Religions

BUDDHISM

--This religion is unlike any other religion. They do not believe in gods. They believe in kindness and life after death. If you live a good life, you will have a better life in the next life and it will build up good Karma. If you live a bad life, you will have bad Karma the next life. Meditation is important because it allows Buddhists to see how things are and to strengthen theirbeliefs. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is Enlightenment which leads to Nirvana.

--Buddhism is a religion that has a variety of traditions, beliefs, and practices largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly known as the Buddha.

--It was founded in India 2,500 years ago, He is recognized by Buddhists as an enlightened teacher.

--Buddhism currently has about376 million followers and is generally listed as the world's fourth largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

--Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle").

--Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world.

--Buddhism incorporates a variety of ritualsand practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. The practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and it derives directly from the Buddha’s experiences and teachings. Meditation is the central focus of Zen Buddhism and the only way to liberation in Theravada Buddhism.

Devotion is an important part of thepractice of most Buddhists.
Devotional practices include bowing, offerings, pilgrimage, and chanting. In Pure Land Buddhism, devotion to the Buddha Amitabha is the main practice. In Nichiren Buddhism, devotion to the Lotus Sutra is the main practice.

--The holy scripture is the Tripitaka.

--The basic teachings of Buddhism are called the Four Nobel Truths. The first truth is Life meanssuffering. To live means to suffer, because the human nature is not perfect and neither is the world we live in.

The second truth is the origin of suffering is attachment. This means that we suffer because of desire for possessions. The third truth is the cessation of suffering is attainable. This states that is people no longer desire for possessions, the suffering will stop. They can then achieve astate of nirvana, or a state of happiness and peace.
The fourth truth is the path to the cessation of suffering.

--Buddhists gather to honor The Buddha, to teach and to hear his wisdom in a temple. Buddhists go to temple, not at a special time or day, but when they can. It is commom for Buddhists to go on a full moon day. A Buddhist temple is called Vihara and is a place for education.--INTERESTING FACT:
Buddhist monks will refrain from eating meat if they are aware that an animal has been specially killed for the offering.

Alcohol or other forms of intoxicating drugs taken even in moderate quantities affect the mind. Keeping the mind clear and pure at all times is most important in Buddhist practise. Those who are following the path of purification should avoid themaltogether.

--SYMBOLS



JUDAISM

--Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers of Christianity and of Islam.

--Judaism is one of the oldest religions still existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering,persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture.

The three main types of Jews in Britain are:
1. Orthodox (the most religiously observant),
2. Reform and
3. Liberal

--Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion,...