My first year notes
Here I will leave my notes taken during the first course, I will gradually upload the grades of the subjects, as I write them. They are only summaries, not a substitute for the teacher's lessons.
Last Updated
07/29/23
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HOM-101 WEEK IX
Chapter 19
Throughout history, magic has been regarded as the power of the gods, and magical beings have been viewed as leaders and authority figures. Some magicians considered themselves gods and goddesses, but they lacked knowledge and deep study of magic. Many cultures respected magical beings as priests, shamans, or rulers. For example, the Olmec people had shamans and rulers as their most respected elites.
Over time, Muggles came to fear and condemn magic, wishing they had that power themselves. The rise of religions such as Judaism and Christianity changed the relationship between Muggles and wizards. Although these religions had a great impact, there are other non-magical beliefs that also affected the magical world.
GREEK RATIONALISM
The rationalist worldview focused on logical observation and discarded what could not be explained logically. Democritus, a Greek philosopher, influenced this skeptical mindset and the development of modern science. However, this biased view led to considering practitioners of magic as deceivers or blasphemers, which threatened magical communities in the 17th century.
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism, taught by Confucius in China in the 5th and 6th centuries BC. C., is more of a way of life or set of traditional values. Many followers did not condemn magic and considered it a path to enlightenment, aligning it with the ritual norms of Confucianism. However, it has been criticized for its focus on harmony and tradition, seen by some as social stagnation and suppression of magic in women. The five ethical constants of Confucianism include benevolence, reciprocity, virtue, the desire for knowledge, and integrity.
BUDDHISM
Buddhism originated in India in the 4th and 6th centuries BCE. C. and spread throughout much of Asia, although it experienced a decline in the Middle Ages. This religion focuses on the Four Core Truths and Dukkha, which refers to the unsatisfying nature of worldly pleasures. The first truth, Dukkha, is closely linked with the second, Samsara, which speaks of the continuous cycle of rebirth. Attachment to worldly things affects Karma, the third truth, and the cycle of rebirth. However, reaching Nirvana, the state of pure happiness and contentment, can break this cycle. In the past, there have been stories of non-magical people reaching Nirvana and developing magical abilities, but these feats have not been well documented in more recent times.
HINDUISM
Hinduism is a religion made up of four main denominations, each with its own supreme god. Vaishnavism and Shaivism are monotheistic sects that believe in Vishnu and Shiva as the supreme gods, respectively. Meanwhile, Shaktism and Smartism are polytheistic sects that worship various forms of gods and goddesses. Hinduism focuses on four goals for human life known as the Purusarthas: Dharma (religious and virtuous duties), Artha (economic prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).
Hinduism is a ritualistic religion, and many spells were chanted and turned into mantras. Hindu witches and wizards are known to be skilled in casting spells, curses, and protective incantations. Mandalas are also used to focus the mind for spell casting. If you get the chance, it is suggested to immerse yourself in the Hindu culture by visiting a temple in India.