World Religions Day Two

Today in class we learned about three new religions. This religions were Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. My notes will be listed below:

Hinduism (Hindu)

- 1.1 billion practicers
- Most commonly found in India and Nepal
- Holy book: The Vedas (composed in verse form; meant to be sung and memorized)
- No distinct founder - Series of intellectual and philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid, strict set of beliefs
- Probably the oldest religion still being practiced today
- Hinduism is more like a way of life or a faith
- Believes in reincarnation

Buddhism (Buddhists)

- 500 million to 1.5 billion practicers
- Commonly found in South East Asia, China, Nepal, and Japan
- Founder was Siddartha Guatama
- Denominations: Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, Amidist
- Four Noble Truths:
1. There is suffering
2. Attachment to desire is the origin of suffering
3. There is a cessation of suffering
4. The Eightfold path will lead you to cessation of suffering
The Eightfold Path:
1. Right view
2. Right intension
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right dedication

Judaism (Jews)
- 14-18 million practicers
- Commonly found in Israel and the US
- founder: Abraham
- Holy Book: Torah (first five books of the Old Testament)
- Beliefs: Ethical monotheism
- 13 principles of faith
- 10 commandments