Which is a major eastern religion and its primary beliefs?

Study for the Studies of Religion (SOR) II Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Hinduism is recognized as a major eastern religion characterized by its complex belief system that includes concepts such as karma, dharma, and the cycle of rebirth. Karma refers to the law of moral cause and effect, where an individual's actions in this life or previous lives impact their future circumstances. Dharma signifies the moral duties and responsibilities that each person must fulfill based on their class, gender, and stage of life. This creates a framework for ethical living. The cycle of rebirth, or samsara, is the belief that souls are reincarnated in new bodies after death, with the quality of the new life determined by the karma accumulated in past lives. These beliefs are foundational in Hindu philosophy and spirituality, emphasizing the interplay between action and consequence, the importance of duty, and the ongoing journey of the soul.

Other religions listed may contain significant beliefs, but they do not represent the comprehensive foundational principles of Hinduism. For instance, while Shinto involves ancestor worship and a connection to nature spirits, it lacks the depth of doctrine found in Hinduism. Buddhism, while it has various teachings, does not focus on the Five Pillars, which are associated with Islam, not Buddhism. Taoism's main ideas revolve around harmony with the Tao and longevity

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