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Buddhism:
After Buddha attained Nirvana, differences of
opinion arouse in the religion causing the formation of new sects.
Finally in about 100 AD a split took place and caused the
formation of two schools, which later became known as the Hinayana
(Southern) and the Mahayana (Northern). The Hinayana adhered to
more primitive Buddhism, which was primarily a primarily a
philosophy with rules and ethics and also emphasized
upon realisation of
Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth) only for
oneself by directly worshipping the Buddha. The Mahayana schools
believes in attaining Nirvana by worshipping the deities called
Bodhisattvas who do not want to attain Nirvana until they have
freed all the humanity from suffering. The Mahayana has a wider
base as it believes in attaining Nirvana for oneself as well as
all suffering humanity.
The native religion of Tibet was called Bon
which is said to be founded by Shenrab Mibo. This religion was
fused and refined by Buddhism by Guru Padmasambva and this gave
birth to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism. The Red Hat Sect was
further reformed by Atisha and the Kadampa sect was established.
Tsong-kha-pa modified the Kadampa and led to the formation of the
Yellow Sect.
Tibetan Buddhism is therefore divided into the Red and Yellow
Sects. The Red Sect comprises of the Nyingma, Kargya and Sakya
lineages and the Yellow Sect consists of the Gelugpa lineaga.
Whereas the Nyingma Sect is associated with Guru Padmasambva, the
founders of Kargyu and Sakya are said to be Marpa and Sakya Muni
respectively. The sects and the lineages are differentiated from
each other by the rituals performed, monastic discipline and the
founder. However the differences tend to blur with rituals of one
lineage overlapping the other.
The Tibetan sacred books are called the Kanjur
and the Tanjur. The Kanjur correspond to the teachings of the
Buddha whereas the Tanjur are related to the teachings to the
Bodhisattvas. Each year of the Buddhist calendar is named after an
animal.
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Hinduism:
Nepali Hindus constitute the majority community
in the state. Being orthodox Hindus, they celebrate each Hindu
festival with great passion. Dasian is their most important
festival followed by Tihar. The Hindu preaching and doctrine is
followed strongly by the Nepalis in every aspect of life - be it
birth, death, marriage, or any important event of life.
The Brahmins are thus an important part of the Nepali society.
They are responsible for performing sacred rituals and rites to
commemorate an individuals communication with God. And they do
have countless number of deities. Most of them are
associated with nature.
Christianity:
Sikhism:
Muslim: |
