is the branch of the study of religions concerned with the systematic comparison of the doctrines and practices, themes, and impacts (including migration) of the world's religions. In general the comparative study of religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion such as ethics, metaphysics, and the nature and forms of salvation.
Studying such material facilitates a broadened and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding the sacred, numinous, spiritual, and divine. In the field of comparative religion, a common geographical classification of the main world religions distinguishes groups such as Middle Eastern religions (including Iranian religions), Indian religions, East Asian religions, African religions, American religions, Oceanic religions, and classical Hellenistic religions. There also exists various sociological classifications of religious movements. (www.wikipedia.org)
The American Academy of Religion (AAR) is the world's largest association of scholars in the field of religious studies and related topics. It is a nonprofit member association, serving as a professional and learned society for scholars involved in the academic study of religion. It has some 10,000 members worldwide, with the largest concentration being in the United States and Canada. AAR members are university and college professors, independent scholars, secondary teachers, clergy, seminarians, students, and interested lay-people.
Zoroastrianism or Mazdayasna is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions. It is a multi-faceted faith centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil with theological elements of henotheism, monotheism/monism, and polytheism. Ascribed to the teachings of the Iranian-speaking spiritual leader Zoroaster (also known as Zarathushtra), it exalts an uncreated and benevolent deity of wisdom, Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord), as its supreme being. Historical features of Zoroastrianism, such as messianism, judgment after death, heaven and hell, and free will may have influenced other religious and philosophical systems, including Second Temple Judaism, Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, Christianity, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Buddhism. (www.wikipedia.org)
Confucianism and Taoism (Daoism), later joined by Buddhism, constitute the "three teachings" that have shaped Chinese culture. There are no clear boundaries between these intertwined religious systems, which do not claim to be exclusive, and elements of each enrich popular or folk religion. The emperors of China claimed the Mandate of Heaven and participated in Chinese religious practices. (www.wikipedia.org)
Shinto.神道,[a] also known as kami-no-michi,[b] is a religion originating in Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan's indigenous religion and as a nature religion. Scholars sometimes call its practitioners Shintoists, although adherents rarely use that term themselves. There is no central authority in control of the movement and much diversity exists among practitioners. Shinto is polytheistic and revolves around the kami ("gods" or "spirits"), supernatural entities believed to inhabit all things. The link between the kami and the natural world has led to Shinto being considered animistic and pantheistic. The kami are worshiped at kamidana household shrines, family shrines, and public shrines. The latter are staffed by priests, known as kannushi, who oversee offerings of food and drink to the specific kami enshrined at that location. (www.wikipedia.org)
Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Guru (1469–1539), and the nine Sikh Gurus that succeeded him. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, named the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib as his successor, terminating the line of human Gurus and establishing the scripture as the eternal, religious spiritual guide for Sikhs. Guru Nanak taught that living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is above the metaphysical truth, and that the ideal man is one who "establishes union with God, knows His Will, and carries out that Will." Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, established the miri (political/temporal) and piri (spiritual) realms to be mutually coexistent. (www.wikipedia.org)
Hopefully this video will help you get a simple understanding of the Zoroastrian faith and its history.
Professor Kaikhosrov D. Irani is a retired Professor Emeritus of Philosophy from City College of New York. At City College of New York, he taught philosophy for 41 years, and also served as the chairman of the Department of Philosophy for 9 years. He has served as Director of the Academy of Sciences and Humanities at City University of New York, and is a member of the Academy of Science in New York, the American Philosophical Association, the Philosophy of Science Association, and the American Academy of Religion. Prof. Irani has lectured in his field at UCLA, the Universities of Michigan, London, Goetingen, Vienna and Rome. At Princeton University he got to work with Albert Einstein. In 1999, he was singularly honored by the establishment of the K.D. Irani chair of Philosophy, at the City College of New York. This Video was produced by The Zoroastrian Assembly (www.Zoroastrian.com) and Lord of Wisdom.
The Film explores the history of the Parsi community, It strives to understand the Zoroastrian faith, and the philosophy to live, laugh and love. ON WINGS OF FIRE: The Epic Film covers the 3500 years, from the time of the prophet Zarathushtra to the present day, tracing the history of Zoroastrians, Parsis. A lecture by Wesley Cecil PhD. on the influence of Zoroastrianism and Persian civilization on our culture. Delivered at Peninsula College. AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE PARSI RELIGION BY S.A. Kapadia. "The sun, the moon, the stars, the seas, the hills and the plains. A BBC Audio program talking about Zoroastrianism.
A short documentary with Morgan Freeman about Zoroastrian a faith founded in Iran some 3500 years ago.
Confucius is one of history's most influential men - a sage, philosopher and teacher - who, with Socrates and Buddha, lived at an extraordinary time in the evolution of mankind's civilization. This stunning drama-documentary explores the life and times of Confucius and demystifies his ideas. We all want to understand China, and through Confucius we can. Confucius - it is a name we all know. But who was Confucius? What was his story and how did it enable him to create his enduring moral philosophy? What lies at the heart of Confucius' thinking; how and why was it adopted by a whole nation and what is its influence today? This documentary will unlock Confucius in a spectacular and fascinating film that places him in his ancient and modern context and bring the ideas and sayings of this great philosopher to life.
This great Chinese philosopher believed in everything we ignore nowadays: tradition, institution, obedience and order. That’s why he matters.
Taoism is China's only indigenous religion, this documentary introduces its theory and practice in China to you.
Daoism - Eastern Philosophy Series. Daoism is one of the great philosophical and religious traditions of China. Emphasizing balance, spontaneity, and action without intention, it is often contrasted with the rigid rituals and social order proposed by Confucianism. We'll explore the philosophical concept of the Dao and how it interacted with South Asian Buddhist ideas to give rise to a new and distinctive Buddhism in China.
Examines the different types of religious beliefs that make up the spiritual life of Taiwan, including a Confucian respect for the past, the cosmic pattern of the Tao that manifests itself through the oracles, and the worship of local gods who dispense justice and favors.
This colourful documentary examines the traditional Taoist practices taught by Fung Loy Kok. The programme explores how Taoist spirituality is rooted in the cultivation of health through the transformation of the body, mind and spirit. This transformation is achieved through the Taoist arts, including rituals, ceremonies, tai chi (as taught by Fung Loy Kok), meditation, chanting, community service and similar methods of training.
Shinto shrines are places of worship and the dwellings of the kami, the Shinto "gods". Sacred objects of worship that represent the kami are stored in the innermost chamber of the shrine where they cannot be seen by anybody. People visit shrines in order to pay respect to the kami or to pray for good fortune. Shrines are also visited during special events such as New Year, setsubun, shichigosan and other festivals. New born babies are traditionally brought to a shrine a few weeks after birth, and many couples hold their wedding ceremonies there. The architecture and features of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples have melted together over the centuries. There are several construction styles, most of which show (Buddhist) influences from the Asian mainland. Only a few of today's shrines are considered to be built in a purely Japanese style. Among them are Shinto's most important shrines, the Ise Shrines.
Traces the development of Shinto to the present day. Shows ancient ritual sites still used today as well as some major shrines. Also portrays great works of Shinto religious art.
A unique journey - discovering Sikhs through the eyes of Interfaith travelers. For the first time in history, viewers are able to follow the journey of a group of faith leaders travelling together to learn about the Sikh Dharam, its people and some of the most important places in Sikh history. Throughout the journey, this unique group were able to reflect and discover how these experiences impacted their own beliefs. This film gives you a chance to engage in these interfaith conversations and travel with the group to some of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs.
Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire explained in less than 7 minutes Sikh history documentary. This video covers Sikh history from the Guru Nanak till the fall of the Sikh Empire.