truth?
The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.
• What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?
In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.
• What are the 5 Precepts?
The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.
• What is Karma?
Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.
• What is Wisdom?
Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.
• What is Compassion?
Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.
• How do I Become a Buddhist?
Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
Christianity was founded in the early 1st century AD, with the teaching, miracles, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Today it is the largest religion in the world, with around 2 billion followers. Especially dominant in the western world, today's Christianity has a wide variety of forms, beliefs and practices but all center around faith in Jesus Christ.
Hinduism is an ancient religion with no founder or known date of origin. The term "Hinduism" simply derives from the word "India" and refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years. Most Hindus worship one or more deities, believe in reincarnation, value the practice of meditation, and observe festive holidays like Diwali and Holi. Learn more about Hinduism by selecting a topic below.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions still existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering, persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture. Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief.
Primary sources reveal a lot of information about a certain religion, they sometimes change the way that we my approach a religion, by the stuff that they publish or how they publish it. This way may be offensive to some one of that religion, but they may also have a positive bounce to there opinion of that religion.
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
• Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
• How Can Buddhism Help Me?
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
• Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.
• Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?
One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.
• Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
• Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.
• Is Buddhism Scientific?
Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.
• What did the Buddha Teach?
The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• What is the First Noble Truth?
The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.
• What is the Second Noble Truth?
The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.
• What is the Third Noble Truth?
The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.
• What is the Fourth Noble Truth?
The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.
• What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?
In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.
• What are the 5 Precepts?
The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.
• What is Karma?
Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.
• What is Wisdom?
Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.
• What is Compassion?
Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.
• How do I Become a Buddhist?
Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
Christianity was founded in the early 1st century AD, with the teaching, miracles, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Today it is the largest religion in the world, with around 2 billion followers. Especially dominant in the western world, today's Christianity has a wide variety of forms, beliefs and practices but all center around faith in Jesus Christ.
Hinduism is an ancient religion with no founder or known date of origin. The term "Hinduism" simply derives from the word "India" and refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years. Most Hindus worship one or more deities, believe in reincarnation, value the practice of meditation, and observe festive holidays like Diwali and Holi. Learn more about Hinduism by selecting a topic below.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions still existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering, persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture. Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief.
Primary sources reveal a lot of information about a certain religion, they sometimes change the way that we my approach a religion, by the stuff that they publish or how they publish it. This way may be offensive to some one of that religion, but they may also have a positive bounce to there opinion of that religion.
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