From the hearth of South Asia Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism

Hinduism It teaches its disciples that the principles of life can be discovered through meditation, and has no Holy Book. However, writings like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita provide guidance and inspiration They speak of an ancient struggle between order and chaos. Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world with 1 billion adherents (followers), and the most popular religion in India and Nepal

Hinduism Hinduism is the third largest religion Began 4,000 years ago The practice of Hinduism began before the Aryans arrived, and involved ritual bathing, and a belief in reincarnation The Aryans named it, created holy books, and developed the caste system It can be described as polytheistic or monotheistic (Brahman)

Diffusion of Hinduism Hinduism began in what is now Pakistan, and diffused to India and Southeast Asia How it diffused is unclear Christianity’s influence weakened the caste system Islam led to Sikhism, which rejects the worship of idols and the caste system, but retains reincarnation and karma Buddhism and Islam now dominate SE Asia Indonesia has the world’s highest concentration of Muslims Today, most Hindus live in India

Hinduism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide God(s) and Universe Human Situation and Life’s Purpose Afterlife Practices Texts Indigenous religion of India 900 million One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth. Reincarnation until gain enlightenment Yoga, meditation, worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role). The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, etc.

Buddhism Buddhism began in Nepal around 500 b.c.e. Today, there are over 350 million adherents, mostly located in East and Southeast Asia

Buddhism Prince Siddhartha Gautama lived a life of great luxury. One day, he looked out his palace walls and was shocked by all the suffering he saw This prompted him to leave his family and seat out in search of the truth: suffering is caused by human desire. Gautama then became known as “Buddha”, or enlightened one. He said salvation can be obtained by anyone, regardless of their social position Enlightenment comes through knowledge, elimination of greed, craving, and desire; complete honesty; and never harming a human or animal

Diffusion of Buddhism Buddhism diffused from India under the influence of Emperor Asoka He made his state a Buddhist state, and sent out missionaries to other countries It spread throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia, but declined in India It thrives in Sri Lanka, SE Asia, Nepal, Tibet, and Korea Today it has 347 million adherents

Buddhism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide God(s) and Universe Human Situation and Life’s Purpose Afterlife Practices Texts Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India. 360 million Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent. Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit. Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects), mandalas (Tibetan) Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others.

Sikhism Sikhs live mainly in Northern India and practice a religion that is based on both Hindu and Islam Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in reincarnation. Like Muslims, Sikhs believe in one God. Sikhs believe that God can be known through meditation, or a form of deep contemplation. Sikhs believe that everyone has an equal status in the eyes of God Today, there are 16 million Sikhs found mainly in India

Sikhism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide God(s) and Universe Human Situation and Life’s Purpose Afterlife Practices Texts Guru Nanak, c. 1500 AD, Punjab, India. 23 million One God (Ik Onkar, Nam) Overcome the self, align life with will of God, and become a "saint soldier," fighting for good. Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God. Prayer and meditation on God's name, services at temple (gurdwara), turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity. Adi Granth (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)

The Sikh Next Door http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FUp87aYclY