Hindus Aum or Om 13.33% 900 Million
Indigenous (native) religion India
henotheistic – one deity (Brahman) with many forms. Vedas & Bhagavad Gita
Reincarnation until reach enlightenment Humans are slaves to ignorance, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least gain a better rebirth.
Yoga Meditation worship (puja) devotion to a god or goddess pilgrimage to holy cities live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role).
6.27% 394 million Yin - yang
Indigenous (native) religion of China China
Yin - yang; mythological beings, and folk deities None Purpose is a good life and peaceful afterlife found through rituals and honoring of ancestors
Judgment, then reincarnation or temporary hell until gain paradise Ancestor worship, prayer, longevity practices, divination, prophecy and astrology, feng shui
Buddhists 8 Spoke Wheel / Wheel of Law 5.87% 360 Million
Mongolia, Southeast Asia, China and Japan Siddhartha Gautama - Buddha in 520 BCE – NE India
Buddha taught that nothing is permanent Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana Sutras such as the Lotus Sutra; others
Nirvana - Enlightenment Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment - release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit.
Meditation Mantras (ritual chanting) devotion to deities (in some sects)
Khanda.39% 23 million Sikhs (pronounced Seeks)
Guru Nanak, c AD, Punjab, India. Kashmir and Punjab
Henotheistic - Only one God in many forms. God: (Ik Onkar or Nam) Adi Granth written in Gurumukhi (language created by Guru Nanak)
Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God Overcome the self. Align life with will of God and become a "saint soldier,“ fighting for good
Prayer and meditation on God's name services at temple (gurdwara) Wear - turban and five Ks: (Kesa – long hair, kangah – comb, kacha – short pants, kara – metal bracelet, and Kirpan – ceremonial dagger) Balance work, worship, and charity
Confucians.10% 5-6 Million Water symbol
Kung Fu Tzu / Confucius in BCE - China China and Koreas
none – way of life - not religion The Analects of Confucius
Not addressed Purpose in life is to fulfill one’s role in society with dignity, honor, and loyalty
Honesty, politeness, dignity, and humanity Perform correct role in society Loyal to family and nation