BHUDDISM

Born as a Himalayan prince-a special person decided-at the age of 29-to leave his
comfort, to explore the world for the "truth", especially in regard to his fellow man's
suffering.

Around 500 b.c.e., Siddartha Gautama realized that his new found severe aesthetic life
was not leading him to the truth or to the Nirvana he sought after. After many days of
fasting, his personal awakening came when he realized that the middle way was the key
to man's enlightenment.

Although Buddhists don't believe in the concept of a "monotheistic G-D", Buddhism

believes in an ultimate reality. A Causeless cause of all causes, unlimited and indefinable,
and therefore non-discussionable as to the attributes of "THAT" which is.

The Buddha used reason and observation, over faith, to determine a path in which all
people may attain "Buddhi Enlightenment". Key to Bhuddism is leading a morally
righteous life.

As with it's sister religion, Hinduism, the concepts of Karma, eternal soul, and
reincarnation, play an important part of this religion/philosophy.

Bhuddism is the world's 4th largest religion(6%),with a large following in the U.S.

The 4 Noble Truths:

1. Suffering
2. Source of Suffering (Sensual Desire, Desire to Get, Desire to be Rid of)
3. Cessation of Suffering
4. The Way to Cessation of Suffering (the 8-fold path)
a. Wisdom
i. Perfect understanding
ii. Perfect aspiration
b. Morality
i. Perfect speech
ii. Perfect action
iii. Perfect livelihood
c. Concentration
i. Perfect effort
ii. Perfect mindfulness
iii. Perfect concentration

Bhuddism has three branches: Theravada (southern), Tibetan (northern), and Zen
HINDUISM

Hinduism may be the world's oldest monotheistic religion, dating back to 4000 b.c.e.

It is also the 3rd largest-13% of the world practices some variation, mostly prevalent in
INDIA.

Although Hinduism seems Polytheistic, due to its hundreds of Gods and Goddesses; at
the core, is the belief in a supreme "source-of-it-all"; which is called BRAHMA.

Included in their beliefs is Karma, the concept of re-birth and reincarnation according to
one's deeds and actions, also Darhma, which is one's duty to serve with selflessness and
devotion.

Introduced by Patanjali, Yoga or union is a system of integrating mind-spirit-body, to

discover the "essence" of oneself and the universe, through meditation.

Although Indias' Hindus are divided by castes, from the Brahmin to the Untouchables,
this incredible religion/philosophy, also introduced astronomy, astrology, metaphysics,
tarot, and many sciences, that today are part of the New age movement.

Essential Elements of Hinduism:

Harmony of religions : All true religions lead to the same goal. Revere all great teachers
and prophets of all religions, respect their teachings as the same eternal truths adopted
to the needs of different peoples at different times. Hindus do not seek to convert.

Incarnation : Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises, God

incarnates himself on earth to restore righteousness.

Non Violence : Non-violence, non-injury and non-killing (Ahimsa).

Doctrine of Karma : Belief in the doctrine of Karma and rebirth. Ignorance viewed as
cause of bondage.

Unity of Existence : All things and beings are the manifestation of one Supreme Being.
When the mind is transcendent through spiritual experience, the Universal spirit is seen
as the sole essence of the universe.

Dharma : Righteousness and good moral and ethical practices in accordance with the
scriptures. Includes all duties -- individual, social and religious.

Humanism : Equality of all human beings, regardless of caste, color and creed. Respect
and reverence for womanhood.

Atman : Essence of all living things and beings is Atman, infinite and eternal, unchanging
and indivisible. True nature of the individual is the Atman, which is one with the
underlying reality of the Universe. There is but one being, one reality "Thou art That".

Reality : The Supreme Reality (Brahman) is both formless and with form, impersonal and
personal, transcendent and imminent. The supreme reality becomes manifest in various
aspects and forms, and is known by various names. There are various ways by which
individuals, in accordance with his/her temperament can realize God.

Moksha : Freedom from cycle of birth and death. To make an individual a better person,
so that he/she can live harmoniously in this world and seek union with God.

Authority : Non-reliance on a single book. Has many sacred writings Vedas, Upanishads,
Brahma sutra, Sutras, Bhagwad Gita etc.
Islam is the world's fastest growing religion consisting of 1 billion+ followers...
22% of world's population.

Islamic followers are called Muslims, meaning "submit to the will of ALLAH.

Founded about 620 c.e. by the Prophet Mohammed in which it is said that the angel
Gabriel visited him during his meditations.

There are over 70 different groups. From the mostly traditional Sunni's, to the more
orthodox Shiites.

Islam shares common ancestry with both the Jews (and their prophets), and the
Christians, believing Jesus was a "prophet, detailed in the Koran (Qur'an)

The 5 Pillars of Islam:

1. There is no deity except Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah

2. Establish the ritual prayers
3. Give charity (to the needy)
4. Perform the pilgrimage to the House (of worship in Makkah)
5. Fast during the month of Ramadan