Vedic Beliefs

Throughout the far east there are dispersed a slew of religious beliefs. Among them, Hinduism and Buddhism are the most prominent in popularity. The correlations between the two belief systems can sometimes make them difficult to differentiate. I thought I would take a lazy moment to get into that, in case a few of you may have been wondering.

The Vedic belief system originally existed as a polytheistic, idol-worship way of life. This religion was very integrated in philosophy (within the bounds of the Bhagvad book) and internal realization. Nowadays that has not changed much but as time went on the 'hocus-pocus' of the traditions were largely abandoned. Those who still felt obligated to the old ceremonies started their own sects of Hinduism. Even today there exists hundreds of sects with the widest range of thought imaginable. Cults like the Tantric or Rema, for example, exist within the Hindu boundaries while completely renouncing the Absolute. The spiritual integrity of these particular sects can be disputed. It's true, their supreme disregard for reward (karma) makes them particularly selfless but some erotic ceremonies would hint otherwise.

Buddhism had gone the other way. Broadening it's spectrum of viewpoints to create a religion suggesting all Gods to be valid, the humble faith grew. Exercising complete dedication to discipline, knowledge and charity were simple undisputed truths. Buddhism flourished from this encompassing set of moral guidelines. The solution to Vedic polytheism and differing belief systems was solved by giving one God hundreds of visualizations, sometimes called 'tendencies'. Meditation is done with complete concentration on any given representation, of God. In this sense Buddhism has become more open than Hinduism- (which often breeds isolation, discourages excitement and expects detachment from social suggestion.) Instead, Buddhism tends to spread the basic morals of responsibility, but more importantly, acceptance.