Zoroastrianism Founder Origin History o Zoroaster o Circa

Zoroastrianism

Founder, Origin & History o Zoroaster o Circa 6000 BC o Persia

Adherents Worldwide o 200, 000

God(s) & Universe o One God, with two sides o Ahura Mazda -- Good o Angra Mainyu -- Evil

Human Situation & Life’s Purpose o Humans are free to do good or evil o Must choose the side of good

Afterlife o Judgment followed by heaven or hell o Hell is temporary until final purgation and return to Ahura Mazda

Practices o Good deeds o Charity o Equality o Hard work o Fire ritual

Texts o Zend Avesta

Hinduism

Founder, Origins & History o Indigenous Religion of India o Developed to present day

Adherents Worldwide o 900 Million

God(s) & Universe o One supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses o Monotheistic Trimurti statue of Brahma, Shiva & Vishnu symbolizing the supreme being. Ganesh

Human Situation & Life’s Purpose o Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion o But are able to escape o Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth o Reincarnation

Afterlife o Reincarnation until enlightenment is gained o Moksha

Practices o Yoga o Meditation o Devotion to a god or goddess o Pilgrimage to holy cities o Live according to one’s dharma (purpose or role in life)

Texts o The Vedas o Upanishads o Bhagavad-Gita o Ramayana

Buddhism o Dharma Wheels

Founder, Origins & History o Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) o Circa. 520 BC o North East India

Adherents Worldwide o 360 Million

God(s) & Universe o Varies Theravada – atheistic n Mayana – polytheistic Buddha taught that nothing is permanent n n

Human Situation & Life’s Purpose o The purpose is to avoid suffering o Gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth o Or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit o Reincarnation

Human Situation & Life’s Purpose, con’t o Four Noble Truths 1. Suffering exists 2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires 3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases 4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path

Human Situation & Life’s Purpose, con’t o Eightfold Path: Right View n Right Thought n Right Speech n Right Action n Right Livelihood n Right Effort n Right Mindfulness n Right Contemplation n

Afterlife o Reincarnation until enlightenment is gained o Nirvana

Practices o Meditation o Mantras o Devotion to deities (in some sects)

Texts o Tripitaka