In the earlier article, I mentioned that the Aryans of ancient India worshipped gods of nature. However, during the late Vedic period (between 800 and 600 BC), these gods of nature became less important and there was a shift from the Aryan fire sacrifices to a personal devotion to a particular deity. There was also a gradual shift from the emphasis on ritual alone to a personal relationship between god and the devotee. No longer were the Vedic sacrifices the way to escape *karma; to gain a better next life. People were now encouraged to perform good deeds and the way to salvation was through bhakti (devotion). This was the beginning of the development of Hinduism. In addition, Hindu salvation was accessible to the peasant masses not just the Brahmin elite.

The Hindus began to believe in the concept of a trinity of gods: Brahma as the creator, Vishnu as the Preserver and Shiva as the destroyer. Vishnu and Shiva gained a mass popular following as Vishnu was the divine saviour of mankind and Shiva was Hinduism's reconciliation of extremes; the ascetic yogi and fertility god; the creator of life and the dark destroyer etc.

Buddhism however, developed much later in India, around 563 BC and was founded by a Hindu prince named Gautama Buddha. He left his luxurious life and became a wandering *ascetic, discussing with Brahmans and ascetics. He felt that asceticism was not the path of salvation but instead, saw mediation as the means of salvation. He taught a way of life that was not comprised of self-indulgence and self-mortification. His teachings became known as Buddhism and were well received by the people.

Buddhism helped clean up Hinduism of its rituals and sacrifices, which had become too complex, riddled with rituals and the dominance of the priests. It also helped India establish links with foreign countries; many travelled overseas or came to India due to Buddhism. It helped raise Indian morality and encouraged the spirit of pacifism and also promoted social equality, since people from all social classes were allowed to follow the teachings of Buddha.

Today, Hinduism and Buddhism are still practiced in all parts of the world by many people all over the world. Buddhism, for instance, is the religion of about one eighth of the world's people and can be found in countries like India, China and Singapore. Hinduism, too, is practiced by many people, mainly the Indians who dwell in all corners of the globe. So, why is there a need for a religion? Does having a religion help one gain inner peace and ensure that one would be blessed throughout one's life and even in the next? What are other religions that one knows about? How are they similar or different?

*Karma - (in the Buddhist and Hindu religions) the force produced by a person's actions in one of their lives which influences what happen to them in their future lives

*Ascetic - a person who avoids physical pleasures and live a simple life, often for religious reasons

Adapted from the Cambridge International Dictionary of English

Shiva, the Destroyer

Vishnu, the Preserver

Largest Buddha in the world, located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Worshipper of Vishnu

Worshipper of the god, Shiva