The story discusses the origins of various religions, highlighting differing perspectives between religious beliefs and historical interpretations. 1. **Islam**: Historians date the beginning of Islam to 1,400 years ago with the Prophet Muhammad, while Muslims believe it started when Allah created the world and revealed laws to Adam, the first prophet. Muhammad is considered the last of many prophets. 2. **Christianity**: Christians believe that creation occurred around 4004 BCE, which they view as the origin of religion. There is disagreement about which religion this pertains to, with Jews claiming it is Judaism, and Christians asserting that God changed the rules when Jesus arrived, rejecting the idea that these rules changed again with Muhammad. 3. **Buddhism**: Historians recognize Buddhism's beginning around 2,500 years ago with the Buddha, but Mahayana Buddhism posits that the Adi Buddha has always existed, and wise beings periodically attain Buddhahood. 4. **Jainism**: Jain beliefs hold that both the world and wisdom are eternal, with the universe undergoing cycles of growth and decay. In each cycle, 24 wise men (Tirthankaras) share universal wisdom. Mahavira is noted as the last Tirthankara in the current cycle, with his predecessor, Parsva, living about 200 years earlier. Overall, the narrative reflects on how various religions view their origins, intertwining faith with historical debate.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories