Unit 4 Behind beliefs

Welcome to the unit

Brainstorming What does “religion” refer to？

在虔诚的印度教徒眼中，蛇并非毒物，而是通人性的神

图腾崇拜 totem

300万穆斯林沙特阿拉伯西部小城麦加朝觐围绕在大清真寺的“天房”周围祈祷 Muslims are worshiping

佛祖的泪滴－斯里兰卡  印度圣地

西方三圣 观世音菩萨 藏经楼

Taoism 中国的道教

Discussion 1. Have you been to any famous religious sites in China? What are they? 2. Do you know any famous religious places around the world? 3. Have you read any literature related to religion? Please name some.

Many people in different parts of the world have different beliefs or religious. Now open the book, turn to Page 49 and look at the pictures.

Picture 1 1. What are they doing? They are celebrating Christmas. 2. When is it now? It’s Christmas Eve.

3. What do people eat on Christmas Day? People will prepare lots of chocolates, nuts and snacks. A roast turkey or goose is usually served for Christmas dinner.

Picture 2 Have you ever read this book? What do you know about it? a classic piece of Chinese literature a combination of myth, parable and comedy a trip to India for Buddhism

main characters include a Buddhist monk who is also know as the Priest of Tang and his three followers, Monkey King, Pigsy and Friar Sand.

How many obstacles do they meet during the journey? 81.

Why do you think they face these obstacles? to give the monk and his three followers an insight into their own characters and show that people must often struggle to succeed. to symbolize the difficulties and challenges that people meet in the course of doing what they believe in.

Picture 3 1. What is a mosque used for? A mosque is a place for Muslims to worship.

2. Do you know any famous mosques in China? The Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, Xinjiang. This mosque was built in 1442 and is the largest in China. The Great Mosque in Xi’an, Shanxi Province. It was built in the 18th century with a traditional Chinese architectural style.

Picture 4 Taoism is one of the major religions in China. It was founded by Lao-tzu in about the 6th century BC. The most important text of Taoism is Tao-te-Ching. In the 5th century AD, Taoism develop as a religious system.

Taoism believes in ‘wuwei’, which means that everything must follow its course and happen naturally. The yin yang of Taoism has greatly influenced Chinese philosophy.

Although there are so many beliefs or religions, do you think they have something in common? encourage people to do good have a power to call on people to devote themselves to that religion

help people live their lives in a positive way motivate people to be compassionate, kind and loving

Can you name any other religious around the world that you have heard of ? Hinduism 伊斯兰教 犹太教 印度教 佛教 Judaism Buddhism Islam

Do you know any famous religious places? The Mogao Grottoes Sri Lanka The White Horse Temple Hubei Province Luoyang, Henan The Vatican Dunhuang, Gansu Anuradhapura Mecca Saudi Arabia Italy Mount Wudang

Do you know any festivals that are associated with these different religions?

一般认为，泼水节源于印度，是婆罗门教的一种古老宗教仪式。后被佛教所吸收，距今大约七百年，经缅甸，随南传上座部佛教传入云南傣族地区。

Halloween万圣节的一个有趣内容是“Trick or treat”，这习俗却并非源自爱尔兰，而是始于公元九世纪的欧洲基督教会。另外还有南瓜雕空当灯笼的故事 。

Nirvana Day Buddha’s Day For Buddhists Bodhi Day Good Friday For Christians Easter Day All Saints’ Day Christmas Day Eid Muslims The festival of sacrifice Forgiveness Day

Homework 1. Search and discuss more knowledge about beliefs. 2. Preview the reading part.