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Sketches of the World: Islam

Related Article: Learn more about Islamic Culture.

Five basic commandments guide the practices and beliefs of the followers of Islam.

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Sketches of the World: Buddhism (7:30)

Adherents of Buddhism, which developed from Hindu beliefs, seek to achieve enlightenment through specific practices and values.

Worldwide Zen (1:52)

Monks at the Bukkokuji zen temple come from all over the world. Watch this Reuters video to see why practitioners spend up to 5 hours a day sitting cross-legged and meditating in front of a white wall.

How Feng Shui Works (1:31)

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arrangement of space to achieve harmony. To learn more about Feng Shui, check out this HowStuffWorks video.

Taiwan Has Professional Mourners (2:11)

Watch this Reuters video showing how some families in Taiwan actually hire professional mourners to help stage a more dramatic funeral when their parents pass away. This is one of the highest signs of reverence in Taiwanese culture.

When a Headscarf is a Big Deal (1:10)

Watch this Reuters video showing how a headscarf can be a big deal. Turkey is 99% Muslim but the country's secular constitution bans the wearing of a headscarf at public universities. A recent proposal to ease the headscarf ban was strongly opposed.

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How Feng Shui Works (1:31)

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arrangement of space to achieve harmony. To learn more about Feng Shui, check out this HowStuffWorks video.