Foundations - An Essay Collection

Religion and Its Flavors

Introduction

This essay is the part-two of my essay on spirituality, explaining religion as a whole, whether it is better or worse than unstructured spirituality, and the many versions of it across the world.

What Is Religion?

As I mentioned in my essay on spirituality, religions are structured, often established, and sometimes dogmatic systems of spiritual beliefs and practices. Generally, religion is often considered the belief in and worship of a superhuman/supernatural power or powers, but it can be more than that. Religion is the most popular form of spirituality on Earth.

Which Is Better: Religion or Unstructured Spirituality?

Religion can provide structure, community, a sense of purpose, and accountability, while unstructured spirituality can offer flexibility, freedom to explore, inclusivity, and room for growth. Religion can also impose rigidity, exclusivity, fear, and control, just as unstructured spirituality can lead to a lack of guidance, isolation, and ambiguity.

Overall, in my opinion, the downsides of religion outweigh those of unstructured spirituality. However, this isn't always the case, and many can find deep meaning and fulfillment within religion.

The Indian/Dharmic Religions

Hinduism is a polytheistic (sometimes monotheistic) religion that likely developed from Brahmanism and has no single founder.

The major beliefs of Hinduism are the existence of Brahman, the ultimate reality and source of all creation; Karma; Dharma/moral law; Samsara/reincarnation; and Moksha, the liberation from Samsara and union with Brahman.

The major practices of Hinduism are the worship of deities; Yoga and meditation; and Ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion toward all living beings).

The major deities of Hinduism are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Hinduism is thought to have 33 million to 330 million deities. These deities are sometimes regarded as one essence with Brahman. Thus, Hinduism can be considered monotheistic.

Jainism is a nontheistic religion that was founded by Mahavira.

The major beliefs of Jainism are the eternality and divinity of every soul, its purity clouded by karmic particles accumulated through actions, thoughts, and desires; Karma and reincarnation; Anekantavada, that truth and reality are complex, can be understood from multiple perspectives, and that no single viewpoint is the absolute truth; that the universe and time are eternal, without a beginning or end; and Moksha, the liberation from reincarnation and a state of eternal bliss through the shedding of karmic particles.

The major practices of Jainism are Ahimsa, extending to plants, fungi, and microorganisms, and strict vegetarianism or veganism, harvesting parts of plants that don't kill them, such as fruit, seeds, and leaves; mediation; and Aparigraha, detachment from material and emotional possessions, including fasting and celibacy.

The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras (god-like teachers) are central figures in Jainism, such as the first, known as Rishabhanatha (mythical figure believed to have lived for eons), and the twenty-fourth, known as Mahavira. Though they are highly venerated, they are not outright worshiped as gods.

Buddhism is a nontheistic religion that began as an offshoot of Hinduism and was founded by Gautama Buddha.

The major beliefs of Buddhism are Dukkha and Samudaya (life is filled with suffering and the cause of suffering is desire and attachment); Anicca/impermanence, Anatta/No-Self, and Sunyata/emptiness (everything in life is temporary, constantly changing, and empty of independent existence, making the concept of self an illusion); Karma; Samsara; and Nirvana, the liberation from suffering and Samsara.