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organized on the basis of black magic, spirits, and demons. In general, it can be said that the fire of ingratitude, selfish attachment, hatred and atrocities prevailed throughout the land. The country was fertile ground for revolution.
Religious Conditions
At the time of Lord Buddha's birth the condition of religion (dharma) also had become chaotic and very confused. The society had fragmented into hundreds of sub castes. Religious practices had been reduced to empty rituals and outward display. People worshiped materialism (worldly gains in this life and after) while leaving true spirituality unattended.
At this time animal sacrifice was at its zenith. Each day the priests of the temples satisfied their selfish needs by slaughtering animals. Their blood covered the sacred sacrificial altars. Sacrificial rituals had begun to be looked upon as the path to liberation (moksha). Wealthy people believed that they could be absolved of sin by having animal sacrifices performed. The common and poor people were unable to afford such opulent sacrificial rituals. But these less fortunate people were engaged in equally delusional paths to liberation. Many practiced physical austerities for the sake of their spiritual well-being: standing on
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