1. From the hearth of South Asia
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism

2. Hinduism
It teaches its disciples that the principles of life can be discovered through meditation, and has no Holy Book.
However, writings like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita provide guidance and inspiration
They speak of an ancient struggle between order and chaos.
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world with 1 billion adherents (followers), and the most popular religion in India and Nepal

3. Hinduism Hinduism is the third largest religion Began 4,000 years ago
The practice of Hinduism began before the Aryans arrived, and involved ritual bathing, and a belief in reincarnation
The Aryans named it, created holy books, and developed the caste system
It can be described as polytheistic or monotheistic (Brahman)

4. Diffusion of Hinduism
Hinduism began in what is now Pakistan, and diffused to India and Southeast Asia
How it diffused is unclear
Christianity’s influence weakened the caste system
Islam led to Sikhism, which rejects the worship of idols and the caste system, but retains reincarnation and karma
Buddhism and Islam now dominate SE Asia
Indonesia has the world’s highest concentration of Muslims
Today, most Hindus live in India

5. Hinduism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide
God(s) and Universe
Human Situation and Life’s Purpose
Afterlife
Practices
Texts
Indigenous religion of India
900 million
One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses
Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape.
Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth.
Reincarnation until gain enlightenment
Yoga, meditation, worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role).
The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, etc.

6. Buddhism Buddhism began in Nepal around 500 b.c.e.
Today, there are over 350 million adherents, mostly located in East and Southeast Asia

7. Buddhism
Prince Siddhartha Gautama lived a life of great luxury. One day, he looked out his palace walls and was shocked by all the suffering he saw
This prompted him to leave his family and seat out in search of the truth: suffering is caused by human desire. Gautama then became known as “Buddha”, or enlightened one.
He said salvation can be obtained by anyone, regardless of their social position
Enlightenment comes through knowledge, elimination of greed, craving, and desire; complete honesty; and never harming a human or animal

8. Diffusion of Buddhism
Buddhism diffused from India under the influence of Emperor Asoka
He made his state a Buddhist state, and sent out missionaries to other countries
It spread throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia, but declined in India
It thrives in Sri Lanka, SE Asia, Nepal, Tibet, and Korea
Today it has 347 million adherents

9. Buddhism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide
God(s) and Universe
Human Situation and Life’s Purpose
Afterlife
Practices
Texts
Founded by
Siddharta
Gautama (the
Buddha) in c.
520 BC, NE
India.
360 million
Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent.
Purpose is to
avoid suffering
and gain
enlightenment
and release from
cycle of rebirth,
or at least attain
a better rebirth
by gaining merit.
Reincarnation
(understood
differently than in
Hinduism, with
no surviving
soul) until gain
Meditation, mantras,
devotion to deities
(in some sects),
mandalas (Tibetan)
Tripitaka (Pali
Canon); Mahayana
sutras like the Lotus
Sutra; others.

10. Sikhism
Sikhs live mainly in Northern India and practice a religion that is based on both Hindu and Islam
Like Hindus, Sikhs believe in reincarnation. Like Muslims, Sikhs believe in one God. Sikhs believe that God can be known through meditation, or a form of deep contemplation.
Sikhs believe that everyone has an equal status in the eyes of God
Today, there are 16 million Sikhs found mainly in India

11. Sikhism Chart Origins and History Adherents Worldwide
God(s) and Universe
Human Situation and Life’s Purpose
Afterlife
Practices
Texts
Guru Nanak, c AD, Punjab, India.
23 million
One God (Ik Onkar, Nam)
Overcome the self, align life with will of God, and become a "saint soldier," fighting for good.
Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God.
Prayer and meditation on God's name, services at temple (gurdwara), turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity.
Adi Granth (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)

12. The Sikh Next Door