Study Notes Template

Topic:
Why I’m studying this:

1) Self-definition (how the tradition describes itself):
- Key terms:
- Core ideas:

2) Key texts and authority:
- Primary scriptures:
- Commentary / tradition:
- How interpretation works:

3) Practices and community life:
- Worship/rituals:
- Ethics and values:
- Festivals/holy days:

4) Diversity inside the tradition:
- Major schools/branches:
- Differences that matter:

5) Comparisons (use consistent categories):
- Similarities (carefully worded):
- Differences (carefully worded):
- Category risks (words that don’t map 1:1):

6) Sources consulted:
- Primary sources:
- Scholarly sources:
- Notes on bias/limitations:

7) Summary (neutral, in your own words):