Major World Religions Overview

Study Notes

Major World Religions

Buddhism recognizes inherent suffering. Individuals react to suffering in habitual ways. The goal is enlightenment and easing suffering.
Buddhist Practices: Mindfulness of breathing, cultivating loving-kindness (Metta Bhavana) and insight meditation (Vipassana) for understanding reality.
Buddhist Teachings: The Buddha's guidance on the spiritual path (Dharma).
Buddhist Celebrations: Parinirvana Day (February), Buddha Day (Wesak - May), and Dharma Day (July), Padmasambhava Day (October), and Sangha Day (November).

Christianity

Core Beliefs: Christians believe in a Trinitarian God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for sins and was resurrected.
Christian Practices: Baptism symbolizing spiritual rebirth and entry into the faith, and Communion to commemorate Jesus' sacrificial love.
Christian Celebrations: Christmas and Resurrection Sunday (Easter).

Hinduism

Core Beliefs: Hinduism encompasses various beliefs and practices without a single founder. It teaches reincarnation guided by Karma, with sacred texts like the Vedas and Mahabharata/Ramayana.
Hindu Practices: Observing fasts (Vrata) as acts of devotion, and ceremonies (Samskaras) marking significant life stages. Spiritual discourse (Satsang)
- Hindu Celebrations: Diwali and Navratri

Islam

Core Beliefs: Muslims believe in Allah as the one true God and Muhammad as the final prophet. The Quran is the sacred text.
Islamic Practices: Declaration of faith (Shahada), Five daily prayers (Salat), Charity to the poor (Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), and Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm).
Islamic Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Judaism

Core Beliefs: Jews believe in the God of Abraham, who liberated the Hebrew slaves and led them to the Promised Land. They anticipate the coming Messiah.
Jewish Practices: Day of rest (Shabbat) from Friday evening to Saturday evening, Dietary laws (Kashrut), and Circumcision (Brit Milah) to mark the covenant with God.
Jewish Celebrations: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot, and Sukkot.

Finding Meaning in Life

Viktor Frankl: Proposed humans have an innate drive to seek meaning in life.
Logotherapy: A form of psychotherapy focused on finding personal meaning, emphasizing:
- Creating work or doing deeds -Experiencing something or encountering someone -Maintaining a positive attitude toward unavoidable suffering.
Philosophical Emphasis: Encourages optimism, transforming suffering into achievement, and recognizing life's transitory nature.

Description

This quiz explores the core beliefs, practices, and celebrations of major world religions including Buddhism and Christianity. Test your knowledge on their teachings, rituals, and significant dates in their calendars.