TRAVERSE Issue 44 - October 2024 | Page 60

TRAVERSE 60
their own individual unique beliefs that have shaped the people of today .
Travelling the roads of India it is easy to believe you are passing from one nation to another , the differences at times subtle , more often than not quite striking , it ’ s a wonderful experience to play witness to it all and feel that you are continually learning as you discover a land that has been shaped by these dharmic religions to influence everything from the arts and literature to architecture and philosophy , and most of all the people themselves .
Although India undoubtably has many social issues a lack of religious tolerance seems to not be one of them . Hinduism , by far accounts for the greatest number of spiritual practitioners however , many other religions from the far reaches of the world fit right in , in fact many have adopted varying forms of other religions as a part of their own , an example is the Baháʼí faith that accept both Krishna and Buddha as a manifestation of God .
Of course , the caste , or jāti , system heavily influence the structure of Indian society , something that can be a little confronting for the unweary traveller . A caste is where a person is born and traditionally must accept their position in society , living , marrying , working in such a
TRAVERSE 60