Exploring Four Major Polytheistic Religions

Polytheistic Religions

Religion is worldwide and virtually understood by everyone. Not everyone believes in the same thing, of course; however, everyone knows about religion in the sense of the big picture. A polytheistic religion is the worship of or belief in multiple deities usually assembled into a pantheon of gods and goddesses, as opposed to a monotheistic religion which is the belief in one God. Four well-known polytheistic religions include: Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Taoism/Daoism. These are four of the most of influential world religions in the world. Each of these four religions is unique in its own way, in regards to its belief system and basic teaching. Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Taoism/Daoism each have impacted the people that practice these religions.

Buddhism was founded in late 6th century B.C.E. in India. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama and is based on the teachings of an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gautama. According to Buddhist tradition, the prince was shocked by the suffering he saw outside his palace walls. He gave up his life of luxury and became the Buddha. He spent the remaining years of his life teaching the dharma and establishing the sangha. The basic

It is not a necessity to go to a temple. They will often set aside a room or part of a room at home as a shrine. There will be a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner. Buddhist temples come in many shapes and form. Buddhist temples are designed to symbolise the five elements: fire, air, earth, water, and wisdom. During worship participants may sit on the floor barefoot facing an image of Buddha and chanting. They will listen to monks chanting from religious texts, perhaps accompanied by instruments, and take part in prayers. As far as a holy text, The Tripitaka is the earliest collection of Buddhist teachings and the only text recognized as canonical by Theravada