What Is Hinduism?
Hinduism is an ancient religion that originated in India, which is still very influential in many areas of the world today. It is a polytheistic religion, meaning that it recognizes multiple gods, but also holds that there is one Supreme Being. It is an eclectic faith, with many beliefs that vary by sect and region. It is sometimes referred to as Sanatana Dharma, which is the traditional term for social and religious order. Hinduism is based on the eternal principles of truth, goodness, and beauty, and its main goal is moksha, or liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
How Many People Practice Hinduism Today?
Hinduism is one of the world’s major religions and is estimated to be the third-largest religion in the world by population. According to the Pew Research Forum, there were an estimated 1.2 billion Hindus in the world in 2019, representing almost 15% of the global population. Most Hindu believers live in India and Nepal, with significant concentrations in the United States, Indonesia, and other South Asian countries. The number of Hindu believers has grown steadily over the years and is projected to remain on the rise in the coming years.
The Practice of Hinduism
The practice of Hinduism is based on the idea of dharma, or right living. Hindus strive to live in accordance with the cosmic order, or rta, which refers to the overall order that governs the universe. To achieve this, they must observe the four foundational principles of dharma, which are truth, non-violence, generosity, and purity of mind and heart. Hindus also engage in the practice of austerities, which refers to the discipline and dedication to the path of spiritual growth.
Beliefs & Practices
Hinduism is a religion centered around a strong sense of devotion to the divine. Hinduism is pantheistic, which means that it recognizes that the divine is present in all things, as well as within each person. Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the idea that life does not end with death, but instead souls are reborn in different forms. Hindus also believe in the concept of karma, which refers to the idea that the deeds one performs in life will determine the outcome of the next life.
Hindu Rituals & Festivals
Hinduism is a religion that celebrates festivals and rituals. These rituals, known as puja, are intended to help Hindus connect with the divine and promote spiritual growth. Some popular Hindu festivals include Diwali, Holi, Baisakhi, and Pongal. In addition, Hindus observe religious festivals to celebrate the birth or anniversary of a deity.
Modern Hinduism
Modern Hinduism is a diverse religious practice that is ever-evolving. In recent years, there has been a rise in Western interpretations of Hinduism, which incorporate elements of Eastern philosophy, New Age spiritual practice, and Western psychology. There is also an increasing emphasis on social justice, with discussions of topics such as wealth inequality, access to education, and gender issues becoming more prevalent.
Hinduism and the Environment
Hinduism has a deep reverence for nature, and Hindus believe that all living beings should be respected and protected. Hindus believe that all living is interconnected, and thus humans should practice ahimsa, or non-violence. This means that Hindus strive to maintain a balance between human activities and their impact on the environment. In 2020, Hindus formed “Green Pilgrims,” a campaign that encourages reverence for nature and aims to reduce the impact of pilgrimages on the environment.
Hinduism and Globalization
Hinduism is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon, with adherents throughout the world. The globalization of Hinduism has allowed for greater diversity and inclusion of different beliefs. In addition, it has created an opportunity for Hindus to learn more about their faith and explore alternatives to traditional practices. As a result, Hindus are more open-minded and accepting of diversity in cultures, races, and gender.
Hinduism and Science
Hindus believe that science and religion are complementary and not incompatible. While the authority of the scriptures is revered in Hinduism, science is encouraged as a means to gain understanding of the physical world. Hindus believe that science can help answer questions that are unanswerable through scripture and ancient traditions.
Hinduism and Technology
The use of technology in Hinduism has allowed for the practice of Hinduism to become more accessible to modern society. For example, many Hindu temples and shrines now offer online worship services, which are widely popular among Hindu devotees. Technology has also been used to modernize traditional Hindu rituals and ceremonies and make them more relevant to the modern world.
Hinduism and Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for Hindus to share and discuss their beliefs and practices. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have been used to share stories, videos and photos of Hindu devotional practices. Social media also provides an opportunity for virtual prayer gatherings and discussions on topics related to Hinduism. Additionally, Hindus are using social media to promote cultural sensitivity and understanding among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
