Is it possible for a Weste person to understand the depth of the Easte soul? Religion, which penetrates everywhere in the east into all spheres of life, often remains rejected by mode residents of Weste Europe and North America.
The alluring Southeast of Asia attracts thousands of tourists and travelers every year. The largest island country in the world, Indonesia remains the pearl of this region of Asia. The geographical location of the state determines the special features of history, philosophy, daily life and worldview of the inhabitants. In the religious aspect, Indonesia combines disparate directions, while remaining the largest Muslim country. Thousands of mosques surround the country from one end to the other, because the majority of the population (over 85%) profess Islam. Almost nothing is known about when Islam originated in these lands. It is generally accepted that the indigenous population lea ed about it in the 7th century.
People familiar with the religion not from books note the extreme softness of Islamic beliefs in Indonesia. And at the same time, in some regions of the country the canons of Islam are strictly observed. The remaining Muslims profess a religion that is extremely influenced by Hinduism.
Less than 10% of the population are Christians. Most of them are Protestants. The distribution of the Christian religion throughout the country is extremely uneven. In addition to this, the state of Christianity is now very unstable. A certain moderation of Indonesian Islam, which in general is favorable for the development of the country, does not exclude religious persecution of Christians, school closures, and infringement of religious rights.
Hinduism, which was dominant in Indonesia until the 16th century, now represents insignificant crumbs of the total population (no more than 3%). Only on the famous Indonesian island of Bali is Hinduism widespread. True, this can hardly be called Hinduism in its pure form. The Balinese are distinguished by a high degree of aestheticism, a positive approach to various events, and trust in everything to higher powers. Sincere, deep belief that a person’s actions determine the subsequent inca ations of the soul, determine the ope
ess, friendliness of the island’s inhabitants, their simplicity and piety.
In addition to officially recognized religions, animist beliefs are very strong in Indonesia. It is a worldview that is characterized by a strong belief in spirits, multiple deities and beings.
Regularly exposed to the civilization of Europe, Indonesia was able to develop religious pluralism and maintain tolerance in the religious aspect. Having arrived in Indonesia, and even more so having lived in it for more than the period required for tourists, it is easy to be convinced of the enormous power of faith. The faith that accompanies a person from the first breath to the last minute of life evokes trembling reverence. An amazing combination of diversity of religions and beliefs create the “Soul” of Indonesia, which is capable of delighting and purifying the minds, thoughts and souls of not only locals, but also visitors.