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Taakatism
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Taakatism is a religion of Indian origin described as both polytheist and nontheist. "Taakat" translates from Hindi as 'strength' or 'power'. Beliefs The central beliefs of Taakatists are contained within the Taakat Dharma. This consists of some basic moral codes and many debates and commentary. The deities in Taakatism are not mentioned in the Taakat Dharma, leading the above debate about categorising this religion. The 3 Ethics The 3 ethics are as follows: * We undertake to never hurt another living being. While some interpret this as encouraging vegetarianism, most do not, and becoming vegetarian is not considered compulsory. * We undertake to avoid recreational drugs. This is also interpreted differently. Different cultures have different ideas about which drugs are beneficial or not. Medicinal drugs are fine and do not fall under the category of being 'recreational'. This is mainly intended to avoid clouding the mind, much like the similar Buddhist precept about drugs. * If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. This can be taken in a literal sense, but it usually taken to mean a genuine caring for other's well-being, and compassion to all beings. Sanctity of life & Non-violence See also: Sanctity of life and Non-violence As above, Taakatists beleive in not harming or killing any sentient life. This is emphasised throughout the Taakat Dharma. Connected with and crucial to this is also non-violence. The 4 stages of existence The Taakat Dharma describes the 4 stages of existence as follows: *Learning: A lifelong learning *Knowing: Knowledge gained through learning *Experiencing:Direct experience *Living: Putting into action the insights gained through learning, knowledge and experiencing The absolutes of existence The Taakat Dharma describes the absolutes of existence as follows: *Change: Everything is subject to change *Experience: As described above, direct experience *Conditioning: Every event leaves a mark on us Practises Taakatists regularly practise both meditation and massage as part of their religion. The Taakat Dharma recommends to have a massage at least once a week, as well as regular meditation. Deities Taakatism has a large pantheon of deities, however they are not worshipped directly, and are seen more as representations of emotions and natural forces than gods. They craft statues and paintings of these deities, but this is mainly for artistic purposes and expression, rather than to worship. Activities Taakatism is mainly active in India and the United Kingdom. 
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