World Religions Rich Summative Task

Wesley Carkner

Table of Contents: 4-8 Aboriginal Spirituality

9-12 Hinduism

12-16 Buddhism

17-18 Sikhism

19-21 Islam

22-25 Christianity

26-29 Judaism

30 About the Author

History: Aboriginal Spirituality history is endless, it is by far the oldest beliefs in the country of Canada and has many different beliefs

Aboriginal Spirituality

Beliefs: Canadian Aboriginals didn't believe in a 'god' but in a higher power called a Shaman or Angakut. The term 'Shaman' is often used by anthropologists to refer to Aboriginal healers. A Deity is similar to a Shaman, but of a lower position in a hierachy. They teach culture, proper behavior and provide sustenance to the tribe.

Rituals and Practices: Most rituals often have connections to the tribe, the spirit world, and the land. Canadians have many important ceremonies, some specific ones are the Sun Dance, Green Corn Ceremony and the Ojibwa Midewiwin ritual. However often smaller tribes have unique rituals and practices

Symbols: There is no official symbol of Native Spirituality. The symbol to the right is just one of the many symbols used to represent Native tradition. The circle is the circle of the earth, the circle of time, days, seasons, lunar cycles, the circle of the teepee, and ritual dances.



Sacred Writings: They did not have a written language.

Hinduism History: Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam. Roughly 95 percent of the world’s Hindus live in India.

Beliefs: It contains many different beliefs, philosophies and viewpoints, not always consistent with each other. They believe in many gods, which are seen as manifestations of a single unity. These deities are linked to universal and natural processes.

Rituals and Practices: A puja is a worship event for Hindus. Pujas can be very short and simple, or extremely elaborate. The most simple is the daily puja that the woman of the house performs. It might be as quick as a few minutes, or it might go on for fifteen or more. Life cycle rituals or samskaras, happen at certain stages of life. When a child is born, there will be a naming ceremony, and perhaps a hair shaving ceremony later on. There is a special ritual for marriages, and one for certain stages of pregnancy.

Sacred Writings: There are four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Vedas are the primary texts of Hinduism. They also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. 

Buddhism History: The founder of Buddhism in this world is Buddha Shakyamuni. He was born as a royal prince in 624 BC, when he was 29 years old he retired to the forest where he followed a spiritual life of meditation. After six years he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India.  These teachings which include the Sutra of the Four Noble Truths and other discourses, are the principal source of the Hinayana, or Lesser Vehicle, of Buddhism

Beliefs: To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom'. Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching. The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Practices and Rituals: Buddhism incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. For example, 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 is the central focus of Zen Buddhism and the only way to liberation in Theravada Buddhism.

Sacred Writings: The Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Mahayana Sutras and the Tibetan Book of the Dead are three major noncanonical Buddhist texts.

Sikhism History: Sikhism was born in the Punjab area of South Asia, which now falls into the present day states of India and Pakistan. The Sikh faith began around 1500 CE, when Guru Nanak began teaching a faith that was quite distinct from Hinduism and Islam. Nine Gurus followed Nanak and developed the Sikh faith and community over the next centuries

Practices and Rituals: The Sikh marriage is called Anand Karaj meaning 'blissful union'. Sikh weddings take place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. After a child is born, the baby is often taken to a Gurdwara for a naming ceremony. There are many other rituals in this religion.

Islam History: Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.