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 Ancient Asia Asia is the largest and most populated continent in the world. Covering about 29 1/2 % of the landmass of the world it has more than 60% of the worlds population. It is also the origin of many of the most important and ancient world religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The eastern religions also extend to Shinto in Japan, Zen Buddhism and, in outlying regions, natural religions with Shamanism features. Almost every major religion throughout the world can find significant representation in Asia. The birthplace of Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Daoism, Shinto, Sikhism, and Jainism, the Asian continent also has the largest Muslim population in the world, as well as a large numbers of Christians and Jews. Asian immigrants have brought their religious traditions with them wherever they have settled, making many of these religions truly global in scope and practice. Despite their rich histories, Asian religions are dynamic, often responding to the changing needs of their followers, in Asia and abroad. Americans who are not of Asian descent have also had a long history of interest in Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Taoism. |
 Buddhism A salvational religion that was created around 528 B.C.E. in northern India. Founded by Siddharta Gautama (563-483 B.C.E.), whom his supporters later called the Buddha (the Enlightened One). As Buddhism spread across Asia, it developed into two main forms, which evolved separately from each other. Theravada Buddhism (sometimes called Southern Buddhism) and Mahayana Buddhism (sometimes called Northern Buddhism). Although estimates for the number of Buddhists in the U.S. vary widely, one thing is for certain: there are as many different kinds of Buddhism in the U.S as there are in Asia, possibly more. |
 Hinduism The roots of Hinduism can be traced back to the third millennium B.C.E. Around 1500 B.C.E.; nomadic Aryan people entered northwestern India from Persia. Mingling their beliefs with those of the local inhabitants, they started a spiritual movement that produced many strands of religion now collectively referred to as Hinduism. A religion rooted in mythology, Hinduism has neither a founder nor a fixed canon. The Hindus of America in modern times enjoy both de jure and de facto equality under the laws of the United States. Hinduism currently has about 1,478,000 followers in America or 0.5% of the total population. |
 Confucianism Confucianism founded by Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.), is a moral and state philosophy. In a time characterized by particularism and frequent war, it promoted the model of an idealized antiquity, where rulers transmitted responsibility for the empire to the most worthy rather than to their own offspring. There are approximately 6 million Confucians in the world. North America has approximately 26,000 and almost all of the rest are found in China and the rest of Asia. |
 Taoism Founded in the 6th century B.C.E. by Lao Tzu, the putative author of the classic text Tao Te Chin, Taoism has no deity. "Tao" means "way," i.e. the cosmic order of the polar forces yin (female) and yang (male); it is viewed as a universal principle not accessible through mere human reason. Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. There are about 30,000 in North America and, 1,700 in Canada. Taoism has had a significant impact on North American culture in areas of acupuncture, herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation, and martial arts. |
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