Buddhism Followers called: Buddhists # Followers: 376 Million 8 spoke wheel (The Wheel of the Law) Percentage of the world s population: 5.89% Where it s found: Mongolia, Southeast Asia, China and Japan Where it started: Northern India Founder: Siddhartha Gautama One Awakened Budddha was seeking an end to human suffering Observance Days: Hana Matsuri (Buddha s birth), Saga dawa (Buddha s first sermon), Summer retreat (prayer and study), and Anniversary of the arrival of Sanghamitta Deity: There is no deity, Buddha s relics are honored. Sacred Writings:Tripitaka or Pali Canon (Buddha s teachings), Sutras (Buddha s teachings in Sanskrit) Key Beliefs: Buddha was enlightened and his teachings must be followed. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, karma, and the 4 Noble Truths: 1. Suffering and sorrow are a part of life 2. The cause of suffering is self-centered desires 3. The way to escape suffering is to overcome desires and reach the state of not wanting 4. People can reach Nirvana (enlightenment)by following the 8 Fold Path Goal: Break the cycle of rebirth, and reach Nirvana (enlightenment) Holy Sites: Lumbini (Buddha s birthplace), Bodhgaya (Buddha s enlightenment), Sarnath (first teaching), Kushinagar (Buddha s death) Practices & Rituals: Follow the Middle Path live a morally correct and compassionate life. Follow the 8 Fold Path right knowledge, purpose, speech, action, living, effort, mindfulness, and meditation. Participate in ceremonial giving and ritual chanting. Belief in karma. Worship Service: At home or at the temple. Not considered important to worship with others. Monks dedicate body and soul to God. Shrines include the 5 elements fire, water, air, earth, and wisdom (many times they are pagodas). Divisions: Theravada (southern), Mahayana (northern including Zen) Things to Know: The Dalai Lama is the head of the Tibetan Buddhists. Buddha sitting and Buddha lying down have different meanings.
Christianity Followers called: Christians cross # Followers: 2.01 Billion (largest religion) Percentage of the world s population: 33.03% Where it s found: Latin America, Europe, Russia, Australia, and North America Where it started: Israel Founder: St. Paul / St. Peter, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ Observance Days: Lent (days leading to Easter), Easter (Christ s Resurrection), Advent (days leading to Christmas), and Christmas (Christ s birth) Deity: Monotheism- Yahweh (God). Trinity God in 3 parts God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit Sacred Writings: Bible in two parts Old and New Testament Key Beliefs: Covenant (agreement) between God and Abraham (the founder of Judaism). There is only one God. Jesus was human and divine. 10 Commandments, Resurrection, and Heaven and Hell Goal: Salvation (eternal life with God) Holy Sites: Jerusalem (Jesus Resurrection and Burial), Bethlehem (Jesus birthplace), Hebron (Tomb of the Patriarchs), Nazareth (Jesus boyhood home and teachings) Practices & Rituals: 2 Sacraments Baptism (water to introduce believer into the Christian Community), Communion (Last Supper bread and wine). Some sects have 7 sacraments, which include, tithing, evangelism, prayer, and repentance Worship Service: Christians usually worship on Sunday, building is called a church. Leaders are ordained (trained) Divisions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Things to Know: World s largest religion. The Crusades were a series of wars to win Palestine back from Muslims during the 11 th century**.
Hinduism Followers called: Hindus Aum or Om # Followers worldwide: 900 Million Percentage: 13.34% Where it s found: India Where it started: India Founder: Indo-European group: Aryans brought Vedism Observance Days: There are festivals for each month Deity: henotheistic one deity with many forms. Main forms Brahman (creator), Vishnu / Krishna (Preserver), Siva (Destroyer), Shakti (Creative force) Sacred Writings: The Vedas; The Smriti contains the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which contains the Bhagavad Gita; The Brahmanas, and the Law of Manu (foundation for the caste system) Key Beliefs: Brahman is the soul of the whole universe, and is present in everything. Brahman shows itself through millions of different gods and goddesses. Hindus believe in Samsara (reincarnation) the atman (soul) is born again after death. Good karma (good actions) and dharma (living the right way) will progress the atman up the steps. Bad karma and dharma will cause the atman to go down. Goal: When completely pure, the atman will leave Samsara and join the Collective Soul. Holy Sites: Thiruvannamalai (Temple of Lord Shiva), Mangadu (Temple for the Godess Shakti), and Ganges River (Mother Ganga followers bathe here for spiritual healing) Practices & Rituals: Hindus practice meditation in the form of yoga, daily devotionals, public rituals, and puja (prayer). Everyone has a jati (job). The caste system was abolished in 1949, but is a part of Hinduism 4 castes people from different social classes (castes) were prohibited from mixing with other castes. The 4 castes are: Brahmins (priests and academics), kshatriyas (rulers, military), Vaishyas (farmers, landlords, and merchants), Sudras (peasants, servants, and workers in non-polluting jobs). The Dalit / Harajan children of God were called Untouchables because they had polluting jobs, and were not considered an actual caste. Worship Service: Temple and at home. Rituals are directed by a learned priest or teacher Divisions: Vaishnavaism 80% see Vishnu as the ultimate deity and Shivaism who see Shiva as the ultimate deity Things to Know: Hinduism is the most ancient religion. Hindus believe that The truth is One, but different sages call it by different names
Islam Followers called: Muslims Crescent moon and star # Followers: 1.3 billion Percentage of the world s population: 20.12% and growing Where it is found: Middle East, Central Asia, Indonesia Where it started: Present day Mecca, Saudi Arabia Founder: Muhammad Observance Days: Al Hijra (New Year), Mawlid al-nabi (Prophet s birthday), Ramadan (month-long fasting and rededication), Id al-fitr (end of Ramadan), and Id al-adha (Festival of Sacrifice) Deity: Monotheism- Allah (God) Sacred Writings: The Koran / Qur an was revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. Islam s sacred language is Arabic. This book explains what is Hallal (allowed acts) and Haram (forbidden acts). Key Beliefs: 5 Pillars of Islam. There is only one God, Muhammad is the last prophet. Due to God s covenant (agreement) with Abraham, Arab Muslims see themselves as God s Chosen People (Abraham s descendants from his first son, Ishmael). Life after death, heaven and hell. Goal: Salvation and eternal life Holy Sites: Mecca (site of the Kabba), Medina (where Muhammad converted many), Jerusalem (where Muhammad left the earth to go to Heaven), Hebron (Tomb of the Patriarchs) Practices & Rituals: 5 Pillars of Islam 1. Public declaration of faith 2. Prayer 5 times a day facing Mecca 3. Giving to charity 4. Fasting during Ramadan 5. Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca No pork, no shell fish, no drinking alcohol, no money lending or gambling. Human and animal figures not found in art, to avoid idolatry. Worship Service: Worship in a Masjid (Mosque). Friday noon prayer is most important. An Iman (teacher, man of good character) leads the service. Divisions: Sunni 90%, Shi i 10% Things to Know: Koran includes the history of the Hebrews (early Jews) and the story of Jesus. Islam means surrender/submission to God.
Judaism Followers called: Jews # Followers: 14 million Star / Shield of David Percentage of the world s population:.23% Where it s found: mostly Israel, some in parts of Europe, Russia, and the USA Where it started: Present day Israel Founder: Abraham, Moses Observance Days: Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication), Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) Deity: Monotheism- Adonai (God) Sacred Writings: TeNaKh. Holy book contains 3 parts: Torah law, Nevi im history, and Ketuvim writings and psalms. The Torah was given to Moses by God. Key Beliefs: There is only one God. God created the world and made man in his image. Canaan (Palestine) is the Promised Land, all people are equal, one day the Messiah will come, keeping the 10 Commandments, keep the Sabbath holy. The Talmud is oral law, through which God s teachings are continuing. Jews believe in God s covenant (agreement) with Abraham. They also believe that they are God s Chosen People- Abraham s descendants through son Isaac. Goal: Live a good life, according to the laws of the Torah, carry on Jewish traditions. Waiting on the Messiah. Holy Sites: Jerusalem (Western / Wailing Wall remnants of Solomon s Temple), Hebron Tomb of Patriarchs, Zion (hill once center of Jewish kingdom) Practices & Rituals: Kashrut (kosher laws dietary laws); No pork, shellfish, and meat prepared with dairy products. Keeping the Sabbath: no work from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, only rest and pray. Shabbat sharing of bread and wine at family meal on Friday evening. Celebrating coming of age with a Bah Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. Worship Service: Meet in a Synagogue, Friday evening and Saturday morning. Services led by a Rabbi (Teacher / Torah scholar). Divisions: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed (differ on degree of Kashrut) Things to Know: Family is the center of Jewish life. In Israel, most businesses are closed on Saturday. There are 613 Laws on how to worship God and live moral life.
Sikhism Followers called: Sikhs # Followers: 23 Million Khanda Percentage of the world s population:.39% Where it s found: Kashmir and Punjab (regions in northern India) Where it started: India Founder: Guru Nanak Dev, 9 Gurus (teachers) taught after him Observance Days: Hola Mohalla (martial arts and skills), Baisakhi (New Year), Diwali (Festival of Light), Birthday of Guru Nanak Deity: Henotheistic - Only one God in many forms. God does not take human form but is everywhere and everyone. Sacred Writings: Guru Granth Sahib (hymns and scriptures), and Vars (ballads) written in Gurumukhi (language created by Guru Nanak) Key Beliefs: God s teachings have come to the Sikhs through the 10 Gurus. All human beings are equal and should help each other. Belief in Samsara (reincarnation). Following the teachings of the Guru completely. Allegiance to only one religion. Goal: Break the cycle of Samsara and achieve Mukti (liberation). To have a close, loving relationship with God. Holy Sites: Over 200 shrines in India alone Golden Temple at Amritsar is the most sacred Practices & Rituals: Pahul (baptism), practicing the 5 K s (Kesa long hair that is never cut, kangah comb, kacha short pants, kara metal bracelet, and kirpan ceremonial dagger). There is also a code of conduct. Belivers pray multiple times daily, do not use idols, icons, or images. Worship Service: Takes place in a gurdwara (temple). Sikhs participate in meditation, hymns, and morning prayers. There are no priests. Divisions: Udasis (ascetic order), Nirmalas (celibates), Akalis (fanatical)- men wear a distinctive dress of blue and a black turban. Things to Know: Sikhism means discipleship in Sanskrit. The Punjab territory would like independence from India.