The+Classical+Period+-+Direction,+Diversity,+and+Decline+by+500+AD

Religious Spread : Buddhism and Christianity

Buddhism- MI: Buddhism was altered significantly as it traveled beyond India's borders, becoming only a minority religion in India. It's chief agents of expansion were free-roaming monks. (buddhism had a tendency to divide the faithful between those who had abandoned earthly life in puruit of spiritual wholeness, and those who still continued to work while trying to meet spiritual requirements)
 * Some centuries after Buddha's death, a doctrine of "Bodhisattva" developed, which meant that some people were believed to attain nirvana through meditation, while choosing to remain in the world as "Saints" who could guide people by example.Because of this, Buddhism shifted from it's focus on ethics to a more emotional religion, stressing salvation for all (which made it highly popular.
 * Buddhism evolved further as the religion spread to China after the fall of the Han dynasty, when the idea of a celestial afterlife became increasingly popular, at which time many monasteries(which still function today) were established in the Himalayas to serve as spiritual centers.
 * While Confucianist scholars in china dislike Buddhism's strong focus on spirituality (which would distract from proper political interests and family obligations, as well as loyalty to the Emperor. Daoism however, recieved Buddhist spread well, and emphasized the practical applications of religion, through Magic.

Christianity: MI- Christianity moved westward from it's origin in the middle east. Although it was lesser than Buddhist spread at the time, Christianity would ultimately prove to be one of the largest religions worldwide, which would play a major role in two post-classical civilizations. 5 Pillars of Islam: (Info taken from [] ) MI: 5 codes which every adult muslim must live by/practice in their daily life. > It is believed a muslim should face towards the Holy Land when praying. > The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God. > The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment. > The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the 'Id al Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramada-n, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar. >
 * Christianity began in reaction to the rigid structure of the Jewish priesthood. During the time before Jesus was born,many reform movements sprang up, which ,while emphasizing salvation for all and the power of Saints, began preaching of a Messiah who wouldbring judgement on humankind.When Jesus died, and did not immediately resurrect,his followers began to fan out and begin converting many people in the roman empire.
 * Christianity's message of acceptance and belief in good spread at an opportune time, as greek and roman religion was rather harsh to the poor.The christian emphasis of spiritual equality and simple lifestyle also spread easily due to the expanse of the Roman empire.
 * The level of organization of the christian church and holy texts was borrowed from the governmental organization of the Roman empire.Rome's emperor Constantine first popularized christianity, which allowed it to spread even more easily, though it did offset many years of persecution and regulation of religious ceremonies.
 * Christianity's strength appealed to political leaders, though it's emphasis of spirituality over the state was different form many previous mediterranean religions. This proved a uniting force among many lower social groups, and challenged many classical institutions, such as slavery(which would later be accepted by christianity ( US Civil War, for example).
 * Iman(Faith)-"There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad.
 * Salah(Prayer)- obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are believed to be a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation. Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one's own language and at any time. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities.
 * Zakah(Financial Obligation)- An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools. An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as "sadaqa-h", and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
 * Sawm(Fasting)-Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier. Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)
 * Hajj(Pilgrimage)- The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.