World Religions

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The best-known world religions are Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Bahá'í Faith, Daoism, Confucianism and Shintoismwhich are briefly described below.
In addition to Christianity, with around 2.3 billion people worldwide, there are nine other major religions (in descending numerical order):

Islam

The Islam has around 1.9 billion followers worldwide.

This means that the Islam the second largest religion in the world. Most Muslims live in Asia, particularly in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Iran. There are also large Muslim communities in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, as well as growing populations in North America and Australia.

The Islam is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the holy book Koran. Muslims believe in one God, Allahand follow the Five pillars of Islamwhich represent central practices of belief and action. The two largest currents in the Islam are the Sunnis and the Shiites.

The Islam is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the belief in a single God (Allah), the prophets, the Koran, the angels and the Last Day. The Five Pillars of Islam form the basis of Islamic practice and include the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage. The Islam attaches great importance to morality, ethical behavior, the community of believers and the responsibility of each individual before Allah.

'1. Belief in the one God (Allah)Monotheism (Tawhid): The Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion. Believers in the Islam believe in Allah as the only God. Allah is the creator of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient and merciful. He has no partner and no children. Belief in Allah is the central principle of the Islam.
Unity of God (Tawhid) means that Allah is unique in His essence, attributes and will and no entities or gods can be worshipped besides Him.

2. Faith in the angelsMuslims believe in angels as divine beings who serve Allah and perform certain tasks. They are invisible and cannot commit sins. One of the best-known angels is Jibril (Gabriel), who conveyed the revelations of Allah to the prophets.

3. Belief in the holy scripturesThe Islam recognizes several holy scriptures revealed by Allah. The most important are:
The KoranThe last and infallible word of God, which Muhammad received over 23 years through the angel Gabriel. The Koran is the central religious book of the Islam and is regarded as the final and perfect revelation.
The Taurat (the Torah), the Psalms (Zabur) and the Gospel (Injil)These books were previously revealed to prophets such as Moses, David and Jesus. The Qur'an considers these scriptures to be true, but they have been changed over time.

The Qur'an is the most important source of Islamic doctrine, law and moral values.

4. Faith in the prophetsThe Islam teaches the belief in the prophets as transmitters of the divine message. Muslims believe that Allah has sent prophets to many people over the centuries to proclaim his message.
The last and most important prophet of the Islam is Muhammad, who is regarded as the "seal of the prophets". He is the last one through whom the final revelation, the Koran, was sent. Other important prophets in the Islam are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and many others.
Muhammad is regarded as the perfect human being and the role model for all Muslims. His words and deeds are passed down in the hadiths, which are an important source for Islamic practice.

5. Belief in the Last Day (Day of Judgement)Muslims believe in a Last Day on which all people will be held accountable by Allah for their deeds in life. On this day, the universe will be destroyed and all people will be resurrected. Each person will be judged for their good and bad deeds, and the final judgment will determine whether they enter paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam).
The believers who have fulfilled their duty to Allah will find eternal joy in paradise, while those who have neglected their duties may be punished with hell.

6. The Five Pillars of Islam: The five pillars of the Islam are the basic religious duties that every Muslim should fulfill in order to lead a life pleasing to God. They are:

Shahada (profession of faith)The confession of Allah as the only God and of Muhammad as his prophet. It reads: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
Salad (prayer)Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha). These prayers serve to connect the believer with Allah and to ask him for guidance.
Zakat (alms)Muslims should donate a portion of their income to charity. Zakat is a mandatory contribution of 2.5 % of annual income to help the needy and promote social justice.
Sawm (fasting in Ramadan)During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to fast from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity in order to focus on spiritual purification and self-control.
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)Every Muslim who is financially and physically able should make the pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime. The Hajj is an important part of the Islamic faith and a sign of the unity of Muslims worldwide.

7. The concept of Allah's will (Qadar)Muslims believe in Qadar, which means belief in divine destiny. Everything that happens in the universe is determined by the will of Allah. At the same time, people have the freedom to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions.

8. The importance of the community (Umma)The Islam emphasizes the importance of the community (Ummah) of believers. Muslims are part of a worldwide community united by the common belief in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. The Ummah obliges the believers to solidarity, support and brotherhood.

9. The importance of morals and ethical valuesThe Islam places great emphasis on the development of moral and ethical values such as honesty, justice, compassion, modesty and respect for others. Muslims are encouraged to live their lives according to the principles of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
There are also numerous rules regarding interpersonal relationships, such as the treatment of parents, neighbors, orphans and the poor, as well as the importance of forgiveness and mercy.

10. Jihad (The holy war)The term jihad literally means "effort" or "struggle". It refers to the spiritual and moral struggle of a believer to become a better person and fulfill the will of Allah. The term is often misunderstood and in many contexts it is associated with violent acts. In its original context, jihad primarily means the inner struggle against sin and the pursuit of a righteous life.

Hinduism

Around 1.2 billion people, mainly in India and Nepal, are committed to the Hinduism.

The Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. The majority of Hinduists lives in India, where about 80 % of the population belong to this religion, and in Nepal, where the Hinduism the state religion, and in Bangladesh, Indonesia and other South Asian countries.

There are also significant Hindu communities in Western countries, particularly as a result of migration, for example in the USA, the UK, Canada, Fiji and Mauritius. The Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and is characterized by a variety of practices, philosophies and traditions, with no unified structure or sacred scripture as in the Christianity or Islam has.

The Hinduism is a religious tradition based on a deep spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment, the overcoming of suffering and union with the divine. Its central beliefs include the idea of Brahman as the supreme god, Atman as the immortal soul, the laws of karma, the cycle of samsara and the goal of moksha liberation. In addition, the practice of yoga, meditation and the worship of deities play a central role in the daily lives of believers.

1. Monotheism and polytheism: Belief in the supreme being (Brahman): The Hinduism believes in a single, infinite and all-encompassing divine principle called Brahman, which forms the basis of the universe. Brahman is seen as transcendent and immanent, i.e. it is both beyond all forms and present in everything.
Various deitiesAlthough Brahman is the highest principle, in practice it is often worshipped through various deities who represent aspects of Brahman. These deities, such as Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer) and many others, are part of the diversity in the Hinduism. Each deity has its own history, aspects and forms of worship.

2. Atman (the immortal soul): In the Hinduism every human being is regarded as a part of the infinite Brahman, and the true self of a human being is the Atman, the immortal soul. The atman is divine and imperishable, it is not affected by birth and death, but is involved in an eternal cycle of rebirth (samsara).

3. Samsara and reincarnation: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Hindus believe that the soul is reborn in a new body after death. This rebirth is dependent on karma, the actions of an individual in the previous life. Good deeds lead to a better rebirth, while bad deeds lead to a worse life.
The ultimate goal of the Hindu is to escape from this cycle of samsara and attain moksha.

4. Karma and Dharma: Karma is the law of cause and effect. It states that every action - whether good or bad - has consequences that manifest themselves in the next life. Karma influences a person's life and determines their rebirth.
Dharma refers to the ethical and moral duties of an individual that are in harmony with the cosmic order and social norms. Dharma is individual and can vary according to age, gender, profession and social status.

5. Moksha (liberation): Moksha is the ultimate goal of the Hinduism and means liberation from samsara, the cycle of rebirth and suffering. Moksha is achieved when the soul realizes its true nature and unites with Brahman. This happens through spiritual realization, devotion, meditation and following the divine principles.

6. The sacred scriptures of HinduismThe Hinduism has a large number of holy scriptures. The most important are:

Vedas: The oldest and most sacred texts of the Hinduismwhich contain liturgical hymns, prayers and philosophical teachings.
UpanishadsPhilosophical writings that provide deeper spiritual insights into Brahman, Atman and the nature of reality.
Bhagavad GitaA significant part of the Mahabharata, an epic work that depicts a dialog between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna. The Bhagavad Gita deals with the themes of dharma, karma, bhakti (devotion) and moksha.
Ramayana and MahabharataTwo great epic tales that tell the stories of Rama and Krishna and contain important moral and philosophical lessons.

7. Yoga and meditationYoga is a spiritual practice aimed at purifying the body and mind, gaining control over one's own mind and gaining spiritual knowledge. There are different types of yoga:

Hatha yoga: Physical exercises to promote health and mental clarity.
Karma yogaThe path of selfless service and action without attachment to the result.
Bhakti yogaThe path of devotion and worship of the divine.
Jnana YogaThe path of wisdom and knowledge about the Self and Brahman.
Raja yogaThe royal path, which includes meditation and spiritual discipline.

Meditation is a central part of yoga and spiritual life to calm the mind and experience the higher self.

8. The caste system (Varna system)The caste system, also known as the varna system, divides society into four main categories or "varnas":

Brahmins (Priests and scholars)
Kshatriyas (Warriors and rulers)
Vaishyas (Traders and farmers)
Shudras (Workers and servants)

However, this categorization is not uncontroversial in modern practice and has led to social injustice, particularly in the form of discrimination against Dalits (formerly "untouchables").

9. Festivals and ritualsThe Hinduism includes a variety of festivals and rituals that are celebrated in different regions and communities. Some of the best known festivals are:

DiwaliThe Festival of Lights, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
HoliThe spring festival of colors, which celebrates the love between Krishna and Radha and symbolizes the joy of life.
NavaratriA nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, celebrating the victory of good over evil.

Rituals and ceremonies are often important in the Hinduismsuch as puja (worship) of deities, ancestor worship and festivals associated with important life events such as birth, marriage and death.

10. Diversity and toleranceThe Hinduism is known for its diversity of traditions, philosophies and practices. It emphasizes tolerance of different faiths and promotes the idea that there are many paths to enlightenment and understanding of the divine.

Buddhism

Dem Buddhism are attributed to around 520 million people.

The largest number of Buddhists lives in Asia, particularly in countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Japan, Korea and Tibet.

The Buddhism is a very diverse religion that is practiced in various traditions. The most important currents include the Theravada Buddhismwhich is particularly widespread in Southeast Asia, the Mahayana Buddhismwhich dominates in East Asia (including China, Japan and Korea), and the Vajrayana-Buddhismwhich is practiced especially in Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

Although the Buddhism is particularly widespread in Asia, there are also growing Buddhist communities in Western countries, which are becoming increasingly popular.

The Buddhism is a spiritual practice that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through overcoming suffering and developing wisdom, compassion and mindfulness. Key beliefs include the understanding of suffering and its causes, the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, the concept of impermanence and non-self, and the pursuit of nirvana - the state of liberation and inner peace.

1. The Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths are the fundamental concept of the Buddhism and form the basis for the entire practice:

The truth of suffering (Dukkha)Life is inherently associated with suffering and dissatisfaction, be it physical or psychological suffering. Everything in life is transitory, and even pleasant experiences are accompanied by suffering because they are ultimately impermanent.
The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudaya)Suffering arises from desire (tanha), attachment and ignorance. These desires and attachments lead to craving and clinging to things that are not permanent, which in turn creates suffering.
The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha)There is a state in which suffering is overcome. This state is nirvana, the final end of suffering, which is achieved by giving up cravings and attachments.
The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga)The path to the cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which encompasses a number of ethical and practical disciplines.

2. The Noble Eightfold PathThe Noble Eightfold Path is the path to overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment. It includes:

Right view (Wisdom): The correct insight into the nature of reality, especially the Four Noble Truths.
Right intention (wisdom): An attitude of compassion, selflessness and the intention to overcome suffering.
Right speech (Ethics): Honest, benevolent and constructive communication.
Right action (Ethics): Ethical behavior that conforms to moral principles, such as avoiding killing, stealing and uncivil behavior.
Right livelihood (Ethics): A life that follows ethical principles and does not engage in harmful activities.
Right effort (meditation): The effort to avoid harmful thoughts and develop positive qualities.
Right mindfulness (meditation): Mindfulness and awareness in every action and in the moment.
Right concentration (Meditation): The practice of meditation to achieve a state of inner calm and insight.

3. The concept of anatta (non-self): In the Buddhism there is the concept of anatta, the "not-self" or "no-self". This means that there is no permanent, unchanging "I" or "self". Everything we perceive as 'self' - our bodies, thoughts and emotions - is impermanent and consists only of a flowing stream of experiences. Clinging to the idea of a fixed 'self' is the source of much of our suffering.

4. The concept of transience (Anicca)Anicca means "transience". Everything in life is in a constant state of flux - nothing stays the same forever. Everything that exists is subject to a constant process of change. This realization leads to the insight that holding on to things that are transient causes suffering.

5. Karma and rebirthKarma is the law of cause and effect. It states that every action - whether physical, verbal or mental - has consequences. Good actions lead to positive results, while harmful actions lead to negative karma, which in turn can cause future suffering.
Rebirth is another central concept in the Buddhism. It is not about an immortal soul, but about the continuous flow of karmic energies that determine rebirth in a new life. The goal is to overcome the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and reach nirvana, a state of liberation.

6. Nirvana (enlightenment): Nirvana is the ultimate goal of the Buddhism. It is the state of enlightenment, liberation from samsara (the cycle of birth, death and rebirth) and suffering. Nirvana means the complete abandonment of attachment, desire and ignorance and the attainment of inner peace and wisdom.

7. Compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna): Compassion (Karuna) is a central value in the Buddhism. It is about recognizing the suffering of others and working for their good. Wisdom (prajna) is the insight into the true nature of reality, the recognition of impermanence and the emptiness of all things.

8. Meditation and mindfulnessMeditation is an essential practice in the Buddhism. It serves to develop mindfulness, concentration and wisdom. Various meditation practices such as Vipassana (insight meditation) and Samatha (calming) are used to calm the mind, sharpen awareness and gain deeper insights into the true nature of things.

9. The Five Silas (Ethics)The Five Silas are fundamental ethical commandments that should be followed in daily life:

Do not killRespect for all life and avoidance of violence.
Do not stealHonesty and respect for the property of others.
No sexual misconductRespect and responsibility in dealing with relationships.
Do not lie: Truthfulness in communication.
No intoxicationAvoid drugs or alcohol, which cloud the mind and impair mindfulness.

Judaism

The Judaism is known by around 15 million people.

The largest Jewish community lives in Israel, where around 6.9 million Jews followed by the United States, which has the second largest Jewish population with around 5.7 million people. Other important Jewish communities exist in countries such as France, Canada, the United Kingdom and Argentina.

The Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world and is based on the sacred writings of the Torah. It is both a religion and a cultural identity that is strongly linked to the history and traditions of the Jewish people is connected.

1. Monotheism: The central belief of the Judaism is monotheism, the belief in a single, omnipotent, omniscient and invisible God. This God, called YHWH (Yahweh), is the creator of the universe and the source of all life. He is eternal and unchanging.

2. The covenant between God and the people of IsraelThe Judaism is based on a covenant between God and the people of Israel. This covenant was first made with Abraham, who is regarded as the father of the Jewish people. Later, the covenant was renewed with Moses when he led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and gave them the Torah (law).
The covenant obliges the Jewish people to obey God's commandments, and in return God promises to protect and bless the people.

3. The Torah and the commandments: The Torah is the sacred text of the Judaism and comprises the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). It contains both historical narratives and the laws that govern Jewish life and religious practice.
The Torah contains 613 commandments (mitzvot) that regulate the behavior of believers. These include both religious and moral rules and relate to daily life, such as dietary rules (kosher), prayer, the Sabbath and holidays.

4. The concept of good and evil: In the Judaism there is the idea that people are endowed with free will and can therefore choose between good and evil. Tikkun Olam (world improvement) is a principle that emphasizes the responsibility to do good and improve life, both for the individual and for society.

5. The meaning of the MessiahThe Judaism believes in the future coming of a Messiah, a savior who will bring peace on earth, lead the Jewish people back to the Promised Land and lead the world to a time of prosperity and justice. However, the Messiah has not yet come and is not regarded as a divine figure, as is the case in Christianity.

6. Life after death: Views on life after death are very different in the Judaism diverse. There is no single concept, but many Jews believe in some form of resurrection of the dead and a Last Judgement in which each person is held accountable for their life. Some Jewish streams emphasize the concept of a reward and punishment in the afterlife, while others focus more on life in the present.

7. Sacred places and rituals: To the most important sacred places of the Judaism includes the land of Israel, in particular Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, which is considered to be the site where the Temple stood in ancient times. The Judaism emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath (Shabbat), the weekly day of rest that begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening Other important Jewish holidays are Passover (Passover), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) and Shavuot (Feast of Weeks), all of which commemorate important events in Jewish history and involve certain religious rituals.

8. Belief in justice and the lawThe Judaism places great emphasis on justice, equality and social responsibility. Many of the commandments concern the way in which people should treat each other, for example through the commandment to love one's neighbor (Hessed) and the obligation to care for the poor and needy.

9. Ethics and morals: The ethical teachings of the Judaism include an emphasis on honesty, justice, forgiveness, mercy and respect for life. Shalom (peace) is a central concept that plays an important role both in interpersonal relationships and in the relationship with God and the world.

10. The Jewish communityThe Judaism attaches great importance to the community (kehilla). The Jewish community plays an important role in religious life, as common prayers, festivals and rituals strengthen the bond between believers and accompany individual lives.

11. Halacha - The Jewish lawHalacha is the Jewish law consisting of the Torah, the oral traditions (Talmud and Mishnah) and later rabbinical rulings. It regulates not only religious practices, but also everyday life, including eating habits, clothing, marriage, work and social responsibility.

Sikhism

Around 30 million people worldwide, mainly in India.

Most of them live in India, particularly in the state of Punjabwhich is considered the spiritual center of the Sikhism applies. The Sikhism was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak and the nine other gurus who followed him in India and emphasizes the unity of God, the equality of all people and a life of service to others.

Although the Sikhism predominantly widespread in India, there are also significant Sikh communities in countries such as the UK, Canada, the USA, Malaysia and Australia, due to migration and the global spread of religion. The Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that combines faith, meditation and social responsibility in its practice.

MonotheismThe Sikhism believes in a single, indivisible God, who is referred to as "Waheguru". God is the creator of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He is beyond time and space and unimaginable, but recognizable through his creation.
Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru: The sacred scripture of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahibis revered as the last and eternal guru. After the death of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, he declared the sacred scripture to be the supreme spiritual guide containing the wisdom and knowledge of all gurus.
Belief in reincarnationSikhs believe in the rebirth of the soul (reincarnation) and that the ultimate goal is to unite with God. The soul passes through many lives based on the law of karma - the deeds of an individual. Good deeds lead to a better life, while bad deeds lead to a lower state.
The path to union with GodSikhs strive to achieve direct union with God through devotion to God, meditation on the divine name (Nam Japna), right action (Dharma) and support for the needy. The spiritual goal is to free oneself from the cycle of reincarnation.
Belief in seva (selfless service)The Sikhism attaches great importance to selfless service to others (seva). Sikhs should help other people, especially those in need, regardless of religion or origin. This principle emphasizes altruism and the common good.
Equality and fraternityThe Sikhism preaches the equality of all people, regardless of their race, gender or social status. All people are equal before God and there are no hierarchical differences. Women and men have the same spiritual dignity and responsibility.
Rejection of rituals and superstition: Sikhism rejects empty rituals and superstition. Worship should be done in a simple and authentic way, without resorting to external rituals or magical practices. Faith should consist of devotion and action in accordance with divine morality and justice.
Five C's (The five symbols of faith)Sikhs who, at a certain point in their lives, have become Sikhism have five important symbols (the so-called "five C's"):
- Kesh (hair): Unchanged, long hair that is a symbol of acceptance of divine will.
- Kangha (comb): A comb for grooming the hair, symbolizing purity.
- Kara (iron bracelet): A bracelet made of steel that reminds us of our eternal connection to God.
- Kachera (Long underpants): A garment that symbolizes purity and self-control.
- Kirpan (sword): A small sword symbolizing the protection of truth and justice and the willingness to defend the oppressed.
Sikh community and SangatThe faith emphasizes the importance of community (sangat) and communal prayer. Communal worship services, during which the Guru Granth Sahib is recited, are a central part of the life of faith.
Five virtuesSikhs strive to realize five virtues in their lives:
- Sat (truth): Truth in thought, word and deed.
- Santokh (obedience and contentment)Satisfaction with what you have.
- Daya (compassion and mercy)Compassion for all living beings.
- Dhan (prosperity and generosity)Giving and sharing with others.
- Nimrata (humility)Modesty and humility in dealing with others.

Bahá'í Faith

7 million people depend on the Bahá'í Faith at.

The Bahá'í community is one of the fastest growing world religions and is represented in over 200 countries and territories. The largest Bahá'í communities are located in countries such as India, Iran and Africa.

The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion that was founded in the 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892) was founded. It emphasizes the unity of mankind, the belief in a single God and the principles of justice, peace and equality. The Bahá'í religion aims to promote the spiritual and social development of humanity and enable the building of a global community.

MonotheismBahá'ís believe in a single God who is the Creator of the universe and is unfathomable in His essence. However, God reveals Himself in various religious revelations that have been transmitted throughout history by various prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and finally Bahá'u'lláh.
Unity of mankind: A central principle of the Bahá'í Faith is the belief that all people are equal, regardless of race, ethnicity or cultural background. It emphasizes that humanity forms a single, inseparable unit.
Unity of religionsBahá'ís teach that all major world religions originate from the same God and that the differences between them are merely due to different historical and cultural contexts. The religions are seen as different chapters of a divine plan.
Bahá'u'lláh as the most recent Manifesto of GodBahá'ís believe that Bahá'u'lláh is the most recent Prophet or Manifesto of God and has brought the message of peace, unity and justice that is relevant for today.
Freedom and responsibilityThe Faith emphasizes the importance of free choice and personal responsibility. Bahá'ís should actively contribute to making the world a better place by living virtues such as truth, justice, love and respect for all people.
Prohibition of discriminationBahá'ís reject all forms of discrimination, whether based on gender, race, class, religion or nationality. Women and men should have equal rights, and the promotion of gender equality is an important part of the Faith.
World peace and international cooperationThe Bahá'í Faith is committed to world peace, international cooperation and the creation of a global society based on justice and unity.
Life after deathBahá'ís believe in a life after death in which the soul continues to exist and is in perpetual spiritual development. The experiences in this life influence the state of the soul in the afterlife.
Unity of science and religionBahá'ís believe that science and religion are two complementary ways of seeking the truth. Both should work together harmoniously to promote the welfare of humanity.

These principles can be found in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and the later Bahá'í leaders. The Bahá'í Faith calls on followers to actively work for the betterment of the world and to promote the spirit of unity, peace and cooperation.

Daoism

To the Daoism (also Taoism ), 12 million people mainly in China, but also worldwide.

The Daoism is deeply rooted in the culture and religious practices there. It is understood both as a religious tradition and as a philosophical system. The Daoism encompasses a variety of beliefs and practices, some of which focus on ritual, meditation, and the worship of deities, while others emphasize more philosophical aspects of life as described in the writings of the Dao De Jing from Laozi and the teachings of Zhuangzi are to be found.

Many people in China, Taiwan and other parts of East Asia who practise Daoism may not regard it as a "religion" in the Western sense, but as part of their cultural traditions and spiritual practice. There are also communities in other countries with Chinese diasporas that practice Daoist rituals and principles.

Confucianism

The Confucianism is practiced by around 6 ... 7 million people, mainly in China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The Confucianism is primarily understood as a philosophical and ethical tradition. In these countries Confucianism often less a religion in the traditional sense, but rather a way of life and a moral system that shapes social behavior, family structures and government policy.

In China, where the Confucianism is historically rooted, it is often seen as a cultural foundation, even if not everyone who follows Confucian values considers themselves a "follower" of Confucianism. Confucianism in the religious sense. It is therefore difficult to determine the exact number of "followers" of the Confucianism as many people integrate the teachings of Confucius into their daily lives without defining them as a religion.

The Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical tradition that is strongly based on the promotion of moral behavior, social harmony and family responsibility. Through the concepts of humanity (Ren), Ritual (Li), branch obligation (Xiao) and the ideal of the noble man (Junzi) the Confucianism for a just and well-organized society in which everyone assumes their responsibility for the well-being of the community and the order of the universe.

Humanity (Ren): Ren is the central ethical concept in the Confucianism and is often translated as "humanity" or "compassion". It means practicing the deepest form of interpersonal kindness and compassion. Ren implies the ability to understand the feelings and needs of others and to act accordingly. It is the moral core of the Confucianism and concerns the way in which people should interact with each other.
Rituals and respect (Li): Li refers to rituals, ceremonies and the correct performance of social norms and duties. It is not only about religious rituals, but also about the general social behaviors that promote harmony in society. Li includes respect for older people, ancestors and the hierarchy within the family and society. Respect for the Li-Standards is seen as necessary to maintain social order.
Responsibility and virtue (Xiao): Xiao is the filial duty and emphasizes the importance of respect and reverence for parents and ancestors. In Confucian philosophy, it is considered the most fundamental virtue. It encompasses both the care of parents in old age and the sincere remembrance and reverence of ancestors. The family is at the center of social and moral life, and the relationship with parents and ancestors is seen as the basis for building a harmonious society.
Balance and harmonyThe Confucianism strives for a harmonious society in which all members know and fulfill their social duties. Balance and order are central principles that should be realized on both a personal and societal level. Harmony is the state in which all people fulfill their responsibilities in their role in society while maintaining a balance between individual freedom and social order.
The Noble Man (Junzi)The Junzi (the "noble man" or "good man") is an ideal in the Confucianism. It denotes someone who embodies moral integrity and virtue to a high degree. The Junzi strives to be a source of moral wisdom and influence and serves as a role model for others. He does not act out of self-interest, but in accordance with the principles of Ren (humanity), Li (ritual and respect) and Xiao (branch obligation).
Education and wisdomEducation plays a central role in the Confucianism. The acquisition of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom are important both to promote one's own moral development and to create a better society. Confucius emphasized the importance of education as a path to self-improvement and as a way to acquire wisdom and ethical principles.
Harmony between heaven and man: In the Confucianism the relationship between man and heaven (Tian) is thematized. Tian is not understood as a god, but as a cosmic force or principle that represents order and morality in the universe. Man must live in harmony with Tian, which means following his moral duties and the correct social order.
Equality and justiceAlthough Confucianism While recognizing hierarchies and social roles, it also emphasizes the importance of justice and equality in society. Rulers are expected to look after the welfare of their people and govern in a just and moral manner. The Confucianism promotes the idea that everyone has the opportunity for moral improvement, regardless of their social status.
The "Golden Way" (Zhongyong)The Zhongyong (the "middle" or the "golden path") describes the pursuit of a balanced life. It is about avoiding extremes and finding a middle way instead. This idea is reflected in the notion that people should maintain moderation in all things in order to preserve inner harmony and external order.

Shintoism

To the Shintoism about 3 ... 4 million people, mainly in Japan.

Many people in Japan practise Shinto rituals without necessarily fully recognizing themselves as "Shintoists", since the Shintoism is often interwoven with everyday cultural traditions and festivals.

Although the Shintoism Although the Japanese community dominates in Japan, there are also smaller communities and practitioners in other parts of the world, especially in regions with Japanese diasporas. The Shintoism however, is not an evangelistic religion and therefore has no significant spread outside Japan.

The Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan and encompasses a variety of beliefs and practices centered on the worship of Kami (spiritual beings or gods) and the connection with nature and the ancestors. It is a polytheistic religion that has no fixed dogma or sacred scripture in the traditional sense. Here are the essential beliefs of the Shintoism:

Kami: Kami are the central spiritual beings in the Shintoism. They can be understood as gods, spirits, ancestors or natural forces such as mountains, rivers, trees and animals. Kami represent the divine and are present in all living things and nature. They are not necessarily supernatural in the classical sense, but are an expression of creative or sacred energy at work in the world.
Harmony with natureThe Shintoism places great emphasis on harmony with nature and respect for the natural world. It is believed that humans live in close connection with nature, and the worship of nature and its elements is a central part of the Shinto rituals. Many Shinto shrines (the houses of the kami) are built in places in nature, such as in forests, by rivers or on mountains.
purity: In the Shintoism purity is an important concept. Pollution and defilement (both physical and spiritual) are considered disruptive to the relationship with the kami. Rituals of purification, such as washing hands and mouth (for example before entering a shrine), are therefore common practices. Purity is also seen as a way of preserving the salvation of the soul and living in harmony with the kami.
Ancestor worship: In the Shintoism there is a strong focus on the worship of ancestors. Ancestors are revered as kami who protect the well-being of the family and household. The worship of ancestors is a part of many Shinto ritualsespecially in the form of altar ceremonies and prayers requesting the protection and blessing of the ancestors.
Rituals and festivalsThe Shintoism emphasizes the importance of ritual acts and festivals to gain the goodwill of the kami and strengthen the community. These rituals include prayers, offerings, dances and festivals held at different times of the year. A well-known example is the New Year festival (Shogatsu), which is celebrated with ceremonies in the Shinto shrines is celebrated.
No fixed creedThe Shintoism does not have a fixed creed or holy scripture, as exists in other religions. Instead, it is the rituals that shape religious practice and the experiences of the believers that make up the faith. Shintoism is often seen as a practical religion, where the emphasis is on deeds and religious practice.
Kami in everyday lifeKami are not only to be found in religious sites, but also in everyday life. Shinto shrines exist everywhere in Japan, and many people pray there for protection, health and happiness. Many households have a small altar to worship kami, and there are rituals for important life events such as births, weddings and death.
No concept of redemptionUnlike in many Western religions, there is no such thing in the Shintoism no concrete concept of salvation or the afterlife. Instead, the focus is on a life in harmony with nature and the Kami and a good life in the here and now. Longevity and the achievement of happiness are seen as a reward for respecting the Kami and for life in purity.