Bhagavad Gita
- Humans are born neutral and have to prove their goodness. Kshatriya for example were granted honor and life in heaven if they were to fight and die in battle; if they chose to cower, the Kshatriya would be belittled and lead a life of infamy.
- Those who focused and indulged in worldly pleasures would be unable to reach an afterlife in heaven.
- There is no fear of death; existence on earth is not given such a high value because once one dies, he or she is birthed again.
Zarathustra
- Zarathustra developed a religion that focused on Ahura Mazada (good) against Angra Mainu (evil). After they lived their life on earth, they would be judged on whether they are sent to a paradise or hellish realm.
- People should enjoy the worldly pleasures that are available in moderation because the worldly life is a gift from Ahura Mazda.
- Humans are responsible for whether they are good or evil as indicated by the hymn from the Gathas on page 176 in the textbook.
Confucius
- Humans are born with ren; they are all capable of doing good.
- Confucius did not address religion because he believed human intelligence was too limited to understand it.
