Alternative Religion Jainism, Taoism, Sikhism

Jainism Founded by Vardhamana Mahavira According to some sources he was born in 599 BC, some 32 years before the birth of the Buddha (567 BC), while others hold that he was born some 60 years later in 539 B.C. Major Scriptures : The Jain Agamas Siddhantas

Jainism: Concept of God Like Buddhism, Jainism also does not acknowledge the existence of an universal God who is responsible for all creation and its maintenance. " Know that the world is uncreated, as time itself is, without a beginning and without an end... Uncreated and indestructible, it endures under the compulsions of its own nature, divided into three sections- hell, earth and heaven." They acknowledge the existence of higher beings called arhats. The arhats do not take any interest in the affairs of the world. The gods on the other hand keep a watch on the activities of the world.

Sikhism Founded in the 15th Century AD by Guru Nanak. Scripture: Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib), Sikhs follow path of japa (recitation) of hymn, devotional prayers (kirtana) singing the names of God (e.g., Nam Simran). Belief in ten Gurus - spiritual guide who dispels ignorance and darkness.

Sikhism attributes God is creator of the universe and its existence and continued survival depends on His hukum (will). Monistic or Non-dual, ultimate reality is unity of all existence, Sikh is immersed in God assimilated, identified with Him. It is the fulfillment of individuality in which man, freed of all limitation becomes co-extensive and co- operant and co-present with God. Guru Gobind Singh (last living Guru) organized Sikh tradition of Khalsa (pure one).

Sikhism : Philosophy Attachment to material objects is the primary cause of rebirth on the basis of past karma (action). Only way to achieve liberation (mukti) from the cycle of birth and death is by being God-conscious (gurmukh). Does not believe in incarnation of God in human form. Disapproves asceticism and self mortification as path to enlightenment.

Taoism The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao- Tse ( BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life. The priesthood views the many gods as manifestations of the one Dao, "which could not be represented as an image or a particular thing." The concept of a personified deity is foreign to them, as is the concept of the creation of the universe. Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking. Yin (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth. Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens. "The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment."