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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
