Spiritual liberation inspires new religions to rise out the muck of dogma

 

Buddhism emerged as a new religion about the 5th or 4th BCE in India during a time Brahminism (which later evolved into Hinduism) was the dominant religious and social system in South Asia. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. Buddhism separated from India’s Vedic system (ancient Indian sacred texts, rituals and cultural traditions) and introduced an alternative spiritual and social cultural practice.

Buddhism challenged several aspects of Brahminism, including the caste system and the authority of the Vedic scriptures. It offered a path to enlightenment through personal practice and meditation rather than ritual sacrifice and adherence to Vedic rites. This new approach attracted many followers and eventually led to Buddhism establishing itself as a major religious tradition in India and beyond.

Brahminism was characterized by its focus on the Vedic texts (literature divided into four main categories, called Vedas), rituals, (such as, Puja: daily offerings of flowers, food, and incense to deities) and ceremonies performed by Brahmins (priests). Brahminism emphasized the importance of rituals and sacrifices to appease deities and maintain cosmic order. The caste system was integral to Brahminism as it defined social roles (hierarchy) and duties (jobs).

The Teaching of Buddhism focused on personal and spiritual development in pursuit of enlightenment. Introducing central teachings which include the Four Noble Truths (addresses the nature of suffering and the path to overcoming it), and the Eightfold Path (a guide to ethical and mental development).

Buddhism’s significant deviation from Brahminism was its rejection of the caste system. Buddhism taught that anyone could achieve enlightenment, regardless of their social status or background. This inclusive approach was appealing to many people who felt marginalized by the rigid social structures of Brahminism.

The reasons why Buddhism was considered a new faith

1. 1. Philosophical Differences: Unlike Brahminism (emphasizing rituals, deity appeasement and adherence to sacred texts), Buddhism focused on meditation and personal experience as a means to attain enlightenment. This shift represented a significant change in religious practice and philosophy.

1. 1. Social Implications: Buddhism’s rejection of the caste system and its inclusive approach to spiritual practice challenged the existing social order. It offered an alternative for people who had already felt excluded by Brahminical traditions.

1. 1. Cultural Impact: As Buddhism spread, it influenced various aspects of culture and society, leading to the development of new schools of thought and practices that diverged from traditional Brahminism.

Other faiths that were considered new religions

Below are major religions that likely influenced newer ones (either by era or region) in chronological order according to history:

⦁ Ancient Egyptian Religions
⦁ Greek Hellenistic Religions
⦁ Babylonian Religions
⦁ Roman Polytheism
⦁ Brahminism (Hinduism)
⦁ Zoroastrianism
⦁ Judaism
⦁ Buddhism
⦁ Christianity
⦁ Catholicism
⦁ Islam

Religion Innovation or Emergence

The emergence of or transition from an enduring faith to form another often involves complex cultural and traditional shifts. Although the religions above are considered major world religions, whether they “exceeded” one or others depend on the context and region. The emergence of a religion do not necessitate the demise of another, though a decline may have occurred.

Egyptian or Mystery Religion: Ancient Egypt religious practices had a complex system of deities like Osiris, Horace, Isis and Seth (father, son, holy mother and evil incarnated) being central to its scripture’s and celestial drama. Although this faith had many gods like Nut, Gab or Ra (sky, earth and sun), the worship (reverence) of these deities was in recognition of them being attributes of the one true God, Amen Ra. This faith also offered personal salvation and afterlife principles as depicted on pictorial called hieroglyphics or meter neter (word of God).

Greek Hellenistic Religion: Egyptian’s theological elements crossed the Mediterranean sea and influenced Greek mythology. Greek religions was characterized by a rich culture featuring a pantheon of gods like Zeus, Hera, and Athena. These deities were associated with various aspects of life and nature, and their stories were integral to Greek identity and traditions. The Greeks also had various mystery religions and philosophical schools that contributed to the mythology spiritual and intellectual framework. They also integrated the concept of logos (reason or words) or “word of God” into text and drama.

Roman Polytheism: The Roman Empire practiced polytheism and emperor Worship. In polytheistic religions they prayed to a pantheon of gods and goddesses like Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. Some emperors of Rome was believed to had been divine figures and were often deified and worshipped as a god. Emperor worship was considered a sign of loyalty and unity to Rome. Rome Religion was deeply intertwined with state politics, including rituals and ceremonies that were believed to ensure the empire’s prosperity and stability.

Brahminism (Hinduism): Had a pantheon of deities that were central to its religious practice and beliefs, such as, Indra (king of the gods), Varuna (god of water), and Yama (god of death). Brahminism was prevalent in India around the time of the early Vedic period, which is roughly 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. This period was based on the Vedas, a collection of ancient sacred texts. The Vedas outlined complex rituals, sacrifices and hymns performed by Brahmins (priests). Brahminism supported a hierarchical social structure known as the caste system, which organized society into different classes with Brahmins at the top.

Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrianism replaced earlier polytheistic Iranian religions, such as, Elamite, and Babylonian and Mesopotamian Influences. It emphasized the duality of good and evil, eternal struggle between good and evil, and the worship of Ahura Mazda (supreme deity). Zoroastrianism became the state religion of the Achaemenid and later the Sassanian Empires. Although it did not entirely replace earlier practices immediately, it dominated Persian religious life until the rise of Islam. Zoroastrianism influenced other major religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in concepts of eschatology (Judgement Day) and morality.

Judaism: Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religion. It emerged from the religious and cultural milieu of the ancient Semitic peoples. Judaism developed its distinctive identity over time, integrating and transforming elements from surrounding cultures while establishing its own unique theological and ethical frameworks. A few key points about its development:

⦁ Canaanite Religion: Judaism’s early religious practices were influenced by the Canaanite religion, which was prevalent in the region before the rise of Judaism. This includes shared myths, deities, and rituals that were adapted and transformed into the Jewish tradition.

⦁ Egyptian Religion: During the period of the Israelites’ sojourn in Egypt, they would have been exposed to Egyptian religious ideas and practices, though the extent of this influence is debated.

⦁ The Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE) was a significant period for Judaism, during which Jewish thought was influenced by Babylonian culture and religion. This period contributed to the development of Jewish apocalyptic literature and concepts of the afterlife.

⦁ Some scholars argue that Zoroastrianism, with its dualistic cosmology and ideas about angels and demons, had an impact on later Jewish thought, especially during the Persian period.

Buddhism: Buddhism originated in India about 528 BCE but was not widely accepted until 5th or 4th BCE, at a time when the Vedic religion (which evolved into Hinduism) was dominant, along with various local and tribal religions. Buddhism coexisted with Vedic traditions for centuries and influenced the development of Hinduism.

Buddhism gradually declined in India due to the resurgence of Hinduism and rise of Islamic rule. By the medieval period Hinduism had become the predominant religion in India. Buddhism spread into Central Asia and China and became a major religion with profound impact on Central Asia’s and Chinese society and traditions.

Christianity: Christianity emerged in a context where several major religions and belief systems were already prominent. Some of the major religions and traditions Christianity succeeded or interacted with include:

⦁ Judaism. Christianity originated within the Jewish context and initially emerged as a Jewish sect. Jesus and his early followers were Jews, and the New Testament frequently engages with Jewish religious concepts and scriptures.

⦁ Roman Religion. The Roman Empire had a polytheistic religion that worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses. This included deities like Jupiter, Juno, Mars, and Venus. Christianity’s monotheistic stance was in contrast to the Roman religious practices.

⦁ Greek Religion. In regions influenced by Greek culture, the pantheon of Greek gods such as Zeus, Hera, and Athena was prevalent. The Hellenistic world also had a rich tradition of mystery religions and philosophical schools, like those of the Stoics and Epicureans.  Also a practice in contrast with Christian moral principles.

⦁ Zoroastrianism. In Persia (modern Iran), Zoroastrianism was a major religion with its own pantheon and dualistic cosmology. Its influence is often cited in discussions about the development of Christian eschatology and angelology.

⦁ Egyptian Religion. Ancient Egyptian religion is the oldest faith and religious institution in recorded history. It influenced many of the world’s religions with the concept of salvation and afterlife; including, the holy trinity (father, son and holy spirit), and monotheism. Amen.

Catholicism: Catholicism is a distinct branch of Christianity, tracing its origins to the time of Jesus Christ and his apostles, particularly, Peter, whose also the first Catholic Pope, in the 1st century AD. Catholicism emerged from the broader context of early Christianity, which itself was rooted in Judaism. Early Christians were originally Jewish and saw their faith as a continuation and fulfillment of Jewish prophecies as foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.

Over the centuries various theological, political and cultural differences led to schisms within Christianity that divided Christianity into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches; later, Protestant Reformation and other Christian denominations further diversified the Christian landscape.

Islam: Islam is an monotheistic religion, exclusively. Allah is the only creator and sustainer of the universe. Islam was influence predominantly by Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism and their theological elements. Islam emerged in a context where several major religions and belief systems were already present. Its succeeded several religious traditions, such as, those in the Arabian Peninsula, home to various polytheistic religions and tribal deities. Islam was established in the 7th CE and rapidly spread through the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

The meaning of samsara in relation to new and old religions

The term samsara comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “continuous flow” or “cycle.” It refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings undergo. It’s often characterized by suffering, impermanence and the endless cycle of craving and attachment. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to escape samsara and achieve nirvana, which is the state of liberation from this cycle and Hell Realms.

The rise and fall of religions: new replacing the old, new turns old; a new new emerges and revisits old ideologies or practices. It appears to me to be the same dance, different song. Are we ever going to get out of this figure 8: an endless two-step circle with resurrection looping various tunes?

The number 8 is also the symbol of infinite. I can’t help but to ask, how long have religions been trapped in this perpetual cycle? New faiths are born while others are buried in forgotten history – until it shows up again. Perhaps a eureka moment for a being in posterity or bring back by one reborn. We’d deem that person a Messiah, Prophet or even Pope. Who else can deliver us out of the darkness if not by divine intervention? May be it’s not so much as a spiritual being rediscovering “lost scriptures” and showing us the way, as it is religion institutions itself, retaining the holy canons or spiritual blueprints for theocratic to revisit. Consider the fact, institutions are entities that has proved can out live any human being. On this train of thought, I suspect AI will soon be keeper or custodian of our religious Holy Grail, better known as, samsara.

Samsara can be seen with the right view

Wisdom helps us to understand certain truths and see the world as it really is. Right view allows us to reduce our suffering and move towards enlightenment. The profound understanding that offers us a deep sense of peace and freedom from attachments and desires, like, clinging to religions as our salvation .

You heard of the saying: “Same day, different sh*t!” It’s an insightful proverb. It means we can see pass the illusions – that there is no day.

Emergence of a new religion as the ultimate change

In Buddhism, change is a fundamental concept, often associated with the idea of impermanence (anicca). Impermanence means that all things are in a constant state of flux and nothing remains the same forever. This concept is central to Buddhist teachings and helps to explain the nature of existence and suffering.

“The more things change, the more it remains the same.” I’m on a roll with quotes. But it has a profound meaning. Look at it closer, meditate on it if you want. This quote resonates with me. I’ll attempt to express my feelings to you about this topic in general: a new song, new dance, new drug, new friend or new religion. I see no difference. I still dance, or bop my head, or get high (herbs) or believe just the same. Simply because dancing is what it is no matter what new moves I do on the dance floor. What more can be said of new religions in the annuals of history. They come and go (and again) as everything else.

Nirvana is the only way out of samsara

Although a new religion or new dance is considered change from the previous faith or song. The whole process (new then old) it’s still trapped in the cycle of samsara. Nirvana is the ultimate state of liberation, and freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. To attain nirvana, Buddhist believe, we must diligently practice the principles of the 4 Noble Truth, 8 Fold Path, meditate and cultivate: wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness (ethical conduct).

Conclusion

As with all new religions, Buddhism introduced innovative teachings and practices that differed significantly from the established religion of the time. On a micro-macro level, new religions reflects every aspect of our being: how new and old concepts, rise and fall; including thoughts, feelings and occurrence in our daily lives; showing up then disappears in our mind-stream or gut.

Although change occurs constantly and shows up as “new”. It is not liberation. Before nirvana can even be possible, we must attain enlightenment or understanding of samsara. Enlightenment is the realization of the truth, while nirvana is the ultimate state of liberation that follows this realization. Imparting with words from George Clinton: “So high, I can’t get over it; so low, can’t get under it.” I encourage you to keep working on your salvation.