Welcome to woopit religion page. On this page you are able to read some of the beliefs that are wellknown in our world. Some are more known than others and have had better PR and some still have
We Are All Just Humans
We are all human and we all need to breathe fresh air. We are all human and need to eat to stay alive. We are all human and came out of our beloved mother. We are all human and enjoy music. We are all human and live on the same beautiful planet, called Mother Earth. We are all human and many of us have brothers and sisters. We are all human and have been hurt. We are all human and we are all rich and poor. We are all human and able to cry. We are all human and able to laught. We are all human and blessed with a body. We are all human and have a brain. We are all human and have vision. We are all human and talk with our body. We are all human and able to speak. We are all human and have ears to listen. We are all human and do our best to stay alive. We are all human and all need sleep. We are all human and have hopes & dreams. We are all human and have great potential. We are all human and born free. We are all human and we will all die one day. We are all human and a heart that beats. We are all human and everybody is insecure. We are all human and that is all we are. We are all human and have the power to create. We are all human and have changes everyday. We are all human and have desires. We are all human and try to understand why we are here. We are all human and hoping for a healthy future. We are all human and are part of the same evolution. We are all human and in connection with each other. We are all human and need humans around. We are all human and know what love is. We are all human and want to be happy. We are all human and can be more humane. We are all... We are!"
I think every religion or beliefsystem comes down or goes up to this... a healthy and beautiful long life for all. That we all may experience joy and laughter in life. Respect others as if the other is you. Be thankfull for being born on this beautiful planet. Don't waste your life with limitations and expand your horizon. Embrace the beauty that surrounds you. Feel your feelings and express your love. By giving you will receive. By sharing you will multiply!
Last night I thought to my self what if we all could see that we are all brother's and sister's. If we all could see the family of humanity. What if every mother is my mother and every father is my father. What if we could love everybody without being too much. Without being afraid to show that we DO care. If I would be as kind to you as I am to people i know and share life and love with. What if you are me and I am you. We are the same... I wouldn't hurt you if you were me. Would you!?
Jurgen Kleykamp
Arya SamajSwami DayanandaSwami Dayananda (1824-1883) founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. Dayanand was born in Gujarat into a rich Brahmin family who worshipped Shiva. He was invested with Sacred Thread (Upanayanam) at the age of eight years. Three years later while keeping night at the Shiva Temple, he noticed rats eating away the Prasadams offered to God. He doubted the Deity's power and started to dislike Idol Worship. When his parents fixed his marriage, he left home, travelled widely, met holy men and widened his knowledge on religion and philosophy. He studied Vedas at Mathura. His teacher entrusted him with the duty of spreading Vedic Faith.
Swami Dayanand founded the Arya Samaj (Society of Aryans) in 1875. He claimed the Vedas to be eternal, infallible and a complete revelation of God. He accepted the Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth, but was against Idol worship, caste distinction, pilgrimages, ritual bathing and polytheism. He also condemned child marriages and segregation of women. He opposed widow-remarriage. He introduced re-conversion to Hinduism, for converted Christians. They worship Agni (Fire), recite Gayathri Japam and read Vedas. The Samaj is a democratic organization without regular priests. Members are required to practice austerity, truth and devotion to God.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
BahaiismBahai TempleBahais are the members of the Bahai faith. This religion was founded in the year 1863 in what is now Iraq. Bahai faith has spread to most parts of the world.
Bahais believe that God sent a series of Prophets to teach eternal moral truth and to reveal new social principles. Their prophets include such religious leaders as the ancient Hebrews, Abraham and Moses, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed. Bahais believed that the latest prophet was a Persian called Bahaullah - "Glory of God" who founded the Bahai faith. Bahaullah declared that all religions honour the same God and the highest form of worship is service to other human beings. He also taught God wants all people to form a united society based on mutual acceptance of one another. Bahaullah opposed discrimination based on age, race, or sex and he favoured a federated system of Government.
The Bahai faith grew out of Babi faith, a religious founder in Persia - (Iran), in 1844 by Sayyed Ali Muhammed, also called the BAB - "Gate". Bab predicted that soon a great Prophet would appear. The Persian government imprisoned Bahaullah and exiled him to Baghdad. In the year 1863, he proclaimed himself to be the predicted Prophet. Most of the Babis accepted the claim and became known as the Bahais.
The Bahais have about 17,000 local Councils called Local Spiritual Assemblies. The International Governing Body called The Universal House of Justice meets in Haifa in Israel.
The Bahai House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A., is a magnificient structure. The Bahai house of worship in New Delhi stands in the shape of a huge Lotus, infact it is an architechtural marvel.
Brahmo SamajRaja Ram Mohan Roy (1772- 1833) was born into a Brahmin family in Bengal and experienced the orthodox practices of Hinduism in his youth. He studied the Quran, Buddhism and the New Testament. He disliked Idol worship and hated the practice of Sati, after seeing his brother's widow burnt alive on her husband's funeral fire. He fought to abolish polytheism, idol worship, the caste system, child marriage, animal sacrifice and Sati which is the practice of a widow being burnt alive on the funeral pyre.
In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj (Society of Brahma) in an attempt to reform Hindu religious beliefs and practices. Brahmo Samaj's hall of worship has no images, statues or pictures. Only prayers and Hymns are sung, selecting one God for concentrating their prayers. Members offered prayers as a group. This community worship was a new aspect to Hinduism. The form of worship under Brahmo Samaj system was based on the Christian school of thought as the founder was inspired by the Western ideas. The Samaj inspired progressive development in Hindu Society, religion and politics.
The indirect result of the reform movement of Ram Mohan Roy was the abolition of Sati, child marriage, untouchability, caste distinction, and established women's right to property and widow re-marriage.
BuddhismLord BuddhaBuddhism developed in India during the late 500 B.C.'s from the teachings of a prince named Siddhartha Gautama. Gautama became known as Gautama Buddha meaning 'Enlightened One'. Buddhism was partly a rebellion against certain features of Hinduism. Buddhism opposed the Hindu worship of many deites, the Hindu emphases on caste, the supernatural, and the power of the Hindu priest class.
Buddha taught that people should devote themselves to finding release from the suffering life. Through this release, people will gain Nirvana - "a state of perfect peace and happiness". To acheive this Nirvana people have to free themselves from wordly things. Buddha taught that Nirvana could be gained by following the middlepath between the extremes of severe self-denial and uncontrolled passion. As Buddha preached number of his followers increased.
Buddha made Monasticism an inseparable part of his creed. There are two orders in Buddhism - Hinayana & Mahayana. Hinayana communities have a more strict daily life and members spend much time in meditation. Mahayana communities are more active in welfare and education and are centered in Japan & China.
Buddhism had spread in to central Asia. By the end of A.D. 100's it had been introduced in China. Buddhism swept through much of China from 300's to 500s, challenging the native Chinese religions of Confucianism and Taoism, Buddhism spread to Korea and Japan.
Hinayana Buddhism is strongest in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Srilanka, and Thailand. Mahayana Buddhists live in Japan, Korea, Mangolia, Nepal, Tibet, and scattered parts of India and Russia.
Buddha proclaimed the Four Noble Truths.
1. Life is sorrow
2. Cause for sorrow is craving.
3. Removing the cause of craving will end sorrow.
4. The way that leads to the ending of sorrow is the noble Eight-Fold path.
Buddha as Siddharta Gautama was born in Lumbini and lived in India. He is also known as Shakyamuni. Buddhists believe that there were at least six other Buddha's before Gautama Buddha and there is another one to come whose name will be Maitreya.
There are two main schools of Buddhism.
1. Theravada Buddhism
2. Triptica Buddhism.
The Zen School of Buddhism.
And there is Zen too, Zen is the Japanese form of "CHAN", a Chinese word meaning Meditation. The Zen school of Buddhism, originated in China, but now very widely followed in Japan & in Western countries. Their emphasis is on meditation. Buddhists believe that they can be helped to Nirvana (Enlightnment) by cosmic Buddha's (from other worlds) and Bodhisathvas. These are people who strive to become Buddhas by leading a life of virtue & wisdom.
ChristianityLord Jesus
Jesus was the founder of the Christian religion. This was from 4th century B.C. to 29th century A.D. Qualities taught & demonstrated by Jesus Christ are love, kindness & tolerance. Belief in Jesus as Christ. Religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth regarded by Christians as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.
Christianity has many different orders -
Jesuits are members of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order for men founded by Saint Ignatius Loyola in 1534.
Roman Catholicism has broad based sympathies and ideas. The Universal Christian church belieives in liberality of ideas and universality. The Pope heads Roman Catholic Church.
Protestants - Protestant Episcopal Church conforms to the practices & principles of the Church of England. Reforms under the leadership of Luther, Calvin, Wesley and other heads of protestant institutions.
The Church of England - Basically the episcopal church of England is an Anglican Church. It is an established Church with the Episcopal sovereign as the head.
The Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saint's - The members of this church are called Mormons, founded in U.S.A. in 1830, by Joseph Smith.
All Protestant Episcopal Church are governed by Bishops.
The Methodist Church - This church preaches Protestant Christian teachings that developed from the Evangelistic teachings of John & Charles Wesley.
Mormons - Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints founded in U.S.A. in 1830 by Joseph Smith.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches - These churches regard monasticism as an essential feature of their tradition. Practically all eastern orthodox religions follow the teachings of St.Basil. Two charachteristic features are liturgical worship (fixed form of public worship) and fasting.
ConfucianismConfuciusConfucianism is a Chinese religion based on the teachings of Confucius a philosopher who died about 479 B.C. Confucianism has no organisation or clergy. It does not teach a belief in a deity or the existence of life after death. Confucianism stresses on moral and political ideas. It emphasises on respect for ancestors and Government authorities and teaches that rulers must govern according to high moral standards.
Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have been the major religions in China. But Confucianism had the greatest impact on the Chinese society. It was the State religion of China from 100 B.C. to 1,900 A.D. Confucius's scriptures called "The Five Classics and Four Books" served as a foundation of the Chinese education system for centuries.
Beginning in the 1,000s, a more philosophical approach to Confucianism, known, as "New Confucianism" became widely popular. New Confucianism also influenced Japanese moral codes and philosophy.
In 1949, the Chinese communists gained control of China. The Government officially condemned Confucianism as well as other religions. As a result, most followers of Confucianism lived outside mainland China. In 1970's, however, the Communist Government relaxed its policy against religion and so, Confucianism enjoyed a revival on the mainland.
HinduismLord GaneshHinduism is the most ancient religion known to the world as Sanatana Dharma. This is the only religion in the world which is also a way of life for all to follow, specially Indian's. It is a religion that gets its guidance from theVedas Upanishads Sutras Epics Granthas and Prabhandhams. Aagama Shastra is one of them.
The Bhagavat Gita preached by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, suggests various parts to reach the ultimate aim that God is one. Sanathana Dharma based on the eternal Vedas, faced many upheavals for several centuries, and could withstand the onslaught only because of its innate strength. The Vedas proclaim that God is one. The Bhakthi cult preached by various Saints "Nam Smaran" (chanting God's name) is the easiest way of reaching Him. The Hindu sees God in the form the devotee likes most.
The temples were and are places where man learnt about himself, learnt various arts like music, dance, religion, etc. The temples reveal the various manifestations of the Supreme Being installed therein.
An important factor almost universally accepted is that faith in a divine power shapes the destiny of mankind. Sanathana Dharma had famous Saints who had expounded their own specific philosophy.
Sankhya is another religion-great and ancient of our land. This religion has produced more Ascetics and Gnanis than Buddhism or Jainism. But we do not find any images in honour of those ascetics and gnanis or any literature in the form of songs or stories. We find more reference to Sankhya than Buddhism or Jainism in philosophical works.
Shri. Madhavacharya expounded Dwaita philosophy where the emphasis is on Bhakthi (devotion). He insisted that one should perform one's duties as an offering to God. Shri Madhvacharya founder of Dwaita philosophy said, "God is the continuing cause of all activities of man. The purpose of creation by the Lord is to enable individual souls to work out their salvation." He prescribed Bhakthi as the supreme method to attain God. He pleaded to lead a life of purity to enable us to meditate on the Supreme Being. Devotion and duty import meaning into human life.
Adi Shankaracharya expounded Advaita philosophy. From time immemorial, Hinduism was subjected to severe tests on account of attacks by other religions. As a result, people strayed away from the path laid by the Vedas. Whenever there was religious degeneration, God saw to it, that a spiritual personality appeared amidst mankind, to revitalize Hinduism and establish Dharma. Lord Shiva Himself manifested as Adi Shankara to reinforce the declining religion. Adi Sankaracharya's Advaita philosophy propounds of only one Supreme Being, Lord Shiva - the philosophy is known as Shaivism - he stressed that spiritual knowledge, deep devotion and detachments are necessary for reaching the goal.
Vasishtadwaita was expounded by Shri Ramanujacharya which lays emphasis on the cult devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu, signifying the cult of Vaishnavism. To propagate the cult of Vaishnavism, God deputed Alwars who established the Truth and Reality through their Hymns called "Prabandhams". There are thousands of temples - sanctified kshetras of worship - where divine power is manifested. Every temple has a Sthala Purana, through which the significance of every temple can be learnt.
Though God is the ultimate authority to grant salvation to a devotee the method of approach to attain Moksha (salvation) can be obtained by an Acharya or Guru, the intermediary, who represents Almighty, a learned intellectual, dispels the disciples spiritual ignorance. The Acharya who initiates the disciple into spiritual bliss is the link between the individual and the Cosmic Soul. Acharyas are chosen representatives of God.
It is amazing to find a majority of spiritual Saints in Hinduism had composed valuable literature- Kavyas, Prabandhas, Songs, Poems, Shlokas.
Hinduism is rich in such scriptures written by the great Saints, which again shows the God's blessing on them.
International Society For Krishna ConsciousnessSri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Hare Rama Hare Rama as a great means of propaganda for spreading love of God. It is recommended not only for Kaliyuga, but also for all ages.
Long before Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu introduced a massive non-violent and disobedience movement. He swept aside the stifling restrictions of the hereditary caste system and made it possible for people of all ranks to achieve the highest platform of spiritual enlightenment.
Great saints and scholars detected that he was not an ordinary human being, but an incarnation of Supreme God, Lord Krishna Himself, appearing as a devotee. Chaitanya wished the experience of the love of God for all people. Hence this awakening of attaining of enlightenment by Sankeertana, the chanting of the Holy names of God- Hare Krishna Mantra.
When the local Muslim ruler rebelled, tried to suppress the Sankeertana movement and destroy Chaitanya, he started a peaceful disobedience movement and the Muslim ruler was convinced with the chanting system. Once during Hindu-Muslim riots, Chaitanya manifested his form as Sri Krishna, which made the opponents surrender. They also accepted Chaitanya's philosophy for universal religion, for all mankind, "CHANT AND BE HAPPY".
IslamThe Holy Mosque of MeccaThe Muslim religion - submission to God's will - is a monotheistic religion in which the Supreme Deity is Allah, and the Founder and Chief Prophet is Mohammed. Islam is also refered to as Muslimism and Mohammedanism mostly by non-Muslims.
Mohammed was an Arab born in the city of Mecca. He believed he had been sent to warn and guide people, to call them to worship God. He taught that there is only one God and that He, Mohammed, was only a messenger. Those who believe in one God and accept Mohammed as His messenger are called Muslims. The Largest Muslim communities exist in the Middle East, North Africa, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Central Asia. In Europe, Islam is the principle religion in Western Turkey and Albania.
Mohammed's preachings angered and frightened the Meccans and some even plotted to kill Mohammed. He and his followers fled to the city of Madina in 622. By 630, they returned to Mecca, victorious. The Muslims destroyed all the idols in the sacred shrine of Mecca known as Kaaba and the area around it became the most sacred Mosque. The Meccans then accepted Islam and acknowledged Mohammed as Prophet. Mecca and Madina are sacred cities of Islam. Mohammed's death in 632 brought a leadership crisis. Some elected his friend Abu Bakr as the first Caliph (successor). They became the majority - Sunni branch of Islam. Others supported Mohammed's son - in - law. These groups formed Shia or Shiite branch.
Muslims united millions of different people socially and culturally into one great empire. They encouraged learning as a part of religious duty and preserved much of the classical knowledge of the ancient world. The Muslims also built magnificent mosques and other structures - Allhambra in Spain, and the Taj Mahal in India.
The companions of Mohammed preserved the revelations (Divine Messages) that he received from God by memorizing them or writing down. They later combined them to form the Holy Book of Quran (Koran), an Arabic word meaning "recitation". Muslims believe the Quran to be the unaltered word of God recited in Arabic to Mohammed by the Angel Gabriel.
The five pillars
A Muslim's chief religious duties are known as the Five Pillars. These are:
- The profession of Faith
- Prayer
- Alms giving to the poor
- Fasting
- Pilgrimage
Prayers
Muslims can offer prayers to God (personal) at any time they wish, but there are five ritual prayers to be performed each day - at dawn, at noon, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night fall. Before prayer, Muslims perform ritual ablutions, known as WUDU. This consists of rinsing the face, hands, and feet with clean water - as a mark of respect to God. The SALAT (ritual prayer) is performed facing the direction of Mecca. The Salat consists of reciting certain passages from the Quran in combination with special body movements. It is customary to offer a private prayed (Dua) at the end of Salat.
A crier or Muezzin announces the time for prayer by calling out the ADHAN (call to prayer). Friday noon prayer is the obligatory congregational prayer. Alms giving to the poor and needy is a duty required from every Muslim. It is called ZAKAT.
Ramadan or Ramzan
Fasting in the ninth month in the Muslim year is the Holy month of fasting. In that month, they give up eating and drinking during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. At the end of each day, during Ramadan, Muslims break their fast at a joyful family meal. The main aim of the fast is to please God and to draw near Him.
Pilgrimage to Mecca is known as HAJJ. Muslims are requested to perform Hajj once in a lifetime.
Muslims take on the pilgrims clothing IHRAM which consist of two simple lengths of unsewn white cloth, one to cover the lower half of the body and one for the upper half, worn both by rich and poor alike. Women are allowed to wear their own clothing, but they must not cover their faces, to show that all are equal. The Hajj consists of succession of rituals that include walking around the shrine of Kaaba and visiting certain sacred sites.
According to historians Islam forged ahead with the help of a sword.
Jain FaithJainism is a religion without a belief in God. The Jains defend their Atheism (non belief in God), by claiming, that neither perception, nor inference can proove the existence of God. The concept of Jainism is so extreme that they have a cotton muslin mask against their mouths to prevent any germs or insects (living beings) from entering the mouth. Generally they have their evening meal before sunset - again for the same reason.
JainismLord MahaveerJainism is one of the three Indian philosophies, the others being Charvaka and Buddhism, which do not accept the authority of Vedas. The most important Jain teacher Theerthankara was Mahaveera.
The Jains accept three sources of knowledge. Perception, Inference and Testimony. Jains believe that every judgement is true only from a particular standpoint. To claim that a judgement is unconditionally true leads to dogmatism and intolerance.
Jains believe that all physical things are made of atoms. All living things possess a soul like light, the soul pervades the entire body which it inhabits. Consciousness is the essence of the soul. In its perfect condition, a soul possesses perfect knowledge. The karmic matter causes souls to fail to exercise their natural function.
The three jewels of Jainism
Jains believe that although a soul inherently perfect, usually it finds itself in bondage. A soul's past Karma determines the kind of body it receives and the consequent limitation. The way to deliverance according to Jainism is, through the Three Jewels, of Right Faith, of Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.
Right Conduct
This involves the practice of five virtues
Ahimsa or non-violence
Truth speaking
Non-stealing
Chastity
Non-attachments to worldly things
The Jains were the first to make non-violence a rule of life. Through the practice of the Three Jewels, a person can succeed in overcoming the forces of all passions, and karmas and attain liberation. Once free, the soul attains the four-fold perfection of infinite knowledge, infinite faith, infinite power and infinite bliss.
JudaismStar of David and TorahJudaism began among the ancient Israelites, in the Middle East. Jewish tradition traces the roots of the religion back to Abraham, who lived between 1,800 and 1,500 B.C. His grandson Jacob, who was also called Israel, had 12 sons. They founded the twelve tribes that became Israelites. Jewish tradition says that the great lawgiver Moses received from God, the first five books of the Bible, which are called The PENTATEUCH or the TORAH. These books also known as the Mosaic Law, have been the basis of the Jewish religion.
Judaism was the first religion to teach the belief in one God. It is believed that Jews became Monotheistic during the time of Moses. During Biblical times, first Assyrians, then the Babylonians finally the Romans conquered the Israelites. Many Jews were driven into exile over the centuries. The Jewish people settled in various parts of the Middle East and in European countries. Everywhere they were in a religious minority and they were often persecuted for their faith. In about 1,800 A.D. Jews divided into three general groups - Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed. The orthodox Jews observed rituals in a traditional way.
In 1930 A.D. the German dictator Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party began a vicious campaign against Jews and by 1945, the Nazis killed about six millions of the nine million Jews of Europe. Many of the surviving Jews joined the Jews living in Palestine and established the State of Israel in 1948 under the sponsorship of United Nations. It was the first homeland Jews had known since Biblical times.
LamaismDalai LamaLamaism is a branch of Buddhism, mainly in Tibet. The religion recognizes two Grand Lamas. The Dalai Lama was regarded as the ruler of Tibet and the spiritual leader of Lamaism. The Tibetans revere him as a living Deity. The Panchen Lama was regarded as a leading spiritual authority.
The Tibetans regarded both the Lamas as Buddha born again. When the Dalai Lama or Panchen Lama died, their spirit is believed to enter the body of a baby boy. Monks search the whole country for a baby boy who was born about the same time as the death of the Lama. The boy thus selected, becomes the Lama's successor. The Chinese communists ended the authority of the Lamas after they took control of Tibet.
There are several sects of Lamaism. The chief sect is Yellow Hat headed by the Dalai Lama who is now in exile in India. In the past, large number of Tibetians became monks. Every town and valley had a monastery called a "Lamassery". The then Panchen Lama died and His Holiness Dalai Lama is in exile in India. He was Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
SikhismGuru GurunanakSikhism is one of the most ancient religions of India. Believers of Sikhism are called Sikhs, (meaning disciples). Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism. His simple message was "work, worship and share your food with others". Guru Gobind Singh declared before his departure to the heavenly abode that Holy Granth - Guru Granth Sahib, would be the spiritual guide for Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh made Khalsa (Sikh common wealth), a full-fledged nation and taught them to perform the noble duty of defending their motherland. Guru Gobind Singh, the last among the Gurus (1666-1708), initiated the Baptism Ceremony.
The first five Baptised Sikhs were named "Panj Pyare" which means - five beloved ones, who in turn, baptised the Guru on his request - an event unknown in the history of mankind. Guru Granth Sahib the Sikh Holy Scriptures, became the ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs, and "Khalsa Panth", the temple authority.
Sikhism stood for casteless and, classless society. This religion preaches that all people stand equal in society. Guru Nanak was born into a hindu family, he preached there is only one God and criticised Hindu and Muslim religious sectarianism. By the time of tenth Guru - Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs had to defend themselves from Muslim persecution and Guru Gobind Singh organized his followers into a military order called Khalsa which literally means "pure". Sikh men and women were initiated into the Khalsa by sharing a drink of sweetened water called "Amrit" a symbol of loyalty to God. After initiation, they are given the name Singh (Lion). The Sikhs are unique in their attire and names.
In this religion, it is obligatory for all Sikh men to always have five K's. Kesh, Kirpan, Kada, Kachcha and Kanghi (long hair, small sword, iron bangle, drawer, and a comb).
Srila Prabhupada Bhakthi Vedantha SwamyThough Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the author of chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, it was Prabhupada Swamy who elaborated the Mantra and had taken this Mantra to all the corners of the world. Chaitanya himself spread the transcendental teachings of Sri Krishna to the Western world and Prabhupada followed up vigourously round the world. "HARE " is the form of addressing the energy and the names Rama and Krishna are forms of addressing the Lord Himself. The three words Hare Rama, Krishna are the transcendental seeds of the Mahamantra. The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His energy to give protection to our soul.
Hare Krishna Mantra can be chanted by any man, in any social position, in any country and in any age for Krishna is The Supreme Lord of all people in all social positions, in all countries, in all ages. His Divine Grace, Prabhupada Swamy has the unique distinction for having spread the power of chanting Hare Krishna Mantra throughout the world, without encountering any enimity, opposition or persecution. It is amazing how he could convince the world's toughest audience, bohemians, acidheads, potheads, and hippies, that he knew the way to God.
The Founder Acharya of International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) , has several books to his credit .
We have compiled some of the best for you below
The Bhagavat Gita - by ISKON
Srimad Bhagavatam - by ISKON
A nectar of Devotion - by ISKON
Krishna, The Reservoir of Pleasure - by ISKON
TaoismLao Tzu Father of TaoismTaoism, like Confucianism is a native Chinese religion. Its root's go back to the earliest history of China. However Taoism did not begin to develop as an organized religion until 100 B.C.
Taoism teaches that everyone should try to achieve two goals, happiness and immortality. The religion has many practices and ceremonies, intended to help people. They include prayer, magic, special diets, breath-control, meditation, and recitation of scriptures. Taoists also believe in astrology, fortune telling, witchcraft and communication with the spirits of the dead. Taoists worship more deities than do the followers of almost any other religion. Some deities are ancestors and others are the spirits of famous people.
Taoism borrowed heavily from Buddhism. Many Taoist deities, temples and ceremonies show the influence of Buddhism. By A.D.1000, Taoism had divided into many sects. Some of the sects withdrew from daily routine to meditate and study in Monasteries. Other sects were based in temples. The temple priests passed on their position to their children. They gained a reputation as highly skilled magicians, who could predict the future, protect believers from illness, accidents and other misfortunes.
In mid 1900's, the Chinese government opposed Taoism, claiming it was based on superstition. Today, the Chinese Government permits the practice of the religion and the followers are gradually increasing in number. Taoists remain active in Chinese societies outside China. Their deities include Jade emperor who rules the Earth, Empress of Heaven, and Laozy - an ancient Chinese philosopher who is the founder of Taoism.
TheosophyTheosophy is a System of philosophy and religious thought. Theosophy is based on claims of a mystic insight – that is insight into the nature of God and the laws of the Universe. The Theosophist believes that the truest knowledge comes not through reason or senses, but through a direct communication of the soul with the Divine Reality.
Madame Elena Petrona Blavatsky founded the Theosophical Society in the United States in 1875. Hindu and Buddhist thoughts and doctrines have become prominent in Theosophy, with characteristic belief in reincarnation in accordance with the Hindu doctrine of Karma.
Annie Wood Besant (1847- 1933) was an English leader in the Theosophical Movement and a prominent political figure in India. Though she participated in political field her main contribution was with the Theosophical Society. Jiddu Krishnamurty, the great Theosophist was a great propounder of the Indian Theosophy and Annie Besant was drawn to his knowledge and it was believed that she adopted him. His speeches and literary works were well acclaimed. The Indian Theosophical society is a well-established organisation in Chennai.
Stress is laid on the service due from those left on the earth to those who had passed away. The Hindu religion has the Dharma called Shraddha, by which he helps his elders souls in the passage to the other world - quickening and smoothening the passage to the Heaven.
Transcendental meditation (TM)Transcendental Meditation is a method of relaxing the mind, which became popular in many countries during 1970's. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a Hindu Monk from India, developed this form of meditation. Transcendental is the process of reaching a state of pure consciousness, where the mind is not aware of anything in particular. The contemporary spiritual leader, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi declared that people who used this technique are happier, more relaxed and creative. Followers of the Maharishi call the Transcendental meditation the "Science of Creative Intelligence".
People practice TM by sitting quietly in a comfortable position. They close their eyes and silently repeat their Mantra, a pleasant sounding word, from Hindu scriptures – a select, personal, secret mantra is used by each person which is practiced for 15-20 minutes in the morning and evening before meals.
Scientific studies show that certain bodily changes occur during meditation. The blood pressure and the rate of heartbeat also decrease. Scientists also found that alfa waves (brain waves) increase in intensity during meditation and people who practice Transcendental Medidtation feel less anxious and less aggressive.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has spread his thesis throughout the world and established universities to spread and enhance the knowledge of Vedas and Transcendental Meditation.
Still recent research shows a decrease in crime rate where there is a practice of Transcendental Meditation.
ZionismTheodor (Binyamin Ze'ev) HerzlZionism is movement is an international for the establishment of a Jewish National or religious community, in Palestine and later for the support of modern Israel. This movement started in 1896.
ZorastrianismObservances
Zoraster instructed his followers to pray in the prescence of fire. Fire was a symbol of order and justice. An earthly fire can represent fire, by the Sun, or by the Moon. Zorastrians must pray five times every 24 hours - sunrise, noon, sunset, midnight and dawn. They pray standing while untying and tying a sacred cord tied around their waist. There are seven communal festivals.
The most important is No Ruz or Navroz - the Parsi New Year new day observed at the spring of Equinox. People took special care about the purity of fire, water and earth. They disposed of the dead by exposing the corpses in barren places or on stone towers, called Towers of Silence, where they are eaten by vultures. Zorastrians practice a number of rites for regaining lost purity. Prayers are regularly preceded by ritual ablutions. The community is divided into lay people and priests. Boys begin to study the sacred text at the age of seven years. Some priests tend the sacred fire kept burning in the temples. The best-known priest, was Magi.
Zoraster composed seventeen Gatas - sacred songs. "Ahuna Vairyo" is a sacred chant. The writings are in an ancient language called the Old Avestan. Collections of Zorastrian Holy Texts are called Avesta. Translation's with glossaries and commentaries are called the Zend.
Zoraster, after living alone and wandering began to have revelations at the age of 36. Zorastrianism was the State Religion of the Persian Empire 550-330 B.C. Persian Empire included Babylonia, where many Jews lived and Palestine had a great influence on the early beliefs of Judaism. It also influenced some Jewish sects from among which Christianity emerged. It also contributed much to Islam much. After the Muslim conquest of Persia, Islam became the state religion. They finally settled in Gujarat, where they are called Parsis. The few Zorastrians left in Persia suffered persecution. In 1900, many Zorastrians migrated to Iran from India
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Divine Digest
