Hinduism is a religion, or a way of life,[note 1] found most notably in India and Nepal.

With over one billion followers,[web

1]

Hinduism is the world's third largest religion by population, and the majority religion

in India, Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). Hinduism has been called the "oldest religion" in the world,[note 2] with some
practitioners and scholars refer to it as Santana Dharma, "the eternallaw" or the "eternal way"[4] beyond human origins.
[5]

Scholars regard Hinduism as a fusion[note 3] or synthesis[6][note 4] of various Indian cultures and traditions,[7][note 5] with diverse

roots[8][note 6] and no founder.[9] This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, [10] after the Vedic
times.[10][11]
Although Hinduism contains a broad range of philosophies, it is linked by shared concepts, recognisable
rituals, cosmology, shared textual resources, pilgrimage to sacred sites and the questioning of authority.[12] Hindu texts are
classified into Shruti ("heard") andSmriti ("remembered"). These texts
discuss theology, philosophy, mythology, Vedic yajna, Yoga and agamic rituals and temple building, among other topics.
[13]

Major scriptures include the Vedas and Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Agamas.[14][15]

Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include the four Pururthas, the proper goals or aims of human life,
namely Dharma(ethics/duties), Artha (prosperity/work), Kama (emotions/sexuality) and Moksha (liberation/freedom);[16]
[17]

karma (action, intent and consequences), samsara (cycle of rebirth), and the various Yogas (paths or practices to attain

moksha).[18][19] Hindu practices include rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations, meditation, family-oriented rites of
passage, annual festivals, and occasional pilgrimages. Some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions,
then engage in lifelong Sannyasa (monastic practices) to achieve moksha.[20][21] Hinduism prescribes the eternal duties,
such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings (ahimsa), patience, forbearance, self-restraint, and compassion,
among others.[web 2][22]

Definitions
Hinduism includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable
religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic,
pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.[38][39][40] Because of the wide range of traditions and ideas
covered by the term Hinduism, arriving at a comprehensive definition is difficult. [24] The religion "defies our desire to define
and categorize it".[41] Hinduism has been variously defined as a religion, a religious tradition, a set of religious beliefs, and
"a way of life."[42][note 1] From a Western lexical standpoint, Hinduism like other faiths is appropriately referred to as a religion.
In India the term dharma is preferred, which is broader than the western term "religion". Hindu traditionalists prefer to call
it Sanatana Dharma (the eternal or ancient dharma).[43]
The study of India and its cultures and religions, and the definition of "Hinduism", has been shaped by the interests of
colonialism and by Western notions of religion.[44] Since the 1990s, those influences and its outcomes have been the topic
of debate among scholars of Hinduism,[45][note 10] and have also been taken over by critics of the Western view on India. [46][note 11]

Typology
Hinduism as it is commonly known can be subdivided into a number of major currents. Of the historical division into
six darsanas (philosophies), two schools, Vedanta and Yoga, are currently the most prominent.[47] Classified by primary
deity or deities, four major Hinduism modern currents are Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Devi)
andSmartism (five deities treated as same).[48][49] Hinduism also accepts numerous divine beings, with many Hindus
considering the deities to be aspects or manifestations of a single impersonal absolute or ultimate reality or God, while
some Hindus maintain that a specific deity represents the supreme and various deities are lower manifestations of this

supreme.[50] Other notable characteristics include a belief in existence of tman (soul, self), reincarnation of one's tman,
and karma as well as a belief in dharma (duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and right way of living).
Buddhism /budzm/[1][2] is a religion[note 1][3] and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual
practiceslargely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in India, from where it spread through
much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the middle ages. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are
generally recognized by scholars:Theravada (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great
Vehicle").
Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity of various teachings and
scriptures, and especially their respective practices.[4][5] Practices of Buddhism include Refuge, Samatha, Vipassan, the
Mahayana practice ofBodhicitta and the Vajrayana practices of Generation stage and Completion stage.
In Theravada the ultimate goal is the attainment of the sublime state of nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold
Path (also known as the Middle Way), thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.[6] Theravada has a
widespread following inSri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Mahayana, which includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon and Tiantai (Tendai), is found
throughoutEast Asia. Rather than Nirvana, Mahayana instead aspires to Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path,[8] a state
wherein one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings reach awakening. Vajrayana, a body of teachings
attributed to Indian siddhas, may be viewed as a third branch or merely a part of Mahayana. Tibetan Buddhism, which
preserves the Vajrayana teachings of eighth century India, [9] is practiced in regions surrounding
the Himalayas, Mongolia[10] and Kalmykia.[11] Tibetan Buddhism aspires to Buddhahood orrainbow body.[12]
Buddhists number between an estimated 488 million[web 1] and 535 million,[13] making it one of the world's major religions.
Buddhism is an Indian religion attributed to the teachings of Buddha.[14][15] The details of Buddha's life are mentioned in
many early Buddhist texts but are inconsistent, his social background and life details are difficult to prove, the precise
dates uncertain.[16][note 2]
The evidence of the early texts suggests that he was born as Siddhrtha Gautama in Kapilavatthu, a town in the plains
region of modern Nepal-India border, and that he spent his life in what is now modern Bihar[note 3] and Uttar Pradesh.[24]
[16]

Some hagiographic legends state that his father was a king named Suddhodana, his mother queen Maya, and he was

born in Lumbini gardens.[25]However, scholars such as Richard Gombrich consider this a dubious claim because a
combination of evidence suggests he was born in the Shakyas community one that later gave him the titleShakyamuni,
and the Shakya community was governed by a small oligarchy or republic-like council where there were no ranks but
where seniority mattered instead.[26][note 4] Some of the stories about Buddha, his life, his teachings, and claims about the
society he grew up in may have been invented and interpolated at a later time into the Buddhist texts. [29][30]

Jainism (/denzm/[1] or /danzm/[2]), traditionally known as Jain dharma,[3] is an ancient Indian religion belonging to
theramaa tradition. It prescribes ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings to the most possible extent. The three
main principles of Jainism are ahimsa, anekantavada (non-absolutism), aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Followers of
Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa, satya (not lying), asteya (non stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha.

Monks follow them completely whereas rvakas (householders) observe them partially. Self-discipline and asceticism are
thus major focuses of Jainism. Parasparopagraho Jivanam (The function of souls is to help one another) is the motto of
Jainism.
The word "Jain" derives from the Sanskrit word jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all inner passions
like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. is called Jina. Followers of the path practiced and preached by the jinas
are known as Jains.[3][4][5][6]
Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four teachers and revivers of the Jain path known as tirthankaras.
In the current era, this started with Rishabhanatha and concluded with Mahavira. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal; it
has been and will be forgotten and revived from time to time. Jain philosophy is the oldest Indian philosophy that
separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely.[7] Jains maintain that all living beings are really soul,
intrinsically perfect and immortal. Souls in transmigration (that is, liability to repeated births and deaths) are said to be
imprisoned in the body. Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the means to liberation. Jain texts reject the
idea of a creator deity and postulates an eternal universe. Jainism has a very elaborate framework on types of life and
includes life-forms that may be invisible.
Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism and adopted many Jain principles in his life.
The majority of Jains reside in India. With 4-6 million followers, Jainism is smaller than many major world religions.
Outside of India, some of the largest Jain communities are found in the United States, Europe, Kenya, and Canada.
Contemporary Jainism is divided into two major sects, Digambara and vtmbara.
Namokar Mantra is the basic and most common prayer in Jainism. Major Jain festivals
include Paryushana (aka Daslakshana),Mahavir Jayanti and Diwali.

Non-violence (ahis)[edit]
Main article: Ahimsa in Jainism

Painting depicting the message: "Ahis Parmo Dharma" (non-violence is the highest virtue or religion)

The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes Ahimsa in Jainism. The word in the middle is "ahimsa". The wheel represents
the dharmachakra, which stands for the resolve to halt thesasra through relentless pursuit of truth and nonviolence.

The principle of ahimsa (non-violence or non-injury) is the most fundamental and well-known aspect of Jainism. [8] The
everyday implementation of the principle of non-violence is more comprehensive than in other religions and is the
hallmark for Jain identity.[9][10]Jains believe in avoiding harm to others through thoughts (mana), speech (vchana), and
actions (kya).[11] According to the Jain text,Purushartha Siddhyupaya, "killing any living being out of passions
is his (injury) and abstaining from such act is ahimsa (non-injury)".[12]
Jains extend the practice of nonviolence not only towards other humans but towards all living beings. For this
reason, vegetarianism is a hallmark of Jain identity, with the majority of Jains practicing lacto vegetarianism. If there is
violence against animals during the production of dairy products, veganism is encouraged.[13]
After humans and animals, insects are the next living being offered protection in Jain practice, with avoidance of
intentional harm to insects emphasized. For example, insects in the home are often escorted out instead of killed. Jainism
teaches that intentional harm and the absence of compassion make an action more violent.

Christianity[note 1] is an Abrahamic monotheistic[1] religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as
presented in the New Testament and sacred tradition.
Christianity is the world's largest religion,[2][3] with over 2.4 billion adherents,[4][5][6][note 2] known as Christians.[note 3] Christians
believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity whose coming as the Messiah (the Christ) was
prophesied in the Old Testament.[7]
Christian theology is summarized in various creeds. These professions of faith state that Jesus suffered, died,
was buried, descended into hell, and rose from the dead, in order to grant eternal life to those who believe in him and trust
in him for the remission of theirsins. The creeds further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven, where he reigns
with God the Father in the unity of theHoly Spirit, and that he will return to judge the living and the dead and grant eternal
life to his followers. His Incarnation, earthlyministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection are often referred to as "the gospel",
meaning "good news".[note 4] The term gospel also refers to written accounts of Jesus's life and teaching, four of which
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Johnare considered canonical and included in the Christian Bible.
Christianity began as a Second Temple Judaic sect in the mid-1st century.[8][9] Originating in Judea, it quickly spread
to Europe, Syria,Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Egypt, Ethiopia, and India, and by the end of the 4th century had become the
official state church of the Roman Empire.[10][11][12] Following the Age of Discovery, Christianity spread to
the Americas, Australasia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest of the world through missionary work and colonization.[13][14]
[15]

Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping ofWestern civilization.[16][17][18][19][20]

Throughout its history, the religion has weathered schisms and theological disputes that have resulted in many distinct
churches anddenominations. Worldwide, the three largest branches of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church,
the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Protestantism, which is divided into many denominations. The Catholic and Eastern
Orthodox churches broke communion with each other in the East-West Schism of 1054; Protestantism came into
existence in the Reformation of the 16th century, splitting from the Roman Catholic Church.[21]

Creeds
Main articles: Creed Christian creeds and List of Christian creeds
Concise doctrinal statements or confessions of religious beliefs are known as creeds (from Latin credo, meaning "I
believe"). They began as baptismal formulae and were later expanded during the Christological controversies of the 4th
and 5th centuries to become statements of faith.
Many evangelical Protestants reject creeds as definitive statements of faith, even while agreeing with some or all of the
substance of the creeds. The Baptists have been non-creedal "in that they have not sought to establish binding
authoritative confessions of faith on one another."[24]:p.111 Also rejecting creeds are groups with roots in the Restoration
Movement, such as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Evangelical Christian Church in Canada, and
the Churches of Christ.[25][26]:1415[27]:123
An Eastern Christian icon depictingEmperor Constantine and the Fathers of the First Council of Nicaea (325) as holding the Niceno
Constantinopolitan Creed of 381

The Apostles' Creed remains the most popular statement of the articles of Christian faith which are generally acceptable
to most Christian denominations that are creedal. It is widely used by a number of Christian denominations for

both liturgical and catechetical purposes, most visibly by liturgical churches of Western Christian tradition, including
the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, Anglicanism, and Western Rite Orthodoxy. It is also used
by Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists. This particular creed was developed between the 2nd and
9th centuries. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the Creator. Each of the doctrines found in this creed
can be traced to statements current in the apostolic period. The creed was apparently used as a summary of Christian
doctrine for baptismal candidates in the churches of Rome.[28]