Tag: rise of territorial kingdoms and heterodox religions

Zoroastrianism, Mazdayasna, is one of the world's oldest religions that remains active. It is a monotheistic faith, centered in a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate destruction of evil. Ascribed to the teachings of the Iranian-speaking prophet Zoroaster, it exalts a deity of wisdom, Ahura Mazda, as its Supreme Being. Major features of Zoroastrianism, such as messianism, judgment after death, heaven and hell, and free will have influenced other.

Taoism, or Daoism, is a religious or philosophical tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The Tao is a fundamental idea in most Chinese philosophical schools; in Taoism, however, it denotes the principle that is the source, pattern and substance of everything that exists. Taoism differs from Confucianism by not emphasizing rigid rituals and social order, but is similar in the sense that it is a teaching about the various disciplines for achieving "perfection.

Ashoka was a Hindu by birth but he followed Hinduism till Kalinga War only. After Kalinga War, he transformed from Hindu to Buddhist.  He embraced Buddha's teachings of love and non-violence and denounced the war as state policy. He decided to conquer the hearts of his subjects.

Buddhism arose in northeastern India sometime between the late 6th century and the early 4th century BCE. At that time, there was major discontent  with Brahmanic (Hindu high-caste) sacrifice and ritual. Buddhism is a religion that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings of the Buddha.

Zoroastrianism is an ancient pre-Islamic religion of Iran. The descendants of Zoroastrian Iran (Persia) immigrants are known as Parsis. Zoroastrianism was the state religion of three Persian dynasties, until the Muslim conquest of Persia in 7th century AD. Zoroaster is regarded as the founder of the religion. Many Parsis escaped Muslim persecution in Iran by emigrating to India. 

Confucius (551-479 BC) was a contemporary of Mahavir and Gautam Buddha. He was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ethical and political theories have deep impact even in modern China. He interlinked the morality of government and personal life. He emphasized that morality should begin at personal level and it will lead to honesty in public sphere. He was a champion of family values like respecting elders, parents etc which will automatically translate into respecting rules and laws.  

Suddodhana was the father of Gautama Buddha. He was the leader of Shakya tribe. 

Kapilavastu was an ancient city on the Indian subcontinent which was the capital of Shakya. It is the place where Buddha was raised and lived until the age of 29. Buddha, whose original name was Siddhartha Gautama, was the founder of Buddhism and was born in Lumbini into the Shakya clan.

Yashodhara was the wife of Gautama Buddha. Yasodhara was the daughter of King Suppabuddha and Pamita, sister of King Suddhodana. Her father was Koliya and mother came from Shakya family. Yashodhara married her cousin, the Shakya prince Siddhartha, at the age of 16 years. Later she followed Buddhism and became Bhikkhuni.

Buddha, whose original name was Siddhartha Gautama, was the founder of Buddhism. He was born to Suddhodana and Mahamaya in Lumbini in the Shakya clan and thought to have lived in India from 563 B.C. to 483 B.C. He obtained his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, gave his first sermon in Sarnath, and died in Kushinagar.