Religions of Asia Religions of Asia

Last Word
A All three religions believe in reincarnation. S Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that seeks to avoid the 5 evils. I India is the place of origin for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. A All deities within Hinduism are forms of Brahman.

Hinduism
Originated in India in 2000 BC

Important People to the Religion:

1. Shiva: destroyer god 2. Vishnu: Protector 3. Brahma: Creator

Polytheistic All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman

Hinduism
Beliefs: Stop the Wheel of Life (Samsara) Become 1 with universal spirit: Brahman (Moksha)
Reincarnation Dharma: role/duty in life Karma: deeds according to dharma

Hinduism
Hindu Caste System (can move up and down social scale based on actions from previous life) Use of Silent Prayer & Meditation

Hinduism
Religious Practices/Celebration:
1. Powdered paint marks the foreheads of believers 2. Worship in Temples 3. Offerings to Deity (gods)

What are the Sacred Texts?

* Four Vedas (truth) myths, rituals, chants Upanishads - metaphysical speculation * The Great Indian Epics: Ramayana Mahabharata (includes Bhagavad-Gita)

 Practiced by about 13% of the worlds population

Hinduism

India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka

Symbol:

 Originated in northern India around the 500s (BC) Founded by Siddhartha Gautama

Buddhism

Gautama gave up his wealth to find the cause of human suffering Shared his knowledge with others Called Buddha, meaning The Enlightened One

Buddhism
Beliefs: Answers arent found in worshipping gods, but in right thinking and selfdenial Reincarnation Nonviolence

Buddhism
Goal: reach Nirvana Everlasting peace; breaks cycle of reincarnation Follow the 8 Fold Path & Four Noble Truths Follow the Middle Way; avoid too much pleasure

Buddhism
Followers of Buddhism, and thus Buddha, were encouraged to build monasteries Were monks live and practice

Mandalas

Mandala circle represents the universe

Buddhism
Practiced by approximately 6% of the worlds population
Vietnam, Japan, Sri Lanka, S. Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China

Sikhism
Originated in Northern India during the 16th Century Important People to Religion:
Guru Nanak (founder) 9 other gurus (enlightened ones)

Sikhism
A monotheistic religion, whose main goal is to avoid the 5 evils
Ego Anger Greed Attachment Lust

Sikhism
Beliefs:
Faith in 1 God Salvation through meditation Salvation will break the cycle of reincarnation (karma) Elements of Hinduism & Islam Sacred Text: Guru Granth Sahib

Sikhism
Religious Practices/Celebrations:
Nam Simra: repetition of divine name Attend Gurdwara (temple) Must wear the 5Ks when Baptized

Sikhism
Practiced by .36% of the worlds population
Mainly in India

Symbol: