Creation of Zero and the Bhagavad Gita

The Creation of Zero

The number '0' was created by a group of mathematicians during the Gupta era. The placement of the number '0' affects the value of the number as a whole. For example, in the numbers 1230, 1203, and 1023; the zero in each one of these numbers effects it's value in the ones, tens, and hundreds place. Because of the creation of '0', mathematics in the present day are made much easier.

Bhagavad Gita

The teachings of Bhagavad, Confucius, Zarathrusta all had similarities and differences in regards to caste duties and attachment. A main difference would be how in Zoroastrianism, they were taught to enjoy all the world has to offer. While in the Bhagavad Gita, they were taught not to be attached to worldly pleasures and power. A main difference between these three teachings comes into play when talking about the a caste system; the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita says that people should act within their caste, but it does not teach that in either the teachings of Confucius and Zarathrusta.

Han Dynasty Changes

If I was the emperor of the Han dynasty, I would make a lot of changes to the government. The first  reform, I would make it that no government officials could have children. This would eliminate rival political families from rising within the royal court. The next reform would be to land ownership and inequality. I would break up large government and private estates, to redistribute the land to the poor.  I would then proceed to make my society more equal, meaning I would change it from a patriarchal society to a more equal society between men and women. A final reform would to make government work programs where workers would get paid.

China Pocket Map

Daoism?

Daoism is a philosophy that encourages simple living and discourages living by man made laws. (Notice how this sentence is very simple, just like how Dao would have liked it!)

Confucianism Questions #1-2

1)  Is this a religion? Why do you think so/think not?

A- I personally do not think that Confucianism is a religion. It is merely just a system that teaches philosophy and ethics. Even though I fell this way, Confucianism is still followed by people all over the world. The main reason I don't thinkConfucianism is a religion is because it lacks a main religious figure, such as a god or goddess. But I will say that Confucianism has many great ways in which a person can live a happy, joyous life. 

2)  Does this reading support the idea that people are born good/bad/neutral?  

A- I think this reading supports the idea that people are born neutral. People are born neutral at birth, and then choose their path of life wether it be good or bad. A line that supports this would be in Book 1, Chapter 6, lines 1-4, “If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his uttermost strength." These lines basically means that if a person is good in the mind, not only will he be happy, but so will his family. “When agreements are made according to what is right, what is spoken can be made good. When respect is shown according to what is proper, one keeps far from shame and disgrace" (Book 1, Chapter XIII, lines 1-4). These lines rephrased mean that a man or woman behaves properly, he or she will keep far from shame upon them and/or their families. And finally, the last example supporting that man is born neutral is "“1. The Master said, 'At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. 'At thirty, I stood firm. 'At forty, I had no doubts. 'At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven" (Book 2, Chapter IV, lines 1-4). These lines pretty much mean that as a human grows older, he or she gets wiser, just as the master did in these lines. This means that he or she will choose which path they want to be on as they grow older because they are wiser.

Persian Pocket Map

Hymn Meaning

Two main gods are named in the first hymn; Daeva and Ahura Mazda. Both of these gods represent both good and evil. Ahura Mazda had followers who were wise because they chose rightly. The followers of Ahura Mazda (representing truth/righteousness) enjoyed the best mental state. The followers of Daeva (or Devil worshipers) on the other hand didn't choose the right path because they were deceived and they experienced the worst mental situations. 

The second hymn basically lists a set of laws that everyone in society should follow. People who are faithful to Ahura Mazda will be accepted into heaven. People who suddenly realize the benefits of Mazda's code of laws will enjoy happiness for the rest of their lives, and those who sin shall suffer. So in simpler words, anyone who accepts and understands Ahura Mazda's commandments shall receive eternal bliss. People who are doers of evil shall suffer for eternity.

In the third hymn, it seems as if a man if praying to Ahura Mazda. The entire hymn somewhat expresses how someone would remain faithful to Ahura Mazda by driving evil spirits away. This hymn also gives grace to Ahura Mazda. The narrator says that he has been inspired by Ahura Mazda's teachings. In the last line of the hymn, the narrator asks that Ahura Mazda may manifest in everyone.

The fourth hymn is another prayer to Ahura Mazda. The narrator prays for peace/prosperity for him. He also asks for a blessing from the spirits of Deathless Weal (perfection) and Immortality. The rest of this hymn goes on to state the great things that will come to all followers of Ahura Mazda and the path of good. The narrator prays specifically that he may be courageous, good, and that he may be steadfast with purpose. In the last stanza, the narrator says "Zarathushtra dedicates the works of his life, even his very self", showing how much the narrator appreciates Zarathustra for his life's dedication to Ahura Mazda.