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HINDUISM , a sacred syllable and a quintessential symbol of Hinduism. Its meanings are many.]] ) is a worldwide tradition that encompasses many different religions and other ideologies. The exact date of origin of Hinduism is unknown, with dates varying from 3102 BCE to 1300 BCE. However, it is generally regarded as the world's oldest major religion. It is the third largest religion, with approximately 940 million followers worldwide, 96 percent of whom live in the Indian Subcontinent . After including Yoga followers, Hinduism has around 1.05 billion followers worldwide. The only official Hindu state in the world is Nepal. Unlike offshoots like Buddhism, Hinduism has remained mainly in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism comes under a much larger branch of religions known as the Dharmic Religion s. Although unlike the Abrahamic Religion s it is quite interesting to note the fundamental differences about them. For example, Jain s are deeply antagonistic about the existence of a god, unlike the Buddhist s who were originally atheists. Whereas in Hinduism, religious books vary in opinion, they include monism to dualism, from pantheism to atheism. However, it is important to note that in Smartism , a denomination of Hinduism, the gods are all representations of one supreme energy, as in Ayyavazhi and in that sense they are all Panentheistic or pantheistic. Similar to other Dharmic religions, Hinduism teaches its followers the value of pure and right actions, to give up bad and wrongful actions. To meditate on God, or your own self, in order to escape from the cycle of life and death, and obtain Moksha . The term Hindu derives from the name of the Sindhu-river. ''See also Hindu People .'' AYYAVAZHI Tradition]] Ayyavazhi is a religion originated in South India in the mid-nineteenth century. The religion and the philosophy of this religion is based on its scripture Akilattirattu Ammanai . Though it was not officially recognised it had came to be a recognisable phenomenon with rich Mythology and a good number of followers around 1 million. It was one of the fast spreading religions of South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and in southern parts of Kerala. It has more than 7000 worship centers in South India . Ayyavazhi is a monistic but it believes in final judgement and it advocates Kroni , a satan like figure. Due to this Ayyavazhi is viewed to some extent as a Dualistic faith. It belives in Reincarnation and so it was considered as a dharmic religion. It advocates marital life and says it as the foremost Tavam (austrity). It says to live with dignity. Vegetarianism is strict. It asserts many god heads. But in Kali Yukam all were unified into Vaikundar and therefore Ayya Vaikundar is the single and foremost power. So it was also considered monotheistic. The basic concepts of its mythology give a symbolic vision which is at once religious and social. Ayyavazhi worship was marked by simplicity. In contrast there are also verses in Akilam to suggest Ayyavazhi as Pantheistic and Panentheistic faiths. BUDDHISM statue in Hong Kong , remind followers to practice right living.]] Buddhism is a Religion and Philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha , Siddhārtha Gautama , who lived between approximately 563 and 483 BC . Originating in India , Buddhism gradually spread throughout Asia to Central Asia , Sri Lanka , Tibet , Southeast Asia , as well as the East Asian countries of China , Mongolia , Korea , Japan , and Vietnam . With approximately 350 million followers, Buddhism is considered a Major World Religion . Buddhism teaches followers to perform good and wholesome actions, to avoid bad and harmful actions, and to purify and train the mind. The aim of these practices is to end the suffering of cyclic existence, Samsara , by awakening the practitioner to the realization of true reality, the achievement of Nirvana and Buddhahood . Buddhist morality is underpinned by the principles of harmlessness and moderation. Mental training focuses on moral discipline ('' Sila ''), meditative concentration ('' Samadhi ''), and Wisdom ('' Prajñā ''). While Buddhism does not deny the existence of supernatural beings (indeed, many are discussed in Buddhist scripture), it does not ascribe power for creation, salvation or judgement to them. Like humans, they are regarded as having the power to affect worldly events, and so some Buddhist schools associate with them via ritual. |
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