South East Asia Religions

South East Asian religions differ significantly from Western traditions. This may be because of unintended consequences, regional conflicts, and social conditioning, just like European traditions developed, but with different outcomes.

It has only been 500 years since the introduction of Western religions into the Eastern narrative. Explaining the differences is a bit of a challenge.

A mystic explains the differences in this way: 

The Christians and Muslims believe there is no more than one god. The Hindus and Sadues believe there is no fewer than one god. The Buddhists believe there are approximately zero gods.

Another traditional story goes like this:

In the beginning, everything was perfect. "We need something to do," suggested one of the Gods.

Why don't we introduce an idea like imbalance - things slightly off center, a bit crooked, a little wobbly, maybe even vaguely wicked," Mara suggested with a mischievous grin.

"Wow!" all the Gods raved, "That is incredible, miraculous, stunning. Look at the wonders and majesty, the diversity and vitality."  

"It won't last," Mara cautioned broodingly.

"Why not?" a God questioned.

"Someone included impermanence and death," observed Mara, disheartened somewhat.

"Aren't they important in this process," another God asked.

"Probably," concluded Mara, still despondent. "But it means that eventually, everything will become perfect again."  

Figuring out religious traditions is a bit of an uphill problem. So, have fun because it is all here somewhere.