Indian Religion JaKeiria Weston

Introduction India is the birthplace of some of the world’s major religious traditions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Throughout India's history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law and custom. A vast majority of Indians, (over 93%), associate themselves with a religion.

Introduction (cont.) Indian Diaspora in the West have popularized many aspects of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy such as yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic medicine, divination, karma, and reincarnation. The influence of Indian religions has been significant all over the world. Westerners flocked to India to avail themselves of the spiritual advice and teachings of countless number of Indian gurus. 

The Main Religions Hinduism Buddhism Jainism Sikhism These three ancient religions, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, are seen as the molders of the India philosophy. Sikhism The main Indian religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism are linked by a belief in karma. Life is regarded as a continual cycle of birth, life and re-birth, and that the deeds or desires of part lives determines ones fate in this and future lives (karma).  The karmic cycle can be broken by adherence to the doctrine preached by each religion.

Hinduism Origin: Indus valley, about 1500BC. Originators:  Persian settlers influenced by Aryan invaders.. Holy city:  Varanisi, on the river Ganges. Followers:  650 million. About 80% of all Indians are Hindi. Deity: Hinduism is a multitheistic religion in which the many gods and goddesses are worshiped in the home and by the numerous sects. The caste system is strictly enforced and all Hindi's are expected to make an annual pilgrimage to a holy center such as the Ganges, for cleansing. To die in a holy place ensures re-birth. The Gods: The Veda Gods: Indra (thunder god), Varuna (divine arbitrator), Agni (god of fire) and Surya (the sun). The Hindu Gods: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destructor), Gamesh (remover of obstacles) and Hanuman (warrior god). There are also the 10 Avatars of Vishnu which include Krishna and Buddha.

Buddhism Origin: Originator: Followers: Deity: Created around 500 BC, In North India by a Hindi protest group Originator: Prince Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BC) Followers:  307 million Deity:  None although Mahayanan Buddhists believe in Buddha as a spiritual being. The teachings of Buddha reveal that there is no permanent 'self' and suffering is caused by a desire for that which is impermanent. These beliefs are expressed in the Nobel Truths:  Dukkha, to exist is to suffer.  Samuddaya, suffering is caused by desire, the cravings for pleasure and possessions.  Nirodha, detachment from desire will end suffering.   Magga, there is a Way to achieve detachment.

Jainism Origin: Originator: Followers: Divisions: Deity: 6th century India. Originator:  Break away group of Hindus led by Mahavira. Followers:  4 million Divisions:  Digamaras and Swatambaras. Deity: None. The central theme is of non-violence, an idea that has influenced other religions. Jains see the world as a place of misery and suffering and most are monks or nuns each seeking the way to personal liberation (moksha).

Sikhism Origin: Originator: Holy city: Followers: Deity: Symbols: India 16th century. Originator:  Guru Nanak (1469-1539). Holy city:  Amritsar in the Punjab. Followers:  16.5 million. Deity:  God, the immortal creator. The central lesson is that a good and contemplative life will achieve unity with God. Sikhs also believe in reincarnation. Symbols: The five Sikh symbols are: kesh, kangha, kara, kachh and kirpan (beard and uncut hair with a turban, comb, metal bracelet, knee-length shorts and dagger). Sikhs have a wide influence in India and there is increasing demand for a separate homeland in the Punjab (North India).

Other Religions & Facts There were other attempts to create new religions in India but they did not always succeed. For example, a Moghul emperor, Akbar, who reigned between 1556 - 1605, tried to establish a new religion, Din- E- Elahi, but it did not survive. There are other religious philosophies whose believers see themselves as a separate religion, but they do not always get this recognition. For example Lingayat of south India see themselves as a different religion, while others see them as a sect of Hinduism. There are also some tribal communities who demand to be recognized as separate religion from Hinduism. In the 19th century some Hindu reformers tried to remodel Hinduism to adjust it to modern period.

Non-Indian Religions The largest non-Indian religion is Islam. They are about 12% of India's population. Christians are more then 2% of India's population. There are also Zoroastrians who even though make less then 0.01% of India's population, are known around India. There are also a few thousand Jews in India.

Pictures Nanak Rishabha Jainism Symbol Sikhism Symbol Buddhism Symbol Buddha Hinduism Symbol Nanak Jainism Symbol Rishabha Sikhism Symbol

Sources http://adaniel.tripod.com/religions.htm http://www.quick-facts.co.uk/religion/indian.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_India http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Religions/religions.html http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/religion.htm#Zoroastrianism