Four major religions are practiced in Asia Pacific

Animism

Animism as a religion seeks to manipulate or appease the spirits and spiritual powers that permeate the universe. Animism as a philosophy is the belief that all things are spiritual in essence – not that inanimate objects are inhabited by spirits but that there are no inanimate objects.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy centered on the belief that much of human suffering comes from desire and attachment. Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, Buddhists seek to overcome suffering by following a path of right living, meditation, and wisdom. Many Buddhists also believe in cycles of rebirth, with the ultimate goal of reaching enlightenment, or Nirvana, and being freed from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Hinduism

Hinduism encompasses a wide variety of beliefs and practices. Many Hindus worship multiple gods and goddesses, often understood as different expressions of an ultimate divine reality. Hinduism also teaches that the soul goes through cycles of death and rebirth, known as reincarnation. A person’s actions, or karma, affect this cycle, with the ultimate goal of achieving moksha—freedom from the cycle of rebirth and union with, or realization of, ultimate reality.

Islam

With 1.9 billion adherents worldwide, Islam primarily bases its beliefs and practices on their holy book the Quran, which is comprised of 114 revelations received in the 7th century by the Arabian prophet Muhammad. Muslims, followers of Islam, believe they will gain paradise by confessing that there is no god except Allah, recognizing Muhammad as the prophet of Allah, and submitting to the six core beliefs and five practices of the religion.