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World Religions in Literature
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The Tao Te Ching
A fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism, attributed to Laozi. Often cited in literature for themes of harmony, the Tao, and the practice of wu wei (effortless action).
Paganism
A term used to describe various religious traditions based on polytheism and nature worship. In literature, it often represents ancient or pre-Christian belief systems and their connection to the natural world.
Jainism
An ancient Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophical principles and practices such as ahimsa (non-violence) and asceticism are depicted in literary works.
The Divine Comedy
An Italian long narrative poem by Dante Alighieri, describing his travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. It allegorically represents the soul's journey towards God, drawing on Christian theology and philosophy.
The Quran
The central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God to Prophet Muhammad. Literature often uses the Quran to depict Islamic beliefs, values, and cultural practices.
The Dhammapada
A collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and studied Buddhist scriptures. It represents ethical guidelines and philosophical insights in Buddhist literature.
Zoroastrianism
Ancient Persian religion based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster. Literature incorporates Zoroastrian themes of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and the importance of individual choice.
The Vedas
A large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Considered the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. They are represented in literary works by their philosophical hymns and rituals.
Sufism
The mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. Sufi themes in literature include love, devotion, and the journey of the soul.
Shinto
The traditional religion of Japan that focuses on ritual practices to be carried out diligently to establish a connection between present Japan and its ancient past. Shinto themes in literature include purification, festivals, and kami (spirits or gods).
Confucianism
An ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Literature uses Confucian principles to illustrate themes of morality, social harmony, and the hierarchical nature of relationships.
The Bible
The sacred scripture of Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament. In literature, it provides themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The Bhagavad Gita
A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a philosophical dialogue between prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. In literature, it often symbolizes the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by characters.
The Torah
The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. In literature, it is represented as a source of wisdom, divine law, and historical narratives.
The Book of Mormon
Sacred text of the Latter Day Saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. It is referenced in literature to discuss American religious history and beliefs of the LDS Church.
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