Impact of the Three Ancient Dharmic (Indic - Indian) Faiths on the Continent of Asia
• Hinduism (Sanskrit - Sanātana Dharma) has its roots laid deep down in the Indian Subcontinent for millenia. Originating somewhere around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago in the modern day areas of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan - it is the oldest active religion on planet Earth.
• Jainism (Sanskrit - Jaina/Jina Dharma) evolved out of Hinduism during the Shramaņa movement around 3,000 years ago. It follows the teachings of the 24 Tirthankaras in order to achieve Moksha (Liberation) from Samsāra (Cycles of death and rebirth).
• Buddhism (Pāli - Bauddha Dhamma) also evolved out of Hinduism with the awakening and attainment of Nirvāņa (Eternal bliss) by Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama 2,500 years ago. This faith was able to spread throughout Asia because of its revolutionary ideas and techniques to conquer one's mind - Mana.
- Many societies converted to these foreign faiths. These faiths also had to incorporate the native belief systems of these new lands (Slide 3).
- Today, many nations throughout Asia have converted to Islam, Christianity or state-sponsored Atheism; but the essence of Dharma can still be seen and felt, wherever you go.
• Namaste🙏🏽🌸
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