HRT3M World Religions Exam Review PDF

HRT3M World Religions Exam Review Terms: Intro to world religions/Aboriginal Monotheism: Monotheism is the belief in the existence of only one God. This God is typically seen as the supreme, all-powerful, all-knowing being responsible for the creation and governance of the universe. Polytheism: Po...

HRT3M World Religions Exam Review Terms: Intro to world religions/Aboriginal Monotheism: Monotheism is the belief in the existence of only one God. This God is typically seen as the supreme, all-powerful, all-knowing being responsible for the creation and governance of the universe. Polytheism: Polytheism is the belief in and worship of multiple deities, gods, or goddesses, each often associated with specific aspects of life, nature, or concepts. In polytheistic traditions, these gods may have distinct personalities, powers, and areas of influence, such as creation, fertility, war, love, or wisdom. The deities can be seen as separate entities or part of a broader, interconnected pantheon. Smudging ceremony: A smudging ceremony is a spiritual ritual where you burn herbs, usually sage, to cleanse yourself, a space, or an object from negative energy. The smoke is believed to have purifying and healing qualities. Totem: A totem is a spiritual symbol—often an animal or natural element—that represents a person, group, or family. It carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning and is believed to offer guidance, protection, and connection to the natural world. Morning Dance: A Morning Dance is a spiritual and cultural practice that celebrates a new day, expressing gratitude, renewal, and connection to the natural world. It involves dance, song, and often the use of ceremonial regalia, and serves as a way to begin the day with positive, sacred energy. The exact form and purpose can vary widely depending on the specific traditions of the community or tribe. Sun Dance: The Sun Dance is a sacred and physically intense ceremony practiced by various Plains Native American tribes. It honors the Sun and is an act of spiritual renewal, healing, and sacrifice. Participants engage in dances, prayers, and sometimes physical trials to seek blessings, strength, and a deeper connection to the Creator. It is a communal event that fosters unity, healing, and spiritual growth, with the sacred tree and sun serving as central symbols in the ceremony. Pow wow: A pow wow is a vibrant, community-centered event that brings Native American people together to celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and drumming. It is a time to honor the traditions of the community, express gratitude, and maintain connections with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Native peoples. Whether competitive or ceremonial, powwows are an important expression of identity, unity, and continuity. Secularism: Secularism is the belief that religion should not interfere with government or public affairs. It ensures freedom of religion, promotes equality for all citizens regardless of their faith, and encourages policies and laws based on reason, science, and human rights rather than religious doctrines. Secularism protects both the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely and the neutrality of the state in religious matters. Longhouse: A longhouse is a traditional dwelling used by Indigenous peoples of the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of North America. It is a large, communal structure that housed multiple families and served as the center of social, cultural, and ceremonial life. Built from natural materials like wood, bark, and mats, the longhouse symbolized unity, cooperation, and communal living. For groups like the Haudenosaunee, the longhouse also held deep spiritual and political significance as a representation of peace, family, and governance. Although the longhouse is less common today, it remains an important symbol and is still used in some ceremonial contexts. Creation stories: Creation stories provide powerful explanations for the origins of the world, life, and human beings in various cultures. They often reflect spiritual beliefs, moral lessons, and the relationship between people and nature. From the Haudenosaunee's Sky Woman to the Hopi’s emergence and the Aboriginal Dreaming, these stories offer insight into how Indigenous peoples have understood their place in the world and their connection to the earth, the cosmos, and their ancestors. Medicine wheel: The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol used by the indigenous Plains tribes to represent all knowledge of the universe. The Medicine Wheel is a symbol of hope — a movement toward healing for those who seek it. The circle of the Medicine Wheel represents the sacred outer boundary of the Earth, often called the Sun Dance Circle or the Sacred Hoop. Its circular shape represents the continuous pattern of life and death, the path of the sun and moon, the shape of a family home (the tipi), the shape of the drum, and other significant pieces of Lakota culture. The wheel is often used as a tool for understanding the cyclical nature of life, healing, and balance. Vision question: A vision quest is a spiritual journey or rite of passage practiced by many Indigenous cultures in North America, especially among tribes like the Lakota, Ojibwe, and other Plains and Woodland peoples. The purpose of the vision quest is to seek personal insight, guidance, or a spiritual revelation, often involving a deep connection with nature and the spirit world. Hinduism Puja: Puja is the act of showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals. An essential part of puja for the Hindu devotee is making a spiritual connection with the divine. Samsara: Samsara in Hinduism is the name for the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Bodhisattva: ​The notion of the Bodhisattva is also found in Hinduism but with distinct nomenclature and meanings. In Hinduism, avatars of deities such as Lord Krishna or Lord Rama are frequently considered as embodying Bodhisattva attributes like selflessness, compassion, and commitment to the benefit of humanity. Dharma: Dharma is the duties a Hindu should follow in their life. There are various types of dharma for a Hindu. Some are personal duties and some are eternal duties, meaning that they are for everyone. Meditation: Meditation has been integral to Hindu and Buddhist tantric traditions, in particular involving visualization or visual contemplation, practiced as part of ritual and also in its own right in order to achieve the goals of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and also to achieve pleasure or power Yoga: It is a Hindu discipline and is part of a Hindu's spiritual journey. It allows for loving service to God and unites Hindus in their pursuit of moksha. Moksha: The freedom from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This is the ultimate goal of an individual who practices Hinduism. Moksha is derived from the Sanskrit word, muc, which means to free. Ahimsa: The Hindu belief that symbolizes love, genuine care, and compassion towards all living beings. The principle of ahimsa extends far beyond avoiding causing physical harm; it also includes avoiding causing harm through speech and thought. Ahimsa is non-injury in mind, speech, and action towards any creature. Caste system: Dating back more than 3,000 years, the caste system divides Hindus into four main categories - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras based on who they were in their past life, their karma, and what family line they come from. Brahmins- people from the priestly caste in Hinduism, the highest-ranking caste. Kshatriyas- represent the warrior caste within Hindu culture and are the second-highest caste in the Varna system Vaishyas- sacrifice, giving gifts, agriculture, breeding, and trade. Shudras- They are the only caste expected to accept another's employment and are expected to be loyal, hard workers who toil for the benefit of the other three castes. Various symbols: 1. Om (ॐ) Represents the sound of the universe and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Significance: Used in meditation and prayer for spiritual awakening. 2. Swastika (卐) Symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Significance: Represents the cycle of life, creation, and renewal. 3. Trishula (Trident) A three-pronged spear, associated with Shiva. Significance: Symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. 4. Lotus (Padma) Symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment. Significance: Represents growth and beauty rising from the mud (worldly challenges). 5. The Cow Sacred, represents gentleness and nourishment. Significance: Revered as a symbol of life and the divine, especially linked to Krishna. 6. Kalash (Sacred Pot) Pot filled with water, mango leaves, and coconut. Significance: Symbol of prosperity, divine blessings, and abundance. 7. Shree Yantra (Sri Yantra) A sacred geometric symbol of the goddess Tripura Sundari. Significance: Represents cosmic creation and spiritual power. 8. Bindi Decorative mark on the forehead. Significance: Symbolizes the third eye, representing spiritual insight. 9. Conch Shell (Shankha)A sacred shell blown during rituals. Significance: Represents the sound of the cosmos and purification. 10. Tree of Life (Kalpavriksha)A wish-fulfilling tree. Significance: Symbolizes abundance and divine blessings. 11. Divine Footprints Footprints of gods like Vishnu or Shiva. Significance: Represents the divine presence and the path to enlightenment. 12. Chakras Energy centers in the body. Significance: Each chakra governs aspects like survival, love, communication, and spirituality. Christianity Martin Luther - a German theologian, professor, pastor and church reformer. He began the protestant reformation with the publication of his ninety-five theses on october 15th, 1517. Protestant Reformation - a religious reform movement that occurred during the 1500s resulting in a creation of a branch of Christianity called protestantism. Nicene creed - a statement of beliefs established by emperor Constantine and 300 church leaders in 325 CE. The nicene creeds key points: 1.​ Creation: the whole universe is God’s creation 2.​ God: (monotheistic) God is a supreme being who is merciful, forgiving and chooses to be a friend to people. Christianity focuses upon Gods love for humanity 3.​ The Holy Trinity: the Father, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, are all bound together as one God in the Holy Trinity, 4.​ Salvation and Eternal Life: Christians believe that Jesus was human and that he suffered and died to accomplish the forgiveness of sin for human salvation. Jesus’ mission was to bridge the gap between God and humanity to open the way for eternal life in heaven. 5.​ The Last Judgement: the belief that Jesus will come back to make a last judgment to determine which humans will join him in heaven Trinity - the holy trinity is the belief that God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit are all bound together as one God in the Holy Trinity. Nostra Aetate: Nostra Aetate is a declaration from the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), specifically Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965. The Latin phrase "Nostra Aetate" translates to "In Our Time." Roman emperors: Roman emperors played crucial roles in shaping the history of the empire, from its rise under Augustus to its ultimate division and fall. They were instrumental in military conquests, administrative reforms, and religious transformations, with figures like Constantine and Justinian standing out for their lasting impact on world history. Jerusalem: Jerusalem is one of the most significant and historically rich cities in the world. It holds profound religious, cultural, and political importance, especially in the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Schism: A schism represents a deep division within a religious community, often arising from disagreements over key theological, political, or cultural issues. These splits have shaped the history of religions and continue to influence religious practices and relationships to this day. Whether in Christianity, Islam, or other faiths, schisms have had profound impacts, leading to both conflict and the growth of new traditions. Lent: Lent is a significant period of penance, prayer, and fasting observed by many Christian denominations. It spans 40 days (excluding Sundays) and prepares Christians for the celebration of Easter, the most important event in the Christian liturgical calendar, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Islam Muhammad and his life Early years: -​ muhammed was born in the city of mecca om 570CE. Both his mother and father we dead by the time he was six and is grandfather and later his uncle took care of him. -​ As a young adult he worked as a camel driver and traveled with his uncle seeing various cultures and religions -​ He worked for and later married a rich merchant which allowed him to travel , encountering different faiths and customs. -​ Riches didn’t satisfy him and he began to question his life and the world around him. Muhammand’s Revelation: -​ Muhammad had begun to spend time in solitude, preoccupied with questions that troubles him -​ The angel gabriel came to him and said “oh muhammad, you are the messenger of god” -​ Similar encounters continued to happen and he accepted role as a prophet -​ He was one of the lineage prophets that include abraham, moses and Jesus -​ Muhammade openly declare\ -​ That there was only one God as muhammads followers increased, so did the unease among opposition Flights to medina Life in medina -​ Muhammad arrived in medina as the new leader, bearing tremendous responsibility -​ Muhammad had to protect islam from opposition to find a peaceful solution to the local feuds -​ When muhammad instructed his followers to pray towards mecca instead of jerusalem, tension grew  -​ The muslims gained power and recognition -​ Mecca summited to the muslims, muhammaed entered the city and headed directly to the Ka’Bah from that moment Ka’Bah became the principal holy place for muslims Muhammads last years Five Pillars Shahada - the declaration of faith in allah. “There is no god but allah, and muhammad is the messenger of allah” Salat - prayer towards mecca five times daily (at sunset, in the evening, at dawn, at noon, and in the afternoon). A mosque is where muslims gather to pray but it is acceptable to pray alone. Women pray behind men or in a separate room. Each prayer involves bowing positions or “rakahs”. Zakat - almsgiving or welfare contribution Sawm - fasting during ramadan. The month of ramadan ends and the festival Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca which every muslim is expected to make at least once. Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place or shrine unlike the other pillars, this can be skipped if it involves great hardships. Caliph Ka’ba(h) The holy sanctuary that Abraham built. It is a cube, 40m in height, width, and length, the door is 7ft and curtains and carpets cover most of the outside. Mecca: The city where muhammad was born Imam: The religious leader who leads prayers and gives sermons. Ramadan: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the most important and sacred months for Muslims. During this time, Muslims observe fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, with the primary focus being on spiritual growth and self-discipline. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah (God), foster a sense of unity and empathy within the community, and increase devotion. Prophets: In Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, prophets are revered as individuals chosen by God to deliver His message to humanity. They serve as intermediaries, guiding people toward righteousness and reminding them of their moral and spiritual duties. While the specific prophets and their stories vary across these faiths, the concept of prophecy plays a central role in all three Abrahamic religions. Below is an overview of the role of prophets in each of these traditions, with a focus on some key figures. Islam: Islam is a monotheistic faith that emphasizes submission to Allah, following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad. It is built upon the Five Pillars of Islam and teaches values of charity, justice, and personal responsibility. The Islamic community is bound by faith, prayer, and mutual support, with an emphasis on moral conduct and spiritual growth. Islam has a rich tradition of scholarship, ethics, and law, influencing millions of lives around the world. Mosque: ​A mosque is a place of worship in Islam, where Muslims gather to perform their prayers (Salah) and engage in community activities. The mosque is central to the spiritual, social, and communal life of Muslims. It is not just a place of prayer, but also a center for learning, charity, and social gatherings. Cultural impact: The cultural impact of Islam is vast and continues to shape the lives of billions of people across the globe. From art and architecture to literature, science, and social systems, Islamic culture has contributed deeply to the world’s intellectual, spiritual, and material heritage. It has not only influenced Muslim-majority regions but has also shaped the broader global cultural landscape through centuries of interaction, exchange, and innovation. Buddhism Tenzin Gyatso -​ He describes himself as à buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6th of july 1935, to à farming family, in à small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the child, then named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyasto. Dalai Lama -​ 14th Dalai Lama (born July 6, 1935, Taktser, Tibet) is the title of the Tibetan Buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso, the first Dalai Lama to become a global figure, largely for his advocacy of Buddhism and of the rights of the people of Tibet. -​ Dalai Lama means Teacher or Leader Reincarnation -​ Transference of one’s mind or consciousness into new bodies after death -​ Buddhists believe that when someone dies, they will be reborn again as something else. What they are reborn as depends on their actions in their previous life ( karma. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.). The cycle of rebirth is called samsara. Sangha -​ The sangha is the Buddhist community, it is the men, women and children who follow the teachings of the Budda. Four sights - The Four Sights are events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (who later became the Buddha) that caused him to realize the suffering inherent in life and ultimately led him to leave his royal life in search of a deeper understanding of existence. The Four Sights are: 1.​ Old Age – Seeing the inevitable process of aging. 2.​ Sickness – Witnessing the suffering caused by illness. 3.​ Death – Encountering the reality of death and mortality. 4.​ A Holy Man (Ascetic) – Meeting a peaceful ascetic who renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual liberation. Buddha -​ The Teacher (guide)  -​ Buddha refers to Siddhartha Gautama, a spiritual teacher who lived around the 5th to 4th century BCE in what is now Nepal and northern India. He is considered the founder of Buddhism and is regarded as the "Enlightened One" or "Awakened One." The term "Buddha" itself means "one who has awakened" or "one who is enlightened." 5 precepts -​ Buddhism does not have any laws handed down by a God to follow. They may be wrong for one person but right for another. It is your karma on the line. There is no judgment in Buddhism. Instead of rules, Buddhism has goals and guidelines 1.​ I will not take life 2.​ I will not take what is not given 3.​ I will not be greedy 4.​ I will not say what is not true 5.​ I will not cloud my mind with alcohol or drugs Stupa -​ The stupa is an important form of Buddhist architecture, it is generally considered to be à sepulchral monument, à place of burial or à receptacle for religious objects. Theravada -​ Theravada is one of the oldest and most traditional schools of Buddhism, often referred to as the "Teaching of the Elders." -​ The central focus of Theravada Buddhism is the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon (also known as the Tripitaka), which is considered the earliest and most authentic collection of the Buddha’s teachings. In Theravada, the goal of spiritual practice is to attain Nirvana—the cessation of suffering and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). This is achieved through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom Judaism Rosh hashanah -​ The Jewish new year lasts for ten days and is a way to ask for forgiveness for any mistakes in the past year. On this day there is à ritual to bring everyone together. Hanukkah -​ The best-known of the jewish holidays is the festival of dedication or the festivals of lights. À candle is lit for each of the eight days in à special candelabrum or menorah. The menorah has 9 branches, one for each of the eight nights of hanukkah and à ninth for the candle known as the shammus, which is often placed in the center and used to light the other candles. Families gather to light the candles and recite special blessings Yom Kippur -​ The last day of Rosh hashanah. One of the most important religious days. There is à service to forgive mistakes and bring people together in one place. Tallit -​ When they worship or study, jewish men wear à shawl while praying. The fringes of the tallis are à reminder of God’s commandments and the necessity of keeping these commandments. Kippah -​ Sometimes called à Yarmelka (yiddish) or à skullcap, is à small round cap worn on the head. Usually worn by men. Some jews wear it all day, only while eating, praying, or studying. It signifies that human beings are beneath, or dependent on God. Minyan -​ The minimum number of males (10) required to constitute à representative “community of Israel” for liturgical purposes. À jewish boy of 13 may form part of the quorum after his Bar mitzvah. Rabbi -​ À jewish teacher, especially one who studies or teaches Jewish laws. (à religious leader) Pesach -​ The feast of Passover, known to be an extremely important holiday because it is to remember the freeing of the Hebrews from slavery. During the entire week of pesach, jews do not eat anything chametz, or leavened, in order to commemorate the haste in which the Hebrews had to flee from their oppressor. Tefillin -​ Are small leather boxes with straps that can be tied on the arm and around the head. Tefillin are worn during morning prayers, except on shabbat and festivals. Wearing this is à reminder of God’s commandments. The tefillin on the arm represents the opportunity to serve God with the body through doing commandments, and on the head represents the opportunity to serve God with the mind through study and belief. Synagogue -​ À jewish house of worship and à place where worshippers are brought together. Menorah -​ One of the oldest symbols of the jewish faiths is the menorah, à seven-branched candelabrum used in the temple. It is à symbol of the nation of Israel and the mission to be “à light unto the nations”. Star of David -​ The six-pointed star is à relatively new symbol of Judaism, becoming popular only in the last 200 years. It is named after king david, whom legend tells us had à shield with this star on it. Shabbat -​ Starts on Friday evening to Saturday evening. -​ The jewish day of rest and celebration Sikhism Guru Nanak -​ Guru nanak was born à hindu -​ He was the founder of the religion sikhism -​ The first guru of sikhs -​ He built the first Gurdwara Gurdwara -​ The gurdwara is the sikh place of learning and worship where the community gathers. Guru -​ À guru is à spiritual teacher, mentor, and guide who provides guidance, wisdom, and support to their disciples or followers on their spiritual journey. Guru Granth Sahib -​ The final guru -​ It's the most sacred text -​ À collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the sikh gurus Waheguru -​ One god called Waheguru, meaning “wonderful lord” 5 K’s -​ Kesh: hair is seen as à sign of vanity. Sikhs care for their hair and it is grown to show that they work for God. Hair must be kept clean and tidy, which is why they wear à turban. -​ Kara: sign of strength, worn on the right wrist. -​ Kirpan- Short sword, serves as à symbol of dignity and self-respect, as well as à reminder to fight in the defense of truth. -​ Kaccha: introduced in times of war because they were more practical during battle. -​ Kangha: is used to keep the hair tidy. Questions What is religion? What features do all religions share? Apply these features to each of the world religions studied in class. Religion is the human response to the mysteries of life and death for a particular person in time. Religion deals with a dimension that is well beyond reasoning. That dimension is faith. Science and math deal with problems; religion responds to mystery. Key elements of religion: 1.​ Religion: human response to whatever the answer to the myster of life is for a particular person 2.​ Dogma: an attempt to verbalize what is believed; in short a statement of belifs 3.​ Worship: the acting out human response which seem appropriate to whatever a person believes is the ultimate answer to life’s mysteries. 4.​ Morality: the response to what is right and wrong 5.​ Church: when dogma, worship and, morality are organised and agreed upon by a group of people, those people form a community of believers What is the faith’s concept of G(g)od?​ Leaders/founders i.e. Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Muhammad, Dalai Lama -​ CHRISTIANITY : Jesus christ -​ Christianity believes that Jesus Christ is both its leader and founder. Christians believe that Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth to teach about God's love, salvation, and the Kingdom of God. His teachings, death, and resurrection are considered the foundation of the Christian faith. -​ While Jesus is viewed as the central figure and divine leader, many Christians also recognize the role of the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, in spreading Christianity after Jesus' death. The Christian Church itself was formally established after Jesus' resurrection, with the apostles as its initial leaders. -​ Over time, various denominations (e.g., Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant) have developed different views on leadership, with figures such as the Pope in Roman Catholicism or various Protestant leaders serving as key figures in guiding their respective communities. However, all Christians ultimately recognize Jesus Christ as the spiritual head of the Church. -​ JUDAISM : Abraham, Moses & God -​ Abraham: Often considered the "father" of the Jewish people, Abraham is regarded as the first patriarch in Jewish tradition. God made a covenant with him, promising that his descendants would become a great nation. This is seen as the foundational moment in the establishment of the Jewish people. -​ Moses: A central figure in Judaism, Moses is regarded as the greatest prophet and leader. He is credited with leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) from God on Mount Sinai. The Torah outlines the laws and commandments that guide Jewish life and belief. -​ God: In Judaism, God (referred to as Yahweh or Hashem) is the ultimate authority and leader. The relationship between God and the Jewish people is central to Jewish belief. God is seen as the creator and ruler of the universe, and the Jewish people are understood to have a unique covenant with God. -​ ISLAM: Prophet Muhammad & Allah -​ In Islam, the founder and central figure is Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as the final prophet and messenger of God (Allah). Muslims believe that Muhammad received divine revelations from Allah, which were later compiled into the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. -​ In Islam, Allah is the one and only God, and all Muslims believe that ultimate leadership belongs to Allah. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and his will is expressed through the Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. -​ HINDUISM: Gods & Goddesses -​ In Hinduism, leadership is often attributed to various deities (gods and goddesses), who are considered to be manifestations of the one supreme reality, Brahman. These gods and goddesses provide spiritual guidance, moral lessons, and the foundations of religious practice. -​ Brahman: The ultimate, formless, and all-encompassing reality in Hinduism. While not a personal "leader" in a traditional sense, Brahman is the source of all creation and the fundamental reality that underlies everything in the universe. -​ Vishnu: One of the most important deities in Hinduism, Vishnu is considered the preserver and protector of the universe. He is believed to incarnate on Earth in various forms (avatars) to restore cosmic order and righteousness. His avatars include: -​ Rama (the hero of the Ramayana, a prince who exemplifies dharma or righteous living) -​ Krishna (a central figure in the Bhagavad Gita, a divine guide who imparts spiritual wisdom) -​ Shiva: The god of destruction and regeneration. Shiva is considered both a destroyer and a transformer, making space for new creation and spiritual renewal. He is revered in many forms and is central to Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. -​ Devi (The Goddess): The Divine Feminine, worshipped in many forms, such as Durga (the warrior goddess), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom and  knowledge). Hinduism recognizes the divine as both male and female, and goddesses hold an important position in the religion. -​ GANDHI: He was a strong advocate of independence for India and influenced many Indians of the time. -​ SIKHISM: Guru Nanak -​ Sikhs believe that their faith was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century. He is regarded as the first Guru and the central figure in the founding of Sikhism. Guru Nanak’s teachings laid the foundation for the Sikh religion, which emphasizes the oneness of God, equality, social justice, and the importance of living a truthful and humble life. -​ BUDDHISM: Buddha -​ Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha. The term "Buddha" means "the Enlightened One" or "the Awakened One." Siddhartha Gautama's teachings form the core of Buddhist philosophy, and he is regarded as the founder of Buddhism, though in Buddhism, there is also an emphasis on personal spiritual practice and self-enlightenment rather than a central figure of leadership as in some other religions -​ DALAI LAMA -​ The Dalai Lama is a revered spiritual leader, a teacher of compassion and wisdom -​ Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two and was enthroned as the spiritual and political leader of Tibet at age 15. (The current Dalai Lama) Major sacred writings (i.e. Koran, Bible, Torah, etc.) Bible: is à collection of books. It is divided into Two sections. 1)​ Old testament 2)​ New testament The Old Testament: Christians call this section of the bible the Pentateuch. Jews refer to the OT as the Torah. Many believe the OT shows how the Jews gradually came to learn more about what God was like. The New Testament The Gospels: There are Four Gospels. They are: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Gospel means “Good News” The Gospels have stories about Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. The Passion refers to Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. The Gospels explain Jesus’ teachings.  The Gospels focus mainly on the last week of Jesus’ life. Matthew, Mark and Luke are very similar and therefore are called the Synoptic Gospels. John’s Gospel was different and written at a later date. The Acts of the Apostles: “Book of Acts” Apostle: Early Christian Preachers and friends of Jesus. About the “actions” of the apostles, mainly St. Paul, preaching to people about Jesus. Letters: (Epistles) Written by St. Paul Contain advice to fellow Christians offering advice on being a Christian, and how Christians should live. Written during the time where Christians were being persecuted. Revelations: (Apocalypse) Last book of the Bible. It was written to encourage people who were being persecuted because they were Christian. Torah: The Torah is one of the most important terms in Judaism. The word Torah means instruction and it refers to the will of God that is revealed to humanity. It can also be loosely translated as law and it sets out the laws that guide human behaviour. The word Torah also refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which tradition teaches were given by God to Moses. The five books of the Torah are the central statement of the religious laws of Judaism. The Hebrew Bible has three major parts: The Torah, the Prophets and Writings. In Hebrew the words Torah, Prophets and Writings begin with the letters T, N, and K. The Hebrew Bible is therefore referred to as the Tanakh. Qur’an (Koran): is the holy book of Islam, considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam and is regarded as the final and complete revelation, following earlier scriptures like the Torah (given to Moses) and the Gospel (given to Jesus) in Islamic tradition. It is in Arabic and is believed to be preserved in its original form without alteration. Hinduism Sacred books: The main Hindu scriptures which are written in Sanskrit are the: VEDAS (the oldest which contains hymns, mythological, poems, prayers) BRAHMANAS ( Rules of worship) and UPANISHADS (answers to questions on life and death) Guru Granth Sahib: The sacred book of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib, often referred to as the Adi Granth. It is considered the eternal Guru (spiritual guide) by Sikhs and is regarded with the utmost reverence. The Guru Granth Sahib contains the teachings, hymns, and writings of Sikh Gurus, as well as those of various saints and spiritual leaders from other religious traditions, emphasizing the universality of its message. Teachings