Lecture Notes: Overview of Major World Religions

Introduction

Humans have always pondered existential questions: origin, purpose, and afterlife.
Religions are belief systems that address these mysteries through faith and intuition of a higher power.

Origin: India; a collection of beliefs and practices, not a single religion.
Historical Figure: Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, around 5,000 years ago.
Key Concepts:
- Karma: Law of cause and effect.
- Dharma: Duty according to societal role.
- Reincarnation: Soul's rebirth based on karma.
- Samsara: Cycle of rebirth.
- Moksha: Liberation from samsara.
- Brahman: Ultimate reality; many gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, etc.).
Demographics: Third largest religion, predominantly in India.

Origin: Began 4,000 years ago, God called Abraham and Sarah.
Promises: Land and descendants in return for faith.
Historical Events:
- Enslavement in Egypt, liberation through Moses.
- Transition from temple-based to scripture-based practices post-Roman destruction.
Scriptures:
- Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and Talmud.
Practices:
- Passover symbolism, bar/bat mitzvah.
Demographics: 14 million worldwide; significant populations in Israel and the USA.

Origin: 2,500 years ago in India by Prince Siddhartha (Buddha).
Key Concepts:
- Middle Way: Balance between luxury and poverty.
- Eightfold Path: Steps to reduce suffering and reach enlightenment.
- Enlightenment (Buddhahood): Compassion, insight, peace.
Beliefs and Practices:
- Importance of actions over beliefs.
Demographics: Nearly a billion, mostly in Asia.

Origin: 1,400 years ago in Arabian desert by Muhammad.
Key Concepts:
- Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Saum, Hajj.
- Quran: Holy book, considered uncorrupted.
Beliefs: Submission to Allah's will.
Demographics: Over 1.5 billion Muslims globally.

Religion has been an integral part of culture, offering meaning beyond mundane existence, sin, and suffering.