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The Religions of Nepal (Conclusion (Religious tensions has never been a…
The Religions of Nepal
Christianity
Basic Principles
The major belief of Christianity is that God is the king of the Universe and the Creator, who sent his only son to save humanity from sins.
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Christians believe in doing the right thing and helping others, which goes against the Caste system of Hindus.
Followers
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The Christian population in Nepal is rising. In 1991 the population was 102,000, now the population has risen to at least 375,000.
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Traditions
Christians in Nepal celebrate Christmas with a three day festival. This festival resembles many of the Western Christian celebrations of Christmas.
Most Christian traditions and ceremonies mirror those of Western Christianity. They celebrate Easter and most of the other major holidays of Christianity.
History
The first Christian missionary to Nepal was in 1628, when Portuguese Jesuit Father Juan Cabral was allowed to preach in Nepal.
Protestant Christianity spread to Nepal when Nepalese who were living outside of Nepal during the Rana Dynasty.
After the collapse of the Rana Dynasty of Nepal in 1950, Nepali Christians living in India came to Nepal along with some Western Missionaries.
Buddhism
Basic Principles
People suffer because of their attachment to things and people. The root of all problems and sufferings desire.
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History
Beliefs and practices of Buddhism in Nepal have dated back to when Buddhism was first established, around 543 B.C.
Buddhism was established by Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Nepal.
Followers
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The majority of Nepalese Buddhist are Mahayanas, who believe that Nirvana can be achieved through essense enlightenment
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Most Nepalese Buddhist live in the Eastern Hills, the Kathmandu Valley and Terai. The religion influences the Magar, Sunwar, and Rai peoples in the area.
Traditions
Buddhist monasteries train young initiates in philosophy and meditation. Lay followers gain religious merit by making financial contributions to monasteries.
Within Buddhism there is clerical hierarchy, with highly esteemed lamas holding the most influence.
Monks and nuns of all ranks shave their heads, wear maroon robes, and embrace celibacy and religious practices.
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Islam
Basic Principles
Muslims believe that Islam is the original, universal faith that was revealed through the prophets.
The Quaran is the Muslim version of the Christian bible. It is the book of the unaltered and final revelation of God.
Muslims believe in faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
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Followers
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The Terai Muslims have strong ties across the Nepalese border with larger Muslim populations, but they also hold strong ties to Nepal.
History
Islam in Nepal is thought to have been introduced by Indian, South Asian, and Tibetan Muslims settling in Nepal.
In 1484 AD, Muslims settled in Kathmandu and built a Mosque there.
Traditions
Some Kathmandu Muslims have jobs as scribes, scent manufacturers, musicians, and bangle supplies.
The Muslim Society in Terai is organized along the principles of the caste system, but differs from Hindu caste systems.
In Nepal, Eid is a New Year festival celebrated by the Muslim Community,
Hinduism
Basic Principles
This religion has a basic trinity of three gods Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.
Hinduism involves karma, which means vengeance. It also involves dharma, which is the principle of cosmic order.
All people are organized into different castes or social classes.
The lowest class is the untouchables who were treated cruelly.
Hindus believe in reincarnation, which means they also believe that the position people are in is a result of past mistakes.
Followers
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Main followers are the Magar, Sunwar, and Rai Peoples.
History
The first settlers in Nepal were the Aryans. Their basic belief were recorded in the Vedas, which formed the foundation of Hinduism.
Nepal means the place protected by the sage Ne, a Hindu sage. The legend is that he formed Nepal and chose the ruler every five hundred years.
Traditions
The Nepalese Hindus may choose one particular god to worship or worship all of the gods and incarnations.
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Brahmins and Chhetris are high positions in Hindu society. The perform ceremonies like the Nwaran ceremony after a child is born and marriage ceremonies.
Conclusion
Religious tensions has never been a large issue in Nepal, because Hindus sometimes worship in Buddhist temples and vice versa.
This mutual respect between the two largest religions has helped to create a sense of social and political unity.
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The two largest religions of Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism, have shared location and history for many years. This resulted in a situation where many people are both Hindus and Buddhists.
Nepal's Constitution allows freedom of religious practices. Many religious groups coexist peacefully and respect the other groups's places of worship.
Religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam go against the ancient Hindu beliefs in the Caste system. The three religions belief in charity and helping the poor. This belief has ended the strength of the caste system in parts of Nepal. As a result, poverty levels have decreased.
As a result of Nepal being multireligious, the cultural festivals held each year have expanded to fit the beliefs of most of the religions of Nepal. There are also new festivals for each religion.
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All of these religions are different in origin, but similar in basic principles.