Transcript World Religions Lecture Notes

The Five Major
Religions of the World
Judaism
Judaism
• Judaism is the world’s oldest
monotheistic religion ever to exist.
• This means Jewish people were the first
to believe in one god.
Judaism
• Judaism dates back 5,000 years when
Jews were a nomadic people called the
Hebrews who lived in the Middle East.
Judaism
• A man named Abraham is
believed to have been the
first Jew and Judaism’s
founding father.
Judaism
• According to scriptures, God promised
Abraham that he would be the father of
a great nation.
• Abraham believed, but he and his wife
were very, very old.
Judaism
• Since his wife was very
old, Abraham
conceived a child with
his maidservant, who
was not Jewish, but
Arab.
• She had a son, named
Ishmael.
Judaism
• According to scripture,
Abraham’s wife finally did
conceive a son, and they
named him Isaac.
• As promised, the Hebrews or
Jews, became very numerous
and a large, powerful nation.
Family Tree
"Father"
ABRAHAM
Hebrew
Hagar (maid)
Arab
Sarah (wife)
Hebrew
Ishmael
Isaac
ISLAMIC
FAITH
JEWISH
FAITH
Judaism
• Centuries later, another
great leader, named
Moses, led the Jews out
of slavery in Egypt and
led them on a long
journey to the “promised
land” (the land promised
to them by God – Israel)
Judaism
• Jewish people believe that it
was through Moses that God
gave them the books of their
sacred text, The Torah.
• On Mt. Sinai, Moses listened
and recorded the Torah from
God. He also recorded the 10
commandments.
Judaism
The Ten Commandments
Judaism
• Another revered figure is King David.
Under his wisdom and leadership he
unites the people and establishes a
mighty capital in the city of Jerusalem.
Judaism
•King David’s
son, King
Solomon, built
the first great
temple to God in
Jerusalem.
Judaism
• The basic belief of the Jews is in the
existence of one God who created the
world and is eternal and invisible.
• They believe that they have a special
relationship with God which dates back
to the time of Abraham.
Judaism
• The purpose of every Jew is Tikkum
Olam.
• Tikkam = Repair
• Olam = World
Judaism
• Jewish people must love God and
respect all people.
• Following God’s laws and rules is very
important
Judaism
• Jewish people also believe that God will
one day send a leader, called the
Messiah, who will bring peace and
harmony to the whole world.
• This Messiah will “save them.”
Judaism
• Jews worship in a
synagogue, which
means “meeting
place.”
• The teachers of the
Jewish faith are
called Rabbis.
Synagogues come in
many different styles.
Judaism
• The Star of David, seen here, is a
symbol of the Jewish faith.
• The star represents a
very important number to
Jewish people. The star
has 6 points and 1
center = the holy
number: 7.
•It is also called Magen David, as it comes from a design
on the shield, or magen, or King David.
Judaism
According to Jewish law,
anyone who has a
Jewish mother counts
as a Jew whether or
not they actively follow
Judaism as their
religion.
Judaism
• There are many branches of Judaism
including:
1) Orthodox (follow the Torah exactly; worship
is said in Hebrew)
2) Reform*
3) Conservative*
*Both believe that the Torah can be adapted to
modern life
Judaism
• Many Orthodox Jews wear “yarmulkas”
(a round cap for the skull) as a sign of
God’s presence
Judaism
• Special ceremonies must follow
certain commandments, or mitzvoth
• When a baby boy is born, he is
circumcised as a sign of the
covenant between God and the
Jewish people.
Judaism
• When a boy turns 13 he has
a Bar Mitzvah ceremony to
mark his entry into
adulthood.
• Now days, when girls reach
the age of 12 they celebrate
a Bat Mitzvah. However, this
wasn’t always the case.
• During this ceremony, the
young person must read in
the synagogue from the
Torah for the first time.
Judaism
• Jewish people eat only 'Kosher‘ foods.
• Kosher means that a food is permitted
or 'clean', while anything 'unclean'
(such as pork and shellfish) is strictly
forbidden.
Judaism
• Preparation of food is key, especially with
slaughtering animals
• Certain foods cannot touch other types of foods
(such as dairy and meats)
• Fasting is apart of many celebrations
• Bitter herbs are consumed during Passover to
represent the suffering of the Israelites under the
Egyptians.
Judaism
• Pesach, or
Passover, is a
celebration of the
exodus of the
Jews from Egypt.
• It is celebrated in
March or April.
Judaism
• Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement,
is the holiest day in the Jewish year. It is
a day of prayer and fasting when Jews
ask for forgiveness for any wrong they
have done.
Judaism
• Hannakah is a
celebration of the
miracle of lights.
• During a rededication of
the Temple by the
Maccabees, there was
only enough oil to last
one day; however, the
the lamps stayed lit for
8 days… a miracle!
Judaism
• Today there are about 14 million Jews
living all around the world.
• Most, however, live in Israel (their
promised land), Europe, or the United
States.
Christianity
Christianity
• Christianity dates back about 2
thousand years ago in the Middle East,
during Roman rule.
• It is a monotheistic religion that believes
there are three entities in one God,
called the Trinity (the Father God, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit).
Christianity
• The founder of the faith
was a Jewish man,
who came from the line
of King David.
• His name was Jesus
Christ.
Christianity
• According to Jesus
and his believers,
he was God’s son,
the Messiah, sent
to save the world
from its sin, by
dieing for it.
Christianity
• Although Jesus was Jewish, he was not
always happy with the Jewish Rabbis and
teachers.
• Although they followed the law very strictly,
they did not have a personal relationship with
God. Their lives were all about rules, and not
about loving God.
Christianity
• When Jewish teachers asked
Jesus what was the most
important commandment, he
responded by stating: “To love
the lord your God with all your
heart.”
• This was a new
commandment.
Christianity
• Christians believe in an afterlife. Your
soul either goes to “Heaven” (to live
eternally with God in perfect peace) OR
to go to “hell” (a place of eternal
damnation and pain)
Christianity
• Jesus claimed that because God was perfect
that he would not allow anything unclean or
imperfect to be in heaven with him.
• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God.”
• “And the wages of sin, is death” (spiritual
death in hell)
Christianity
• So, because humans could
never be totally perfect, God
had sent his own son (who
was perfect) to die as a
“perfect” sacrifice to atone
for the sins of the world.
• In a sense, Jesus paid the
price for sinners. He died so
they wouldn’t have to.
Christianity
• Along with preaching this
message, Jesus also
performed many
miracles.
• He made blind people
see, deaf people hear,
lame people walk, and
even made a dead man
come back to life.
Christianity
• People came from all
around to see this
man who performed
so many miracles,
and who taught them
the Kingdom of
Heaven was through
faith in Christ.
Christianity
• Many Jewish teachers, however,
refused to believe.
• They were expecting a messiah
who would save them from
Roman rule and oppression
from other armies. But Christ
claimed that he was sent to save
the people from their sins. This
is not what the Jewish people
had expected.
Christianity
• At Christ’s last supper,
he explained to his
disciples that he was
about to give up his life
for them. He broke
bread, which
represented that his
body was about to be
broken. They also drank
wine to represent the
blood that he was about
to shed.
Christianity
• Jesus told his disciples that the temple
was going to be destroyed, and that he
would rebuild it in three days.
• He was talking about his body; but his
disciples thought he was talking about
the Jewish temple.
Christianity
• According to the Bible, it was
his own disciple, Judas, who
turned him in to the Jewish
leaders. These Jewish
leaders turned him into the
Romans to be executed, for
blasphemy, claiming to be
God’s son.
• He was executed by
crucifixion.
Christianity
• Three days after his death, Mary (the
mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, and
Martha went to put spices on the body.
But when they arrived the body was not
there.
Christianity
• Christ appeared to them in
a new form, and told them
to go and tell the disciples
that he had been
resurrected.
• When the disciples saw
him they were overjoyed.
Christianity
• Christ told his followers
to go and tell all who will
believe that the only way
into heaven is through
faith in him.
Christianity
• Before Christ ascended
into heaven, he also
told his disciples that
he would send his holy
spirit to be with them.
• This spirit would enter
into any believer and
help guide and comfort
them.
Christianity
• After Jesus left, the
disciples traveled great
distances telling everyone
about God’s son, who had
willingly died, and been
resurrected for our sins.
• Most of the disciples were
imprisoned, but they
wouldn’t stop preaching this
message. Many were even
crucified for their beliefs.
Christianity
• Many of his disciples sent letters
to various churches all around
the region, reminding them of
Christ’s teachings.
• These letters are what make up
most of the New Testiment, in
the Bible. The Old Testiment
includes the books in the Hebrew
Torah.
• Christians believe the Bible was
inspired by the Holy Spirit and
that every word comes from God.
Christianity
• For a Christian, there are many
important celebrations.
• The most important one is that of
baptism.
Christianity
• Baptism represents that you were once a
dirty, sinner, but that you are buried with Christ
(when you are under the water) and then
raised with Christ to walk a new, clean life (as
you come up out of the water).
• It is as though Christ’s perfect death has
covered up or washed away your sins.
Christianity
• Another important
tradition is the act of
sharing in “communion.”
• Communion is a time to
remember the sacrifice
Christ made by eating
broken bread and drinking
wine or grape juice.
Christianity
• There are not any restrictions on a Christian’s
diet.
• However, many Christians choose to fast for holy
days.
• Also, many Catholics will give up a food during a
period called Lent.
Christianity
• The holiest day for Christians is Easter.
This is the day that Christ’s resurrection
is celebrated.
Christianity
• Easter is celebrated with a
worship service or mass and
usually a big feast with family.
• Some people hide eggs. Eggs
are a symbol of new life.
Christians believe that a new life
can be found in Christ’s
resurrection.
Christianity
• Christmas is also an
important holy day. It is
the day that Christians
celebrate the birth of
Christ. They give each
other gifts on this holiday;
however, they remind
each other that the most
important gift was God’s
gift of his son, Jesus.
Christianity
• There are many branches
of Christianity
• Roman Catholicism and
Eastern Orthodox are two
branches. They are similar
in that they place a huge
emphasis in following
traditions and rules.
Christianity
• Another branch of Christianity is
called Protestantism. This comes
from the word “Protest.”
• Protestants include many groups
(including Baptists, Methodists,
Presbyterians, etc)
Christianity
• It is called Protestantism,
from the word Protest,
because in the 16th century
many people began to protest
the Catholic church. The
leader of this movement was
a monk named Martin Luther.
Christianity
• To this day, Christianity is the most wide
spread religion on earth.
• It has over a billion followers.
Islam
Islam
• The Islamic faith dates back thousands
of years.
• However, the founder of Islam is the
prophet Muhammad, who was born
about 1,500 years ago.
Islam
• People who believe is the Islamic faith
refer to themselves as Muslims.
• Like Christians and Jews, Islam is a
monotheistic religion, believing in one
god, Allah.
Islam
• Muslim’s holy books are
called the Qu’ran (Koran)
and the Hadiths.
• Many of the stories in their
holy books are similar to the
stories in the Jewish Torah
and the Christian Bible.
Islam
• Muslims believe that Allah
reveals his message to a
series of prophets.
• The first was Adam, the first
man.
• Other prophets include:
Abraham (or Ibrahim),
Moses (or Musa), and Isa
(or Jesus).
Islam
• Muslims believe that
Muhammad was the last
and greatest prophet.
• It is believed that Allah, or
God, revealed to
Muhammad His will and
wishes for the world.
Islam
• Muhammad was
born in Mecca (a
city in Saudi
Arabia).
• He was an orphan
and was raised by
his grandfather
and uncle.
Islam
• When he was 25,
Muhammad married a
rich widow and worked
as a merchant.
• Although he had many
things, he became
dissatisfied with the way
people lived and
worshiped.
Islam
• One night, in 610 AD,
while Meditating on Mt.
Hira, the Angel Gabriel,
or Jibril, appeared and
began to reveal Allah’s
message to him.
Islam
• Muhammad is said to have
experienced a miraculous event.
The angel Jibril took him from
Mecca to Jerusalem in one
night. There he prayed and
worshiped with prophets from
the past.
• That journey became known as
“The Night Journey”
Islam
• It was there that Allah told Muhammad
that Muslims should pray five times a
day.
Islam
• Muhammad also received from
Allah “The Five Pillars of Faith.”
• Like the pillars that hold up a
building, these pillars are what
hold up the Islamic faith. Without
one, faith would not be firm or
complete.
Islam
1st = FAITH
• The First of the Five Pillars:
“Shahadah” or “declaration of
faith”
It states: “There is no God but
Allah and Muhammad is his
prophet.”
Islam
2nd = PRAYER
• Second of the Five Pillars:
“Salah” or prayer.
Muslims must pray five times a day
between dawn and dusk.
Islam
3rd = GIVING
• Third of the Five Pillars:
“Zakah” or giving to charity
Islam
4th = FASTING
• Fourth of the Five Pillars:
“Sawm” or fasting during the
holy month of Ramadan
Islam
• Fifth of the Five Pillars:
“Hajj” or a pilgrimage to the
holy city of Mecca.
5th =
PILGRIMAGE
Islam
Muslims believe it is very
important to follow the
Five Pillars and to also
do good deeds
throughout life.
• According to Muslims,
two angels follow you
throughout your life
and record all of your
good and bad deeds.
Islam
• When you die, if you
have more good deeds
you will be taken into a
land of paradise. If you
have more bad deeds
will go to Hell.
Islam
• After teaching the
messages revealed to him
from Allah, Muhammad
ascended into heaven on
Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem.
• He left behind a great
following of believers in the
Islamic faith.
Islam
• Today, Muslims
practice many
traditions and
celebrations that were
taught to them by the
prophet Muhammad.
Islam
• Muslims try to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at
least once in their lives.
• As they enter Mecca, they must change into
white clothes to represent that they are equal.
Islam
• During the
pilgrimage,
Muslims walk
around the
Ka’aba shrine
seven times.
Islam
• Next, they go to Mt. Arafat, where Muhammad
preached his last sermon.
• At Mina, they throw stones at three pillars
representing the devil, which is what Abraham or
Ibrahim did, according to scripture.
Islam
• Id ul-Adha takes
place at the end of
the Hajj.
• It remembers how
the prophet
Ibrahim was ready
to sacrifice his son
to obey Allah.
Islam
• Id ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan,
the holy month of fasting. It is marked
with prayers, parties, and giving money
to charity.
Islam
• Muslims continue to pray
five times a day.
• Prayer can occur
anywhere, as long as it is
a clean place, or they lay
a prayer mat on the floor.
Islam
• Muslims pray and
worship Allah in a
mosque.
• Inside most mosques
there is a tall tower,
and inside there is a
large prayer hall, with
an arch indicating the
direction of Mecca.
Mosques come in
different sizes; but
have many
similarities in
architecture.
Islam
• In some places, mosques will sound the
“Call to Prayer.” This is when the
Muezzin calls in Arabic that it is time to
pray.
Islam
Islam has two branches:
1) Sunnis
90% of Muslims are Sunni Muslims.
2) Shi’ites
10% of Muslims are Shi’ites
Most Shi’ites live in Iran or Iraq
Islam
• After Muhammad’s death, the
Muslims were led by Khalifas,
or Caliphs. Under their
leadership, the term “jihad” is
formed.
• A “jihad” is a person struggle
against evil which occurs
within every person’s heart.
• Or a “jihad” is a war that
defends Islam.
Jihad = inner war
(good vs. evil)
OR
Jihad = outer war
to defend faith
Islam
• There are different
words for the leader or
teacher of Islam. They
include: Imam, Khatib,
Masjid, and many
others.
Islam
• According to the laws of Islam, Muslim
men and women must dress modestly.
Islam
• When a Muslim woman gets
married or comes to the age
when she is no longer a child,
she then must wear a veil.
• In some places, a woman can
show her whole face and
hands. In other places, the
veil must cover the entire
body.
Islam
• Because the Qu’ran is very vague about the
matter of the veil, it has been debated among
many different Muslim scholars.
• “Tell the faithful women to lower their gaze and guard
their private parts and not display their beauty except
what is apparent of it, and to extend their scarf to
cover their bosom”
Koran, 24:31 (English translation)
Islam
• Regulations on food are called “halal.”
• Prohibited foods are called “haram.”
• Foods that cannot be eating, include: pork,
alcohol, foods with animal fats, tinned
vegetables, certain margarines, and bread or
bread products that contain dried yeast.
Gelatine (made from pig) is also considered
haram.Caffeinated drinks are sometimes
forbidden.
Islam
• Today, Islam is the second most prevalent
religion on earth (second to Christianity).
• Islam is the fastest growing religion on earth.
• Currently, there are over 1 billion Muslims on
earth.
Islam
• Most Muslims live in the Middle East or
North Africa.
• However, Muslims can also be found in
the United States, Europe, and beyond.
Hinduism
Hinduism
• Hinduism is also known as Sanatana
Dharma, which means eternal law or
teaching.
• It is one of the world’s oldest religions. Its
roots are roughly 4,500 years old
• It began during a civilization of people
called the Indus Valley Civilization
Hinduism
• However, Hinduism, as it is practiced
today actually borrowed many ideas
from the Aryans (a nomadic group) who
began to invade India around 1500 BC.
Hinduism
• Both the
ancient Indus
Valley
civilization and
the Aryans
believed in
many gods
and
goddesses.
Hinduism
• Hindus believe in a great soul
or spirit, called Brahman, or
God.
• Brahman has no shape or form
and cannot be seen.
• His spirit is composed of many
other gods and goddesses,
which represent some part of
his character.
Hinduism
The three most important gods in
Hinduism are the trimurti or trinity:
1) Brahma – the creator of the universe
2) Vishnu – the protector
3) Shiva – the destroyer
Hinduism
• Hindus try to live their
lives according to a
code of behavior called
dharma. This means
doing their duty to their
family and friends,
helping their neighbors,
being kind to others,
and telling the truth.
Hinduism
• Hindus believe in reincarnation, the idea
that when a person dies their soul is
reborn again in another body.
Hinduism
• Their next life is dictated by the good or
bad deeds in present life, and by their
results, known as kharma.
• The goal of a Hindu’s spiritual life is to
break free of the cycle of birth, death,
and rebirth and to achieve moksha, or
ultimate salvation.
Hinduism
• In order to break the cycle and achieve
moksha, there are four paths.
•
•
•
•
1. Bhakti (Devotion)
2. Jnana (Knowledge)
3. Karma (Action)
4. Yoga (meditation)
Hinduism
• Hindus who follow
the first path, bhakti
(devotion), devote
themselves to a
personal god, such
as Krishna or Rama.
Hinduism
• Hindus who follow the
second step, jnana
(knowledge) try to find the
true meaning of life through
learning and study.
• Hindus following the third
step, karma (action), means
they try to act selflessly
without thought for their own
reward – but always thinking
and acting for others.
Hinduism
• A Hindu following the
fourth and final step,
yoga (meditation),
train their bodies and
minds to bring them
closer to moksha.
Hinduism
• Hindus have many
important texts including
the Vedas, Upanishads,
Brahmanas, Puranas,
and epic Tantras.
Hinduism
• Hindus worship in
temples, or mandirs
• Each temple is
dedicated to one
god or goddess or a
holy man.
Hinduism
• Hindus believe that cows are sacred and
cannot be harmed or killed.
• This is because cows are associated with the
god Krishna and Kamadhenu.
• Likewise, cows are revered because they are
givers of milk, one of the most precious
sources of food.
Hinduism
• Because of this, some Hindus do not
eat beef. Others do not eat pork.
• In some geographic areas of India, duck
and crab may also be forbidden.
• Dairy products, however, are believed
to enhance spiritual purity.
Hinduism
• This symbol forms the
sanskrit letters to
represent the sacred
sound “Aum” (Om). This is
spoken at the beginning
and end of every prayer
and repeated during
meditation.
Hinduism
• Another important symbol for
Hindus is a bindi, which is a
symbolic dot that is placed in the
middle of the forehead.
• The bindi is said to cover the third
eye, a chakra on the body where
energy from the body can be
released during meditation.
Hinduism
• In ancient times an unmarried
girl would wear a black bindi,
and a married girl, a red one.
• Many people do not realize that
both men and women wear
bindis.
Hinduism
• Many Hindu women wear
Saris. This style of dress is
prevalent in India.
Hinduism
• You may find a Hindu
man wearing a turban, or
a covering over his head.
• A turban is a symbol of
dignity. To slap off a
person’s turban is a huge
insult.
Hindusim
• Henna is a form of art
that is adorned on the
body or hands.
• It is a temporary
tattoo.
• It is often applied for
various Hindu
ceremonies,
especially a wedding.
Hinduism
• Arranged Marriages
have been popular in
India and in the Hindu
religion for centuries.
• Although not as
common, arranged
marriages still occur in
India today.
Hinduism
• Today over 800 million people in the
world consider themselves Hindu.
• Hinduism is most prevalent in India,
where 8 out of every 10 people
considers themselves such.
Buddhism
Buddhism
• Buddhism began in India around 2,500
year ago.
• It is based on the teachings of a
nobleman named Siddartha Gautama.
Buddhism
• Buddhism does not believe in any gods
or goddesses.
• Gods and goddess are believed to be
made up to help calm our fears. But
Buddhism teaches that we must be the
ones to face our fears, and not rely on
gods/goddess to make us feel safe.
Buddhism
• According to legend,
Siddhartha’s mother, Queen
Maya, conceived him when a
god in the form of a pure, white
elephant came to her in a
dream. In the dream, the
elephant touched her with a
lotus flower and thus conceived
Siddhartha.
Buddhism
• Siddartha grew up in lavish luxury, a
prince!
Buddhism
• Siddartha did not know of the pain and
suffering of the world, until he took a trip
at the age of 29.
• During this trip he saw a sick man, an
old man, and a dead man.
Buddhism
• Seeing the pain and suffering of the world
made Siddartha very upset.
• However, during the trip he also saw a holy
man. This man was very poor but very content
and happy.
• Siddartha realized then that pain and suffering
could be overcome spiritually.
Buddhism
• So at the age of 29
Siddartha gave up all of his
worldly possessions in
search for the spiritual truth
that could set him free from
pain and suffering.
• He cut off his hair as a sign
of all that he was giving up.
Buddhism
• One day while meditating
under a tree, he found the
answer. And from that
moment on, he is known
as “The Enlightened One”
or the Buddha.
Buddhism
• He realized that each man must search
for truth on his own and in his own way.
• He also realized that the reason why
humans suffer is because they always
want more.
Buddhism
• Today, Buddhists follow the teachings of
Buddha.
• The five rules Buddhists follow include:
1) Do not kill or harm living things
2) Do not steal
3) Do not lie
4) Abstain from sexual misconduct
5) Abstain from drugs and alcohol
Buddhism
• Like Hindus, Buddhists believe in
karma, the law of cause and
effect
• Also like Hindus, Buddhists
believe in reincarnation. Good
deeds lead to a better rebirth; bad
deeds lead to a bad rebirth. And
that the goal of the spirit is to
break this cycle by achieving
perfect peace in Nirvana.
Buddhism
• To achieve Nirvana, Buddhists believe they
must follow Buddha’s teachings and develop
the qualities of compassion, loving-kindness,
and generosity in their lives.
• Anyone can achieve Nirvana… no matter
what class. This is different than with
Hinduism, which believes only the highest
class (Brahmins) can achieve “moksha.”
Buddhism
• The cycle that
every person
must travel
through, (birth,
death, rebirth) is
often
symbolized by
the Wheel of
Life.
Buddhism
• An important day for Buddhists is
known as Wesak. This is the day in
May that the moon is full.
• Now days, it is called “Buddha
Day”
• Buddhists celebrate this day
because it is the day Siddhartha
was born, the day he became
enlightened, and on his 80th
birthday –the day he died and
achieved Nirvana.
Buddhism
• The Buddhist New Year is an important
celebration.
• It is celebrated for three days from the full moon
in April.
• Buddhists celebrations and festivals include
visiting a local temple, offering food to the
monks/shrines, and giving away money to
charity.
Buddhism
• In Buddhism, there are
beings called
Bodhisattvahs.
• They can reach Nirvana,
but in their ultimate
compassion, choose to
stay here instead, in the
form of a human or
sculpture – to aid all
other beings to reach
their owns Nirvanas
before going to their own.
Statues of Buddha
Bodhisattva Statues
Buddhism
• This figure is often referred to
as the “Happy Buddha”
• It isn’t, however, a statue of
Buddha – but a Boddhisattva
of Maitreya – meaning one
who has loving kindness.
• The large belly and hemp sack
represent plentiful wealth and
prosperity
Buddhism
• Buddhists worship in a temple, vihara.
• Their sacred text is called The Tripitaka
Buddhism
Buddhism
• Food regulations for Buddhists really
depend on the area and branch of
Buddhism that is practiced.
• A vegetarian lifestyle is common.
Although some Buddhists eat meat.
Buddhism
• Buddhism has
spread all over the
world, but is
prevalent in places
such as China,
Tibet, Japan,
Thailand, and
other far east
Asian countries.
• 330 million people
are Buddhists
Buddhism
• There are many different
branches of Buddhism
including:
1) Zen Buddhism (Japan;
focus on riddles to expand
the mind)
2) Tibetan Buddhism
(Tibet; focus on magic and
rituals – their leader is the
Dalai Lama)
Other Religions of
the World
• There are many
other religions in
the world.
• The five we
discussed in this
presentation
were simply the
major ones.
Have you heard of any
other religions?
The End