The Mangrik have traditionally been farmers. This small Buddhist people group lives mainly in Jammu & Kashmir, though a few live in eastern Maharashtra.
Muslim butchers ensure a supply of mutton to the Mangrik, as the latter refrain from killing animals. They have attained a high level of literacy, and some have gone to universities in Jammu & Kashmir.
They have attained a high level of literacy, and some have even attended universities in Jammu and Kahmir.
The Mangrik practice Buddhism, the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. Mahayana Buddhism, the other main branch of Buddhism, asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism falls within the Mahayana school.
To most Buddhists, however, these things have far less meaning than their traditional beliefs, which are usually animistic. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion.
Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
It may be that the Mangrik people have formed an incorrect view of what Christians believe, based upon observation of nominal Christians in their region. Even though the Mangrik people may have a fairly high literacy rate, using oral means of communicating the Gospel of Jesus may be the best approach. Films, recordings, and stories from Scripture will likely have a favorable result.
Pray for Mangrik Christian believers to be zealous to know and follow Christ.
Pray for the Lord to multiply the reception and influence of His Word among the Mangrik people, leading them to love him with their whole being.
Pray for the Mangrik people to continue to be able to care for their families adequately.
Pray for competent village-level leadership.
Pray for a disciple making movement among the Mangrik people.
Scripture Prayers for the Mangrik in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
