Religion by Region and Country in Asia
Asia is one of the most diverse religious traditions in the world, with diverse faiths and customs formed over thousands of years coexist. Below, we will give a detailed introduction to Asia's major religions and their characteristics, historical, and cultural influences.
1. Hinduism
Major countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia (Bali)
History: Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, which began in the Indian subcontinent about 4,000 years ago. Its origin can be found in an ancient text called Vedas, and after many philosophical developments, what is now Hinduism was formed.
Faith: Hinduism has polytheistic elements, and its main gods include Brahma (God of Creation), Vishnu (God of Protection), and Shiva (God of Destruction). Also, the concepts of reincarnation and Karma are positioned as important doctrines.
Cultural Impact: Hinduism has influenced almost every aspect of Indian culture. Hindu influences can be easily found in festivals, music, dance, art, and architecture (e.g., Taj Mahal). One of the most important Hindu festivals is Diwali.
2. Buddhism (Buddhism)
Major countries: China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Korea, Cambodia, Laos
History: It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Sakyamuni) in northern India around the 6th century B.C. His teachings explore the causes of suffering and the path of liberation, aiming to escape from reincarnation and reach nirvana.
Faith: Buddhism is an atheistic or non-theistic religion that places more emphasis on enlightenment and self-discipline than on God. The main doctrines are the Four Saints (pain, cause of pain, extinction of pain, path of pain), and the Eightfold Path (the right path).
Cultural Influence: Buddhism has had a huge cultural impact throughout Asia. In many countries in Asia, Buddhist temples and Buddha statues have become important cultural heritages, and the main Buddhist festival, Buddha's Birthday (Besak), is widely celebrated.
3. Islam (Islam)
Major countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Middle East
History: Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad on the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century. Islam is one of the Abrahamic religions, centered around the faith in Allah, the one god.
Faith: Islam revolves around five pillars (Confession of Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage). Also, the Quran is an Islamic holy book that serves as a guide to Muslim life.
Cultural Impact: Islam has become a major religion in Indonesia and Malaysia, and Islamic culture has profoundly influenced architecture (e.g., mosques), literature, and art. Ramadan and haj are important rituals and festivals in Islam.
4. Taoism
Major countries: China, Taiwan, Hong Kong
History: Taoism is a philosophy and religion that originated in China around the 4th century B.C. The moral scriptures of Lao-tzu formed the basis, and philosophers such as 莊 developed Taoist ideas.
Faith: Taoism values the philosophical concept of harmony with nature and 然 without 爲. It also seeks eternal life by serving many gods.
Cultural Influence: Taoism is closely related to Chinese culture, and many Chinese people live their lives by following Taoist teachings. Taoism has also influenced traditional medicine, qigong, and art (e.g., landscape painting). Traditional holidays, such as Chinese New Year, also feature strong Taoist elements.
5. Confucianism
Major countries: China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam
History: Confucianism was started around the 6th century B.C. by Chinese philosopher 孔. Confucianism is regarded as an ethical and social philosophy rather than religion, focusing on social order and human relations.
Faith: Confucianism emphasizes ancestor worship, family-centered values, and harmony among human relations. Its main scriptures include Analects, Mencius, and University.
Cultural Influence: Confucianism forms the basis of East Asian culture and has had a great influence in many areas, including education, politics, family structure, and manners. Ancestral worship and rituals are maintained in many East Asian cultures as an important part of Confucianism.
6. Sikhism
Major country: India (Punjab region)
History: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India in the late 15th century. Sikhism developed around the faith in monotheism, incorporating elements of Hinduism and Islam.
Faith: Sikhs worship monotheism and lead a religious life around a temple called Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs value modesty, integrity, and philanthropy, and strictly adhere to certain rituals and disciplines.
Cultural Influence: Sikhs exert a strong influence in India's Punjab region and are well known for their iconic elements of the traditional turban, long beard, and kappa. The Golden Temple, the main temple of Sikhism, is an important holy site and is visited by many pilgrims.
7. Zoroastrianism
Key Countries: Iran, India (Farsi Community)
History: Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion founded by Zoroastrians in Persia (now Iran) around the 6th century B.C. It centers on the belief in the monotheistic Ahura Mazda.
Faith: Zoroastrianism believes in the confrontation between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of good. Ahura Mazda is the god of good, against Angra Mainho, the god of evil.
Cultural Influence: Zoroastrianism plays an important role in the Farsi communities of Iran and India. Zoroastrianism is also known as the worship of fire, and their temples burn forever. The rituals and traditions of Zoroastrianism continue today and have greatly influenced the history of religion around the world.
8. Shamanism
Major countries: Mongolia, Korea, Japan (especially Okinawa), Siberia
History: Shamanism is an ancient religious tradition without a specific founder, centered around nature worship and communication with the soul. It has played an important role in many indigenous communities in Asia.
Faith: In shamanism, shamans communicate with supernatural beings, and act as healing and prophecies. Natural spirits, ancestor worship, and various rituals are at the center.
Cultural Influence: Shamanism remains a folk belief in many cultures in Asia, and remains a strong influence in traditions, especially in Mongolia, Siberia, and Korea. Elements of shamanism can also be found in rituals, such as Korean gut (巫儀) and Japanese shinto.
History: Shamanism is an ancient religious tradition without a specific founder, centered around nature worship and communication with the soul. It has played an important role in many indigenous communities in Asia.
Faith: In shamanism, shamans communicate with supernatural beings, and act as healing and prophecies. Natural spirits, ancestor worship, and various rituals are at the center.
Cultural Influence: Shamanism remains a folk belief in many cultures in Asia, and remains a strong influence in traditions, especially in Mongolia, Siberia, and Korea. Elements of shamanism can also be found in rituals, such as Korean gut (巫儀) and Japanese shinto.
9. Syncretism of Hindus and Juddism
Major countries: Indonesia (Bali), Thailand, Cambodia
History: Hinduism and Buddhism have historically developed with mutual influences in different parts of Asia. Especially in Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia, the two religions were established as a mixture.
Faith: In this mixed faith, Hindu and Buddhist doctrines and rituals coexist. In Bali, a unique system of faith was developed, where Hindu gods and Buddhist doctrines were fused, and traces of both religions can be seen in sites such as Angkor Wat.
Cultural Influence: This mixed faith stands out in architecture, art, and traditional ceremonies, with temples in Bali or Angkor Wat in Cambodia representative examples of this cultural fusion.
As such, Asia is a region where various religions have coexisted by interacting with each other. These religions deeply influence Asian culture, history, art, and philosophy and have played an important role in shaping each country's identity.