Hinduism

Hinduism is a major religion in India and has more than 700 million followers. The followers of Hinduism are called Hindus. 83% of Indians are Hindus and Hinduism has played major roles in India.

Hindus believe that life is sacred and stress of all unity of life and that all living things have souls. They also believe in reincarnation and follow a strict caste system which determines where you stand in life. Karma is the one that determines and whatever karma gives you, you must follow your dharma (duty in life), of course, you are aided by gurus and you are expected to do yoga in order to descipline your mind and body and meditate.

Buddhism

Buddhism originated from India in the 500's BC and is now a major religion in the world. It's founder was the Indian prince: Siddhartha Gautama who wanted to reform Hinduism. He is also known as Buddha ("Enlightened One") He rejected Hinduism as well as the caste system and taught anyone could reach spiritual perfection.

Buddha challenged the caste system because in Hinduism, he figured that the lives before you determined whether you could reach Nirvana and that wasn't very fair as not much change/ little change could be made in one lifetime.

Islam

Islam is the second most important religion after Hinduism and was founded in 522 CE by Muhammad the Prophet. There are about 96 million followers of Islam. Followers of Islam are also known as Muslims.

Muslims belive in one all powerful God (Allah- the 'One True God') and his teachings are recorded in a holy book called the Quran (pronounced as Koran). They too, reject Hinduism and challenge the caste system and religious images on the grounds. They believe that all humans are equal and that God is a spiritual being beyond all forms. Muslims don't eat pork as they think it's unclean. However, they eat all other forms of meat.

Muslims believe that one creator is just omnipotent and merciful. They also believe Satan exists and that he drives people to sin and that those who aren't Muslim and those who sin will go to Hell. Those who repent and submit themseleves to Allah will go to Paradise after death. Alcohol, drugs, gambling should be avoided as they reject racism.

Christianity

Christianity has 18 million followers in India and it first appeared 2000 years ago. Jesus, son of the Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 12 disciples followed him on his journey and learned from him. He performed many miracles and is the Son of God sent to Earth whom died for our sins. He was crucified under the cross and rose from the dead on the third day and told all his disciples to spread the word of the Lord.

Many Christians live in the South of India as tradition states that Thomas, an apostle of Jesus founded churches there in the first century AD. Portugese whom arrived in India in the 1500's converted many Indians to Christianity. The British too built many hospitals and schools and that was when many untouchables converted. (hospitals and schools built from Protestant missionaries were free.)

Sikhism

Sikhism was founded by a person named Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan. He began preaching as he wanted to find enlightment and God gave him a vision. 9 Gurus helped preached for him and they were known as his reincarnations after his death.

Sikhism too,rejects the caste system and combines the Muslim belief in one God and with the Hindu belief of reincarnation. It has 17 million followers and they are known as Sikhs and are known for their military skills.

Jainism

Jainism appeared in the 500's BC and was also against the caste system. The founder of Jainism was Mahavira.

Mahavira gave up his wealthy way of life and instead traveled throughout the world to spread his message and today, there are 3 million over followers in India who are known as Jains.

They believe in karma and reincarnation and some are fruitarian. (eat only fruit) They do not believe in violonce and have extended the Hindu ban on killing things, including insects. Today, there are many Jains whom are very wealthy and have high positions in the Indian economy.

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Tabblo made by MAUREEN TAN on 26th on April, 2009.

I hope you've learned alot through this Tabblo (:

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