Asia is the continent of origin for many major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Shintoism, and Zoroastrianism. It is home to the vast majority of Hindus and Buddhists and is the world's most religiously diverse continent, with large populations of Muslims and religiously unaffiliated people as well. Major religions have spread from their places of origin across the continent, influencing culture and developing regional variations, with various forms of folk religion and new spiritual movements also present. 

Religions originating in the Indian Subcontinent (South Asia)

• Hinduism:
• A very old religion with no single founder, it evolved over time and encompasses various beliefs and practices, including the concepts of dharma (duty) and karma (action leading to reincarnation). 
• Buddhism:
• Originating in India, it spread throughout East and Southeast Asia and is known for its philosophical approach to suffering and enlightenment. 
• Jainism:
• A religion emphasizing ahimsa (non-violence) to an extreme degree, which influences its followers' strict vegetarian lifestyles. 
• Sikhism:
• A newer faith that emerged in South Asia, emphasizing monotheism and a guru-disciple tradition, with a prominent community in India. 

Religions originating in West Asia

• Islam:
• A major religion of Asia, introduced to coastal regions by merchants and later spread through conquests and cultural influence, becoming a dominant faith in parts of the continent. 
• Judaism and Christianity:
• While originating in West Asia, these religions also have a significant presence in parts of Asia, with early Christianity spreading through trade routes and missionary efforts. 
• Zoroastrianism:
• The ancient religion of Persia (now Iran), which still has a small number of followers in India and other parts of the region. 

Religions originating in East Asia

• Shintoism and Taoism (Daoism):
• Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan, while Taoism is a Chinese philosophy and way of life emphasizing concepts like spontaneity and going with the flow. 
• Confucianism:
• An ethical and philosophical system that greatly influenced East Asia's cultural and spiritual landscape. 

Other Beliefs and Diversity

• Popular/Folk Religiosity:
• Asia is known for diverse "little traditions," or regional and local religious practices, that exist alongside larger faiths. 
• Unaffiliated Populations:
• A significant portion of the population in Asia is religiously unaffiliated, with high rates of disaffiliation from traditional religions in some East Asian countries. 
• Baha'i Faith:
• This faith, also originating in West Asia, is a significant religion with adherents in Asia.