Hinduism

Hinduism emerged in the first millennium of B.C.E. It was evolved after the invasion of Indo-Aryans in India. At first, they
are paganistic, they worshipped natural things such as mountains, moon, streams, etc. However, after some time, they
became interested on the concept of life and death. (Boncan, C. P., Camagay, M. T., Jose, R. T., Mateo, G. C., & Miranda,
E. A., 2005). This religion has three prominent gods namely: (Boncan, C.P. et al., 2005)

1. Brahma – The Creator

2. Vishnu – The Preserver of Life
3. Shiva – The Destroyer

One of the most prominent parts of Hinduism is their Caste System. This system is actually the division of people in the
society. These categories are (1) Brahmin (priest and scholar); (2) Kshatriya (leader and warrior); (3) vaishya (farmer,
artisan, and trader); (4) sudra (worker and slave) (Boncan, C.P. et al., 2005). Moreover, there are people that belong to
the outside of this system. They are called Untouchables. These people are the ones that do dirty and menial jobs. They
are also forbidden to mingle with other classes in the caste system especially on places like temples and public baths
(Boncan, C.P. et al., 2005).

Hinduism also believes in reincarnation. This concept is basically about the cycle of life and rebirth. This means that upon
death, the soul of that person is transferred to a higher or lower category of the caste system based on its karma. Karma
is the moral consequence or the actions of a person when he/she is still alive. Thus, whatever his attitudes and actions
on his past life, it will be manifested on his second life (Boncan, C.P. et al., 2005).

In present days, Hinduism is recorded to have about one billion followers worldwide. This religion is also the most
prominent in India where 80 percent of the population is Hindu (Britannica, 2019)

Buddhism

Buddhism emerged on India during the 6th century B.C.E. This religion does not have a “supreme being” but a teacher
and founder who is Siddharta Gautama Buddha. The prominent feature of this religion is the experience brought by
Buddha especially after meditating for 49 days and gained enlightenment. Upon his death, his followers compiled and
preserved his teachings. In this religion, they believed in The Four Noble Truths;

1. Life and Suffering cannot be separated

2. The source of suffering is desire for power, pleasure, and continued existence
3. Suffering can be removed if one gets rid of desire
4. Desire can be removed by following Eight Fold Path

The Eight fold paths are as follows: right thoughts, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood,
right awareness, and right concentration. People who are followers of this religion are called Buddhists. They do their
rituals and ceremonies. Thus, the main aim of Buddhism is to let go of ego and become free from the harmful chains of
this world. Moreover, peace can be achieved through meditation and moderation.

Islam

Islam actually means “peace” and there is also a record that it means “surrender” thus, combining it together, as a
whole, Islam means the peace felt by a person when he submits or surrenders himself to Allah. Followers of this religion
are called Moslems or Muslims. They follow the teachings of their sacred book of their faith called Qur’an. The doctrine
of Islam is based on the Five Pillars of Islam.

1. Shahada – There is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God
2. Salat – Praying five times a day (morning, noon, afternoon, sunset, evening)
3. Zakat – Being charitable: Helping people in need
4. Sawn – Ramadan (remembrance of the holy month). One month prayer and fasting from sunrise to sundown
5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca

Muslims believe that Jesus Christ is not a God but just a prophet. However, they recognize the Blessed Virgin Mary as his
mother. (may continuation pa po ito wait lang )))