reincarnation 

Reincarnation is a concept that has been present in many religions and philosophies throughout history. It is the idea that the soul, or some part of it, survives death and is reborn in a new body, which could be human, animal, or plant. Reincarnation is also known as rebirth, transmigration, or metempsychosis.

Some people believe that reincarnation is a way for the soul to learn and grow through different experiences and challenges in each life. Others believe that reincarnation is a cycle of suffering that the soul needs to escape from by achieving enlightenment or liberation. Different traditions have different views on how reincarnation works, what determines the quality of the next life, and how to break free from the cycle.

Reincarnation is not a universally accepted belief, and some religions reject it completely. However, many people around the world claim to have memories or feelings of their past lives, which they interpret as evidence of reincarnation. Some also seek to explore their past lives through methods such as hypnosis, meditation, or regression therapy.

Trimurti/ the three faces of Brahman 

The Trimurti is a concept of Hinduism that represents the three aspects of God as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is the creator of the universe, Vishnu is the preserver of life and order, and Shiva is the destroyer of evil and ignorance. The Trimurti is also known as the Hindu Trinity, and it symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence. The Trimurti is often depicted as a single figure with three faces, each facing a different direction. The Trimurti is not a fixed or rigid doctrine, but rather a flexible and dynamic expression of the divine reality. Brahman it the ultimate reality for the Hindu people the rest are all off shoots of him. 

Brahman is a key concept in Hinduism that refers to the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe. Brahman is the source of all that exists and transcends all forms and names. Brahman is eternal, conscious, blissful, infinite and omnipresent. Brahman is not a personal God, but the impersonal essence of everything. Brahman can be experienced as the innermost Self (Atman) of every living being, or as the supreme Self (Para Brahman) that is beyond all duality and distinction. Brahman is also expressed through various deities or manifestations of the divine, but none of them can fully capture the nature of Brahman. Brahman is the ultimate goal of Hindu spirituality, as realizing one's identity with Brahman leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Krishna - the 8th incarnation of Vishnu 

Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism, who is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one of the most popular and widely revered among Hindu divinities. His birthday is celebrated every year by Hindus on Krishna Janmashtami, which falls in late August or early September of the Gregorian calendar. His name means "black", "dark blue" or "attractive" in Sanskrit, and he is often depicted with a dark complexion and playing a flute. He is a central character in many Hindu scriptures, such as the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Bhagavad Gita, where he reveals his teachings to his devotee Arjuna. He is also associated with Radha, his eternal consort, and the gopis, the cowherd girls who love him. He is known for his playful and mischievous acts as a child, his romantic and heroic deeds as a youth, and his divine and compassionate role as an adult. He is revered by various Hindu traditions, such as Vaishnavism, Krishnaism, and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which have produced a wealth of poetry, music, and painting in his honor.

Shiva

Shiva is one of the most important and complex gods in Hinduism. He is part of the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the preserver. Shiva is known as the destroyer, but he also has the power to create and transform the universe. He is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon on his head, a snake around his neck, a trident in his hand, and a drum in his other hand. He is also associated with yoga, meditation, and the arts. Shiva has many forms and names, such as Mahadeva (the great god), Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), Bhairava (the fierce one), and Pashupati (the lord of animals). Shiva is worshipped in various ways, such as through the aniconic symbol of the lingam, or through festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Shravana. Shiva is a pan-Hindu deity who is revered by millions of Hindus across India and beyond.

People I Know follow shiva and the Hindu ways, so here you go. 

Hindu pantheon of Gods -"Devas"

Hindu pantheons are the collections of deities that are worshipped by different sects and traditions of Hinduism. They reflect the diversity and pluralism of Hindu beliefs and practices, as well as the historical and cultural influences that shaped them. Some of the most prominent Hindu pantheons are:

- The Vedic pantheon, which consists of the gods and goddesses mentioned in the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas. These include Indra, Agni, Varuna, Surya, Ushas, Vayu, and many others. They are often associated with natural phenomena and cosmic order.
- The Puranic pantheon, which is based on the narratives and myths found in the later texts called the Puranas. These include Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesha, Skanda, Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, and many others. They are often depicted as having human-like forms and personalities, and are involved in various stories of creation, preservation, destruction, and redemption.
- The Tantric pantheon, which is influenced by the esoteric and mystical traditions of Hinduism known as Tantra. These include Shakti, Kali, Durga, Bhairava, Chinnamasta, Tara, and many others. They are often portrayed as having fierce and powerful aspects, and are worshipped through rituals involving mantras, yantras, mudras, and other techniques.
- The Bhakti pantheon, which is inspired by the devotional movements of Hinduism known as Bhakti. These include Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Radha, Sita, Rukmini, and many others. They are often revered as personal deities who can be approached with love and devotion, and are celebrated through songs, poems, dances, and festivals.

🕉️ Hindu

Being Hindu means following a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent and has roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Hinduism is not a single, organized religion, but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies that worship a number of different gods and minor deities, honor a range of symbols, respect several different holy books and celebrate with a wide variety of traditions, holidays and customs. Hinduism is based on the concepts of samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth), karma (the law of cause and effect), atman (the soul), and moksha (the liberation from samsara). Hinduism also embraces the idea of dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality. Hinduism is closely related to other Indian religions, such as Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, and is the third-largest religion in the world, with more than 1 billion followers.

Buddha and his followers

Buddha is a title that means "one who is awake" or "the enlightened one". It refers to Siddhartha Gautama, a teacher, philosopher and spiritual leader who lived in the 6th-5th centuries BCE in India and Nepal. He is considered the founder of Buddhism, a religion that teaches the path to liberation from suffering through compassion, mindfulness and ethical conduct. Buddha was born as a prince of the Shakya clan, but he renounced his worldly life and became an ascetic after witnessing the realities of old age, sickness and death. He attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree after meditating for 49 days, and then spent the rest of his life traveling and teaching his doctrine to anyone who wanted to listen. He died at the age of 80, after eating a meal that may have been poisoned. His teachings are preserved in various scriptures, such as the Pali suttas, and have influenced millions of people across Asia and beyond.

Buddhist monks, also called bhikkhus, are followers of Buddhism who live a monastic life of celibacy, meditation, and discipline. They follow the teachings of the Buddha, who founded Buddhism in the 5th century BCE in India. Buddhist monks adhere to a set of rules called the Vinaya, which regulate their conduct and lifestyle. They also practice karma (the law of cause and effect) and believe in reincarnation (the continuous cycle of rebirth). Buddhist monks can be found in many countries and traditions, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism. They usually live in monasteries, where they study, pray, and perform rituals. Some monks also go out to beg for alms (food and money) from the lay people, as a way of practicing humility and generosity. Buddhist monks play an important role in preserving and spreading the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) to new generations.

Buddhist pantheon of Gods- "Devas"

Buddhist pantheons are the various groups of deities and supernatural beings that are revered in different branches and traditions of Buddhism. They include buddhas, bodhisattvas, arhats, devas, asuras, nagas, yakshas, pretas, and other celestial or infernal beings. Some of these pantheons are derived from Hinduism, while others are unique to Buddhism. Buddhist pantheons are not fixed or static, but rather evolve and change over time and across cultures. Some of the factors that influence the development of Buddhist pantheons are doctrinal differences, historical events, artistic styles, regional preferences, and syncretism with local religions. Buddhist pantheons serve various functions for the practitioners, such as providing inspiration, guidance, protection, intercession, and salvation.

Dalai lama

The Dalai Lama is the title given to the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people, who belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in the line of succession, and is widely respected for his teachings and efforts to promote peace and compassion. He lives in exile in India, where he leads the Tibetan government in exile and advocates for the rights and autonomy of Tibetans. He has also traveled extensively around the world, meeting with various leaders, celebrities, and religious figures, and spreading his message of universal responsibility and interfaith harmony. He has received many awards and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Confucius 

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political thinker who lived in the 6th century BCE. He is regarded as the founder of Confucianism, a system of ethical and social philosophy that has influenced the culture and history of China and other East Asian countries. Confucius believed that human beings could improve themselves and society through moral cultivation, education, loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and ritual propriety. He also advocated for a harmonious and hierarchical social order based on moral merit and humaneness. Confucius considered himself a transmitter of the ancient wisdom of the sages, and he compiled or edited many of the classic texts of Chinese literature, such as the Analects, the Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. Confucius's teachings were not widely accepted during his lifetime, but they gained prominence and official recognition during the Han dynasty and later dynasties. Confucianism has shaped the values, norms, and institutions of Chinese civilization for over two millennia, and it continues to inspire new interpretations and applications in the modern world.

Sand garden 

Before death

Chi energy, also spelled qi or ch'i, is the life force or vital energy that flows through all living things. Chi is believed to originate from the consciousness, awareness, or stillness of the true self, and to circulate along pathways called meridians that connect the acupuncture points and internal organs of the body. Chi is essential for health and harmony, as it provides the body with circulation, nutrients, and minerals. Chi can be balanced and enhanced by various practices, such as breathing exercises, tai chi, yoga, acupuncture, and meditation. Chi can also be affected by external factors, such as food, water, air, environment, and social interaction. When chi is deficient or stagnant, it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, pain, depression, and stress. When chi is abundant and flowing smoothly, it can promote wellness, vitality, creativity, and happiness.

dietary habits of this culture

[1]: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00744-7.pdf ""
[2]: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/06/29/religion-and-food/ ""
[3]: https://www.britannica.com/topic/dietary-law/Hinduism ""
[4]: https://www.superprof.co.in/blog/the-history-of-the-vegetarian-diet/ ""
[5]: https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/4-things-about-hinduism-and-vegetarianism/ ""
[6]: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/world-cultures-and-religions-plant-based-vegetarian-vegan-diet/ ""
[7]: https://eastasiancultures.medium.com/what-is-hindu-diet-12d151fd03f3 ""
[8]: https://minoritynurse.com/hindu-dietary-practices-feeding-the-body-mind-and-soul/ ""
[9]: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00744-7 ""

The dietary practices within Buddhist and Hindu cultures are diverse and influenced by various factors, including religious beliefs, regional traditions, and personal choices. In Hinduism, the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, is a significant factor that encourages vegetarianism. Many Hindus abstain from eating meat as it involves harm to living creatures, which is against the principle of ahimsa. This practice is not uniform across all Hindus, as dietary habits can vary based on regional traditions and individual beliefs. For instance, while a large number of Hindus in North and Central India may follow a vegetarian diet, this is less common in the South and East where meat consumption is more prevalent.

In Buddhism, the approach to vegetarianism is less prescriptive and varies widely among practitioners. While many Buddhist monks and nuns maintain a vegetarian diet as a reflection of their commitment to non-harm, lay Buddhists may not necessarily adhere to the same dietary restrictions. The consumption of meat is generally discouraged, especially if the animal was killed specifically for the consumer, but this does not equate to a strict vegetarian doctrine across the board. In fact, studies have shown that a relatively small percentage of Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan.

Jainism, another religion closely associated with Indian culture, has a much stricter approach to vegetarianism, reflecting its core value of non-violence to such an extent that Jains often avoid eating root vegetables to prevent harm to even the smallest organisms.

Overall, while vegetarianism is a significant aspect of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, it is not accurate to say that most people in these cultures are vegetarian. The prevalence of vegetarianism within these communities is influenced by a complex interplay of religious teachings, cultural norms, and individual convictions. The reasons for vegetarianism in these cultures are deeply rooted in religious and ethical values, emphasizing non-violence and respect for all forms of life. However, the actual dietary practices may vary widely among individuals and regions, reflecting the diversity within these cultural and religious groups.

after death

Reincarnation is the concept that the soul or the essence of a living being can continue to exist after death and be reborn in a new body or form of life. Different religions and philosophies have different views on how reincarnation works, why it happens, and what are the consequences of it. Some of the major religions that believe in reincarnation are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Some ancient Greek thinkers, such as Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plato, also believed in reincarnation. Reincarnation is also known as rebirth, transmigration, or metempsychosis.

timeline of the Gods

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranic_chronology ""
[2]: https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/hinduism/ ""
[3]: https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-Hindu-deities-2066639 ""
[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_mythology ""
[5]: https://historycooperative.org/buddhist-gods/ ""
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_deities ""
[7]: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/493/the-dates-of-the-buddha/ ""
[8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Buddhism ""
[9]: https://faithinspires.org/buddhist-gods/ ""

The timeline of Buddhist and Hindu deities is a complex tapestry woven through history and mythology. Buddhism, traditionally a non-theistic religion, does not revolve around the worship of gods as central figures. Instead, it focuses on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who taught the path to enlightenment and the alleviation of suffering. However, in various cultures, Buddhism has incorporated a pantheon of deities, which are venerated in different traditions like Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. These figures are seen as enlightened beings rather than gods in the traditional sense.

Hinduism, on the other hand, has a rich mythology with a vast array of gods and goddesses, each with their own stories and significance. The Puranic chronology provides a timeline based on the itihasa, cosmogeny, and events narrated in texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Puranas. This chronology outlines a cyclic concept of time, divided into yugas, with key events such as the Kurukshetra War and the Lanka War marking the transitions between these epochs.

The historical Buddha is believed to have lived between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, with modern scholarship placing his dates around 563 to 483 BCE, based on various historical and textual analyses. In Hinduism, the dates of events and the lives of gods are more symbolic and less historically anchored, often intertwined with the cyclical yugas, which span vast periods of time according to the scriptures.

In summary, while the Buddhist 'gods' are more accurately described as venerated figures within the religion's various schools, the Hindu gods are part of a rich mythological framework that defines the religion's cosmology and moral narratives. Both sets of deities play crucial roles in the spiritual and cultural practices of their respective traditions. Understanding the timeline of these deities requires delving into the religious texts and historical interpretations that have shaped the beliefs and practices of millions around the world.

The lands that these practices are custom.