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FEATURED
ADVENTURES |
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PHYSICAL
FEATURES |
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PEOPLE
& CULTURAL |
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SIKKIM RELIGION |
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Although Buddhism
appears to be the predominant religion in Sikkim,
the real side of religion in the state is Hinduism.
Buddhism is followed by mostly the Tibetans and
Bhutias. Hinduism is followed by the Nepalese.
Other religions too flourish because of the tolerant
mindset of the Sikkimese like Christianity, Sikhism
and Muslim. |
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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. |
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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. 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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