Buddhism has morphed in the present age – one of the most practiced religions worldwide. It has been in existence since time immemorial and originated from Asia. Some of the major dimensions of Buddhism nowadays include socially active Buddhism, westernized Buddhism among others. The present Buddhism is also characterized by secularism, engagement with contemporary leaders as well as teachers who are influential.

Engaged Buddhism: Socially Active BuddhismEngaged Buddhism is a contemporary movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles and practices to social, political, and environmental issues. This approach was notably popularized by Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Not a Hanh and has inspired many practitioners globally to actively engage in social justice and humanitarian efforts.Origins and PrinciplesEngaged Buddhism emerged in the 20th century as a response to social and political turmoil, particularly in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Thich Nhat Hanh, a prominent figure in this movement, advocated for the idea of “interbeing,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. This principle underpins Engaged Buddhism, promoting compassion, non-violence, and mindful action in addressing societal challenges. 

The history and cultural background of the Parsi Architechture expresses the spirit of Zoroastrian faith and reflects on the continuity of the glorious past of this Ancient Religion. Originating in ancient Persia, the Parsi community has reached their enduring status by maintaining and artificial the architecture of Zoroastrianism that encompasses different areas and eras. This article shall addresses these complex linkages through examination of the way how the religious symbolism, cultural identity, and the historical context have subtly woven the physical landscapeformed for the Parsi community.Historical Background:In order to realize Parsi architecture, it is necessary to disect the historical background of Zoroastrianism as well as its migration to India. Zoroastrianism, which belongs to the group of ancient monotheistic religions, has been part of the human history from ancient times. It originated in Persia (the modern day of Iran) and went to the zenith during the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian empires. After the Arab venture on Persia in the 7th century CE, Zoroastrians had to be persecuted and so they went in exile to towns like Gujarat that is the western coast of India. Arriving in Iran, they were entitled to be called the Parsis who were original caretakers of ancestral practices, cultural activities, and ethos, the essence of characteristic of all Parsi structures.Key Architectural Features:The Parsi architecture is the outcome of Indigenous Indian styles merge with Persian and European elements that combined gives a distinctive and individualized design marked by its sophisticated elegance and space-friendly features. Some key architectural features commonly found in Parsi buildings include:Some key architectural features commonly found in Parsi buildings include:

• Atash Behrams and Fire Temples: The fiery altar which is the only Zoroastrian place of worship is representative of pureness and the eternal light of God. Such atash behrams or fire temples that are sacred places in which the eternal flame, symbolizing presence of Ahura Mazda the supreme god in the Zoroastrian cosmology, is considered the highest dignity. These temples are ornate and rigorously constructed with the intention of holding rituals and ceremonies that are associated with fire worship and feature exquisite facades, intricate carvings and geometric patterns that mirror the characteristic fire symbol of the worshipers.

जय बाबा धुंन्धेशवर महादेव, कांगडा जिसका संबंध भी शिव की एक दिव्य शक्ति से है। 

यह मंदिर सफ़ेद पत्थरों का बना है और इसके चारो ओर तालाब है।

शुक्रवार और रविवार को बड़ी संख्या में भक्त आते हैं और चेंगलम्मा की पूजा करते हैं। इस मंदिर का दरवाजा कभी बंद नहीं होता।

हिन्दू धर्म के संबंध में संभवत: बहुत कम हिन्दू जानते होंगे। ज्यादातर हिन्दुओं को व्रत, त्योहार, परंपरा आदि की ही जानकारी होती है। ऐसे में हर हिन्दू को हिन्दू धर्म के संबंध में सामान्य जानकारी पता होना चाहिए ताकि किसी भी प्रकार का कोई भ्रम ना रहे।

1.

हिन्दू धर्म का एकमात्र धर्मग्रंथ वेद है। वेद के चार भाग है ऋग, यजु, साम और अथर्व। वेद के ही तत्वज्ञान को उपनिषद कहते हैं जो लगभग 108 हैं। वेद के अंग को वेदांग कहते हैं जो छह हैं- शिक्षा, कल्प, व्याकरण, ज्योतिष, छन्द और निरूक्त।

2.

मनु आदि की स्मृतियां, 18 पुराण, रामायण, महाभारत या अन्य किसी भी ऋषि के नाम के सूत्रग्रंथ धर्मग्रंथ नहीं हैं। वेद, उपनिषद का सार या कहें कि निचोड़ गीता में हैं इसीलिए गीता को भी धर्मग्रंथ की श्रेणी में रखा गया है जो महाभारत का एक हिस्सा है।