Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with over one billion followers. Although it is not the most widely practiced religion today, its influence is seen in numerous countries, from India and Nepal to South Africa, Guyana, Fiji and even the United States. The core principles of Hinduism have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, focusing on a pantheistic worldview and the cycle of life and death.
Hinduism is a monotheistic faith in which the main gods are Vishnu, who is the preserver; Shiva, who is the destroyer; and Brahma, who is the creator, though other important gods are also part of the pantheon. There are also innumerable ancient stories, including the epic Ramayana, which is commonly read and reinterpreted today. Sacred rituals, such as puja, prayer, and yagna, are essential, and numerous texts and philosophical systems are studied and respected. Practitioners of Hinduism, called Hindus, address all aspects of life, including honesty, virtue, and harmony with the universe.
The exact numbers of followers of Hinduism are difficult to document historically. However, most experts agree that it is the largest religion in South Asia and continues to spread throughout the world. According to the World Religion Database, there are over 900 million Hindus worldwide, making it the third-largest religion in the world. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 80 percent of the population of India, Nepal and Mauritius is Hindu, with more than half of the population of several other countries in the region, including Bhutan and Indonesia.
In terms of faith’s spread in the United States, approximately 2.4 million people call themselves Hindu. This number has grown significantly in the past decade, as many young people of Indian descent have embraced their parents’ religion, while others have adopted it out of curiosity. Factors that contribute to the increasing interest in Hinduism in the US include increasing immigration of Indians, the proliferation of publications and websites on Hinduism, and rising attendance at synagogue events.
Hinduism’s non-absolutism allows practitioners to believe differently and to find their own path to liberation. Furthermore, practices such as yoga or tantra are often accepted into non-Hindu religious or cultural practices. Thus, Hinduism has the potential to be an unifying force in these difficult times, since its views on theological matters in general are more accepting towards other faiths. Additionally, it is increasingly becoming a source of inspiration for artists, scholars and social activists, who develop projects and projects based on the Hindu tradition.
Aspiring to live a virtuous life, Hindus believe in the importance of doing good works and striving for justice. They strongly uphold certain ethical and moral values, such as truth and non-violence. Furthermore, Hinduism is based on an egalitarian spiritual hierarchy, without a single leader who could dictate what is and is not acceptable to all Hindus. This open nature allows people from different backgrounds to find spiritual fulfillment within Hinduism, leading to its growing popularity worldwide.
Philosophers in Hinduism
The teachings of Hinduism are rooted in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Philosophers such as Shankara and Ramanuja are famous for formulating the major philosophical ideas of Hinduism, and their approaches to the faith continue to be widely discussed today. More recently, scholars such as Aurobindo, Radhakrishnan and Vivekananda have made significant contributions to Hindu thought.
Shankara, for instance, was an 8th-century Indian philosopher who is credited with establishing the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. This philosophy denies any ultimate distinction between a person’s individual soul and the universal soul and states that the goal of life is the realization of the oneness of oneself with God/Brahman. Another famous philosopher was Ramanuja, who lived nearly two centuries later and led the campaign against Advaita Vedanta. His philosophy, known as Visishtadvaita, is based on the premise that the individual and the universal soul are distinct, but equally important and redeemable.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Aurobindo, Radhakrishnan and Vivekananda popularized Hinduism more broadly and helped it transcend boundaries of race and religion. This trio took traditional Hindu thought to new heights and made it more accessible to many more people. Aurobindo is renowned for his idea of an all-encompassing divine energy, a concept that has become popular in several fields, such as psychology and business. Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman who wrote extensively on Hinduism and, in particular, Vedanta philosophy. Finally, Vivekananda, the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, is especially known for his emphasis on the need to unite all religions and his belief that the individual is “God in the making.”
Contemporary Issues and Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient religion, but its philosophical and ethical teachings remain highly relevant to today’s world. Religiously, Hindus are often concerned with the well-being of society, engaging in rituals and other practices that promote a sense of peace and harmony. In addition, Hinduism is an active participant in global conversations about current problems and issues —whether it be climate change, poverty, corruption, or healthcare—to develop solutions that make use of the Vedanta and Upanishadic traditions.
Furthermore, Hinduism is discussing topics such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and even space exploration from the point of view of its ethical considerations. These discussions are being addressed on various platforms, such as religious universities, Hindu conferences, and symposia in India, Nepal, and the United States. Such conversations enable people to become aware of the ethical implications of their technological advancements and also provide a platform for them to consider Hinduism’s relevance in the modern age.
Hinduism is also playing a role in promoting social justice. It believes in the unity of the human family and that everyone has the right to live a dignified life. Hindus are taught to extend the same love and respect towards all of God’s creations, regardless of their gender, race, or social class. One example of this is the commitment of Hindus to fight against caste discrimination and promote equal rights for Dalits, the lower classes in traditional Hindu societies.
By adapting to the changing times and expanding its sphere of influence, Hinduism has managed to remain relevant. It continues to attract followers from all walks of life, inspire innovative thinking and promote peace and harmony in the world. This is why it has managed to remain the third most popular religion in the world in 2021.
Hinduism in Global Context
Because of its geographical reach and increasing visibility, Hinduism is now being understood as an important global religion. In addition to books and conferences about Hinduism, major newspapers such as the New York Times, Guardian, and BBC are regularly covering stories related to Hinduism and its modern adaptations. Additionally, the US government openly acknowledges Hinduism’s influence. For example, former president Barack Obama once referred to the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, in a speech.
More recently, Hinduism has made its way into popular culture, appearing in books, television shows, and films. One example is the Indian epic Mahabharata, which has now been adapted into a popular web series. Furthermore, an increasing number of musicians, both Indian and international, are incorporating Hindu themes and mantras into their songs. Another example is the Rihanna song Sledgehammer, which is based on the story from the Bhagavad Gita.
Hinduism has also been gaining more attention in academia, with several universities offering courses about its teachings and practices. This has helped to bring Hinduism to a global audience, providing individuals with the opportunity to learn about this vibrant tradition in depth. Furthermore, online resources such as blogs and social media are providing endless opportunities for people to explore and discover Hinduism from the comfort of their own homes.
Challenges Faced by Hindus
Despite the growing interest in Hinduism, the religion should not solely be characterized by its growing global presence. In many parts of the world, Hindus often experience discrimination, mistrust, and violence due to their religious beliefs. For example, in India and Nepal, Hindus are a minority and often face persecution, marginalization, and political oppression.
As a result, Hindus often have limited access to education and economic activities and are often pushed aside in favor of other religious communities. Furthermore, members of the Hindu diaspora often experience discrimination and xenophobia in their countries of resettlement. They are often labelled as “terrorists”, or “anti-western”, which has resulted in a hostile environment, making it difficult for Hindus to adapt.
Hindus are also vulnerable to being misrepresented in mainstream discourses. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of the religion, leading to the propagation of false stereotypes, particularly in the western media. Moreover, Hinduism’s status as an ancient religion has had the effect of perpetuating these negative stereotypes, as the foundational texts and concepts are often presented to the public with a Western worldview. For instance, the term “Hinduism” is sometimes used to refer to a variety of unrelated practices and philosophies.
Conclusion
Although Hinduism has spread to all parts of the world and is becoming widely studied, a lot of people are still unaware of the many aspects of this ancient religion. It is important to remember that it is complex, diverse, and highly meaningful to its followers. Through its teachings, Hinduism seeks to promote justice, equality, and harmony. In 2021, it has a total of around 900 million followers and continues to be the third largest religion in the world. Hinduism is here to stay, and its influence will continue to be felt well into the future.
