Hinduism as a faith system has existed for thousands of years and its adherents form the world’s third largest religious group, representing approximately 15% of the world’s population. Its deep and intricate roots have permeated India’s culture, but the extent to which Hinduism is a religion that is culturally situated or international in its expression have been subject to much debate. Is Hinduism an ethnic religion which is tied to a particular culture or a universal religion that transcends language, ethnicity and national boundaries?
It is evident that the Hindu faith has its origins in Indian culture, as it combines certain beliefs, values and practices derived from ancient India’s Vedic civilization. Hinduism manifests in a variety of expressions, for instance in its over-arching belief in Trimurti – three gods representing destruction, preservation and creation – or Pancha Bhuta – five elements – along with its emphasis on karma, reincarnation and the caste system. Commenting on this, educator and Hindu scholar Chloe Paulin explains that “Hinduism takes its foundation in Indian culture, offering a worldview which is heavily informed by the society’s cultural milieu”.
At the same time, the universality of the Hindu faith is undeniable, asserting the possibility of a pluralistic, non-denominational spirituality which allows for a variety of faith experiences. This universality is evidenced by the Hindu belief in an infinite cosmic cycle of creation and destruction known as the Dharma Chakravartin, where Dharma stands for virtue, order and balance. This allows for an individual’s spiritual growth regardless of one’s faith affiliation. Moreover, Hinduism’s embrace of co-existing faiths, spiritual practices and worship of a deity beyond a single form all work to make this religion unique in the world’s landscape.
This begs the question, however, is Hinduism simply a people-specific religion which can only be expressed within a certain context, or is it a religion which allows for a global exaltation of its messages regardless of one’s race, gender or political standing? The truth may lie somewhere in the middle, with Hinduism’s teachings being applied in various ways to fit the cultural and social needs of people in various places.
Pluralism in Hinduism
The concept of pluralism, or the embrace of differnent faiths and opinions, is deeply embedded in Hinduism’s core beliefs. The faith does not demand that others accept its beliefs, as it does not follow a defined set of rules or doctrinal texts. Instead, Hinduism encourages adherents to explore their faith through contemplation, helping to shape each individual’s personal beliefs.
This emphasis on pluralism has supported the Hindu faith to spread beyond the Indian subcontinent and express itself in the modern day through various expressions. These include the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) that emphasizes a devotionalism towards Hinduism, Arya Samaj which focuses on moral duties such as honesty and goodwill, and Sivananda Yoga which puts an emphasis on the spiritual benefits of yoga and meditation.
The fact that these different expressions of Hinduism have flourished in various parts of the world suggests that the Hindu religion is not only a cultural religion, but also a universal one as it makes sense to people from different backgrounds.
Synthetic Hinduism and its Spread
When looking at how Hinduism has spread to other parts of the world and been revised for modern contexts, synthetic Hinduism takes the center stage. This expression has helped to create an ‘idealized’ brand of Hinduism that has spread throughout the world, while also emerging as an ecosystem of alternative expressions and practices.
Synthetic Hinduism has made Hinduism more accessible and appealing to non-Indian adherents as it replaces certain aspects of Indian culture, such as the caste system, with a focus on notions of unity, oneness and equality. This has facilitated its expansion to places like the United States and the United Kingdom and allowed for individuals to explore the faith in a context that makes the most sense for them.
Commenting on this, researcher Devaki Jain argues that “Hinduism offers a unique combination of cultural relativism and spiritual universality”, allowing adherents to reinterpret and integrate its messages into their own lived realities. This fusion of local cultural practices and universal Vedic scriptures has contributed to the faith’s overall strength and its spread to other countries.
Lack of Central Authority
In its capacity as a religion without a central authority, Hinduism enables adherents to reinterpret and modify its core beliefs, while taking into account the various social and cultural changes that have taken place over time. This has allowed Hinduism to not only expand outside of India, but also evolve its core tenets to better adapt to changing circumstances on the ground.
Unlike other religious systems which are dependent on a hierarchical administration, Hinduism operates through grassroots leaders who shape the faith on a local level by interpreting ancient scriptures and unwritten customs to fit the existing cultural context. These leaders have enabled Hinduism’s expansion to various parts of the world, enriching it with diverse interpretations and offering their audiences a spiritual message that resonates with their personal values and beliefs.
Adaptations in Hinduism
The lack of a central authority has also given rise to a diversity of expressions of Hinduism, both within India and in other parts of the world. For example, some sects emphasize practices such as chanting and daily devotional worship of multiple forms of God, while others focus on the teachings of a guru or living master. Such adaptive forms of Hinduism reflect the ability of the faith to accommodate various lifestyles and belief systems.
It can be argued that the various aspects that have contributed to Hinduism’s expansive impact have worked to make the faith both an ethnic and a universal one. Hinduism’s traditions are rooted in culture, yet the faith’s flexibility, lack of a central authority and its willingness to accommodate other faith systems, have enabled it to transcend national and ethnic boundaries.
Diaspora Hinduism
Hinduism’s international scope has been made possible through the work of Hindu diaspora communities that have pushed for their faith’s globalization. Through their work, Hinduism has rather unexpectedly become a major spiritual force in many countries in which it had not previously had a large presence.
The Hindu diaspora has also worked to adjust and modify Hindu beliefs, such as the disconnect between between families and religious customs and traditional Hindu values such as caste systems, to accommodate modern day and intersectional identities. This has resulted in a greater acceptance and appreciation of the Hindu faith amongst communities of individuals who would have not previously been exposed to its core tenets.
Digitalization and Hinduism
The recent digitalization of the Hindu religious landscape has further enabled the exploration and spread of various expressions of the faith. These digital forums have filled the information gap between local and global communities, thereby facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge between members of various Hindu faith groups.
Moreover, the rise of internet based Hindu religious portals has enabled devotees to learn more about Hindu beliefs and rituals and to gain access to sacred texts and knowledge that had previously only been available to religious elites. This has provided more individuals, who would have otherwise not had access the privilege to explore and engage with the Hindu faith.
Hinduism in the 21st Century
The 21st century has seen an increase in the participation of Hindus from around the world in the faith’s spiritual, social, and political practices. This is evidenced through prominent global Hindu organizations such as the Hindu American Foundation, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Vivekananda International Foundation and the World Hindu Council that actively seek to advocate and communicate the principles of Hinduism. These organizations play an important role in furthering the faith’s global presence and also, in many cases, seek to provide solutions to systemic inequalities and injustices such as gender-based discrimination, poverty and religious persecution.
In summary, Hinduism is an adaptable religion that is both an ethnic religion rooted in India’s culture, and a universalizing religion whose messages transcend the boundaries of nation, class and race. Its adaptability, both within India and in other parts of the world, and its flexibility, openness and willingness to accommodate other faiths, are the main embodiments of its universal character.
