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Almost all of the world's religions, most of which in fact originated in Asia, have over the centuries found followers in Asian countries, far beyond their points of origin. This, however has not altogether prevented the continuing persistence of traditional beliefs, some of which have come down from ancient animism, in many societies of the region. Particularly important are beliefs connected with the origins of races and communities, those connected with the invisible world and its denizens as well as those connected with the soul. The particular world views of the more traditional societies of the region are highlighted in this section through some original materials as well as through links