f.Class Notes #21

Five Major World Religions(responsible for most wars) (cont.)

• Hinduism
• Number of adherents is 1.1 billion (third largest).
• Its followers are called Hindus.
• Geographic location: India and Nepal.
• Holy book: the Vedas--eternal truths revealed to ancient sages; composed in verse to be sung for easier memorization.
• No distinct founder--series of intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid, strict set of beliefs.
• One of the oldest extant religion.
• Actually, more of a lifestyle or faith rather than a religion.

• Buddhism
• Number of adherents: 500 million to 1.5 billion.
• Called Buddhists.
• Geographical locations: South Asia, China, Nepal, Japan, and 1.2 million in the United States.
• Founder Siddhartha Gautama.
• Denominations: Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, and Amidist.
• Four noble truths:
• There is suffering.
• Attachment to desire is the origin of suffering.
• There can be an end to suffering.
• The Eightfold Path will lead to a path without suffering.
• Eightfold Path
• Right view
• Right intention
• Right speech
• Right action
• Right livelihood
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right dedication

• Judaism
• Number of adherents: 14-18 million (ninth largest).
• Called Jews.
• Geographical location:    Israel (6.4 million, 75.4%).
• The United States (5.3-7 million).
• Founder: Abraham.
• Holy book: Torah (Pentateuch)
• Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
• Beliefs: ethical monotheism--Only one God, who is concerned with the actions of humankind.
• 10 Commandments.
• 13 Principles of Faith.