TRAP FOR THE KING.
Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Modern Cult of Self
by Mark Markish from the Russian Inok
"The religion of the future will not be a mere cult or sect, but a powerful and profound religious orientation which will be absolutely convincing to the mind and heart of modern man."
- Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future"
Introduction
This essay attempts to take a close look at Hinduism and Buddhism and clarify both the origins and the implications of their present success in the Western world. We will briefly review the history and basic tenets of these pagan religions and consider their links with modern Western culture. We will then look into the means that are used for their advancement, and phenomena typically associated with them. Finally, we will try to assess their role in the invisible battle currently under way for the souls of mankind.
A Remarkable Turnabout
Ever since the Constantinian era, when Christianity first received legal status in the Roman Empire, its spread and influence have continually increased: first in Europe and the Near East, then farther and farther, all over the globe. There were certain impeding factors, to be sure, like the violent counter-offensive of Islam, the creeping influence of Oriental sects and Judaism, and the abuse of Latin crusades which turned the preaching of the Gospel of Life into a military operation or even into officially sponsored robbery. By and large, however for well over a thousand years the Christian faith expanded, reaching "the uttermost parts of the earth," giving rise to a popular understanding of history as the gradual triumph of "Western civilization," which "brings the light of the Gospel to the uncivilized nations": it seemed that such a process of "enlightening the earth" would purge mankind of ancient pagan delusions and lead it straight into the Kingdom of God