‘Religion’ in India- Types and its Connection to Country’s Civilization

India's economic and political strata in today's world have reached a great level, but that is still not what the country is known for. The country is known for its diversity and religions because the term 'religion' in India is not just a system of belief and worship, but a way of life too. Since ancient times, it has been an integral part of its culture. For the citizens of this country, religion pervades through all the activities of life- from cooking chores to working and politics. The religion we follow plays an important role in our upbringing as well. Our conditioning is done based on the principles of our religion. India is a home to many religions- Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam and others.

How old is the Indian civilization?

The Indian civilization is around 4000 years old, with the existing Indian religions growing in that period. The antiquity of the religions in India begins from the Harappan culture. It's a secular country which respects all kinds of religion and culture, but during the ancient times, when the Human civilization was developing, there were three main religions native to India- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The predominant religion during this period was Hinduism, which is said have originated in the Northern India.

Religion wise Indian Population:

HINDUISM – about 82%
ISLAM – about 12%
CHRISTIANITY – about 2.5%
SIKHISM – about 2%
BUDDHISM – about 0.7%
JAINISM – about 0.5%
ZOROASTRIANISM – about 0.01%
JUDAISM – about 0.0005% (stated by adaniel.tripod)

Hinduism

Brahma Pixabay

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. Its followers worship several deities. Unlike the other religions, this religion does not have one teacher. Its followers, the 'Hindus' believe in a supreme divine spirit called 'Parama Brahma'. The concept of Parama Brahma states that Brahma is omnipresent.

Hindus believe in vasudhaiva kutumbakam, which means the whole world is a single family. They also believe in Sarva dharma Sama Bhava, which means all religions are equal. The practice follows the ideas of mercy, charity, compassion, benevolence, non-violence and mercy. It believes the concept of 'Bhakti' or devotion.

The sacred writings of Hinduism include the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Upanishads.

Also Read: The history and development of Indian Handicrafts

Jainism

Lord Mahavira Pixabay

According to tradition, the founder of Jainism was first Tirthankara Adinatha. However, the religion was widely propagated by the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira. He was born in Vaishali, Bihar, who belonged to the clan 'Licchavi'. Mahavira was moved by the sufferings of people, and therefore, left his home at the age of 30 to seek the truth. He supported the teachings of the previous Tirthankaras, and added his own beliefs to the teachings.

He believed in the ideology of leading a good life and not doing any wrong. He did not encourage the practice of needing the help of God for everything.

Doctrines of Jainism:

Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Satya (Truth)
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (Chastity)
Aparigraha (Non-possession)

Buddhism

Lord Buddha Pixabay

Buddhism is a religion which consists of different kinds of beliefs and practices based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. Buddha's name was Siddhartha. He was the son of the Shakya clan's leader. It is believed that Siddhartha made three observations, which changed his life: a feeble old man; a person suffering from disease; and a dead body being taken for cremation. This propelled him in finding the true meaning of life. He left his home at an early age and attained 'enlightenment' in Bodhgaya.

He also prescribed the four noble truths and eight fold path.

Four noble truths are: