Soldering and religions have an unbreakable bond. Most of the established religions of the world have emerged out of soldiers adopting to a spiritual path or philosophy as established by a Avatar or a Prophet or a Guru.
In ancient India, Naga soldiers, led Shaivism to remote corners. Spread of Budhism by emperor Ashok could only happen as the religion became popular among soldiers due to its philosophy of denial of ritualism and message of equality. Krishna's Karma Yoga, was a communication to soldiers through Arjuna in battle of Mahabharat. Nagas in India at later stage also spread Vaishanivism as Goasains.
Turning point in spread of Christianity came when Constantine I raised Christian Flag; Chi Rho in a battle.
Spread of Islam by its soldiers called Muslims is well known. Sikhism also took the path to root itself through profession of soldiering.
Soldiers come from masses and also are founding blocks of political power of any state. If, an Avtar or a Prophet or a Guru gives a spiritual direction in simplest of language as understood by masses, it is then picked up by soldiers. And if it becomes popular, it then emerges as religion to support rise of a political power.
Vedic knowledge expressed through medium of Sanskrit; a language of elites Brahmans, could never reach masses and could not give birth to religions. Similarly complex ritualism of Brahmans and Jews could never appeal to soldiers who preferred simple form of expression of faith. When strength of a faith is tested in extremes of battlefield, then there is no space for a bluff.
If therefore seen in above backdrop, essential ingredients for any religion which could easily spread are:
1. An Avtar or Prophet or Guru to establish a spiritual philosophy.
2. Spiritual philosophy to be expressed in language of masses.
3. Spiritual Philosophy to become popular among soldiers who normally come from masses.
4. Political expression of spiritual thoughts of soldiers in language of religion.
These are soldiers who spread religions which actually is political manifestation of a spiritual thought. Soldiering is essential foundation of religions.
