What Is Hinduism?
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions. It is a complex beliefs and practices based on the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. This religion is based on different concepts in an attempt to explain the origin of life and the world. Hinduism comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Sindhu’ and means “one who lives in a geographical area between the Indus Valley and the Himalayas”. It implies the religion’s practice of blending and accommodating multiple concepts, beliefs, and practices.
Hinduism: Inclusive or Exclusive?
The debate of whether Hinduism is an inclusive or exclusive religion is an ongoing discussion. Hindus have been known as open-minded individuals, who have been historically accommodating of other beliefs, practices and customs. This can be attributed to the core beliefs of the religion where much emphasis is placed on tolerance and acceptance. Such values are saliently exhibited in the Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna, the Supreme God incarnate compassionately emphasizes the need for inclusion, states “let all be happy, let all be free from calamities”(18.63).
It is believed that the moksha (liberation of the soul) can be attained when one reaches enlightenment and separates oneself from the material world. At the same time, the Hindu doctrine upholds the idea that faith and grace of the supreme god is the ultimate path to moksha and cultivate equanimity for all living beings. On the other hand, some Hindu practices contradict the very idea of inclusion. For example, the practice of the caste system, which once placed some individuals and families in a higher caste, segregating them from those in lower castes. This system has since been abolished and the principle of inclusivity at its core is observed today.
Another area that has been constantly discussed is the issue of conversion. Unlike most major religions, there is no distinct policy for conversion or the intolerance of non-Hindus; this is seen in how minority religions, such as Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam emerged within the Hindu culture, however, they were able to maintain their religious values, beliefs and practices within the Hindu majority.
Women and Hinduism: Inclusivity and Equality
Hinduism grants equal rights to men and women. The Vedas, the core scriptures of Hinduism, advocate the equal status of men and women by referring to the essential unity of ‘Purush’ and ‘Prakriti’ (man and woman). While some scriptures encourage the cooperation between gods of both genders to create a perfect universe, others promote the notion of a female as a form of mainstream god and goddess. Additionally, there is also a significant support for spiritual enlightenment and liberation of women in some scriptures.
Women are also allowed to become Brahmin Priestesses and Tantrikas, the traditional female spiritual leaders in Hinduism. Over the years, there have been various advocates for women’s rights in Hinduism, where the ideas of inclusivity and tolerance are celebrated. For example, Swami Vivekananda, an Indian spiritual leader, propagated the message of women’s rights and equality in his speeches in Chicago in 1893.
Although there are some restrictions with respect to certain aspects of Hindu culture, such as the restrictions on divorce and remarriage, the growth of education has played a huge role in changing the minds of people and has improved the situation of women in Hinduism today.
Influential Figures in Hinduism
Hinduism has an abundance of figures and historical characters who have played an important role in the evolution of this religion. From great sages to revered gurus, these figures have each contributed something different to Hinduism. Starting from the Vedic times, many reformers have sought to make this religion more inclusive, tolerant and open.
Some of the great figures include B. R. Ambedkar, a Dalit leader and reformer who campaigned for the rights of Dalits as well as their integration into Hindu society. Swami Vivekananda,one of the most influential figures in Hinduism, worked tirelessly to promote women’s rights and to promote a modern, egalitarian and inclusive Hinduism, drawing on the sources of India’s spiritual and intellectual traditions.
Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi, was an advocate of Hinduism, who sought to reconcile the two worlds of traditional, classical Hinduism and the ever-changing dynamic of social and political life in his nation. Through Gandhi, Hinduism is seen as a religion that embraces diversity and strives to create a more inclusive society.
Doctrinal Changes in Hinduism
The doctrinal changes in Hinduism are a reflection of the growing focus of inclusion in this religion. These include the acceptance of other religions in India, the abolishment of the caste system and indoctrinated discrimination, the introduction of education and the rise of Hindu movements that bring people together.
What is perhaps most remarkable about Hinduism is the religion’s ability to shift, seize an opportunity for inclusivity and assimilate foreign influences, both socially and religiously, without completely losing its core values. This is evident in the vast number of festivals and rituals that the religion has adopted over the years, such as the Navratri and Durga Puja festivals, and the adoption of yoga, which demonstrate its openness to external influences.
It is through doctrinal changes, such as teaching modules, religious texts and polemical doctrines, that the religion is able to become more progressive and ameliorate the prevailing socio-cultural climate in India.
Contemporary Forms of Hinduism
In modern times, the practices of Hinduism vary greatly across India. While there are some who still practice the traditional forms of Hinduism in strict adherence to the Vedic teachings, there are also those who practice forms of Hinduism that incorporate elements of other religions as well. In some regions, such as Shiva temples, Buddhism and Jainism, have metamorphosed into Hinduism and Hindu rituals have incorporated Buddhist and Jain practices such as meditation and chanting of mantras.
Moreover, the rise of the internet age has sparked a new wave of Hinduism in recent times. With the realization of the potential usage of digital media to spread ideas, Hindu leaders and activists have adopted this tool in order to share their beliefs and values with younger generations.
Additionally, modern day organizations such as the Hindu American Foundation and SacReds are actively aiding the shift of Hinduism towards inclusivity and encouraging interfaith dialogue.
Hinduism and Social Inclusivity
Since Hinduism is largely a religion of tolerance and acceptance, it is no surprise that many of the practices within the religion have extended these values to social areas as well. For example, the ancient yogic society that once existed in India was an extremely open and progressive society, where people of various religious backgrounds were welcomed and accepted. This concept of social inclusivity can still be seen in modern Hinduism, where Hindus of all castes, genders and classes are welcomed and celebrated.
Moreover, the Hindu ethical framework of conduct is based on principles of dharma or righteousness, which encourages the preservation of life, property, animals and all other beings in the universe. This principle promotes a sense of moral responsibility and unity among all living beings, inspiring a collective global goal of striving towards a better world.
The underlying message of inclusivity within Hinduism is further evident in the concept of ‘vasudaiva kutumbhakam’, meaning ‘ the world is one family’. This emphasizes the need and importance of joint effort and collective peace, fostering world harmony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hinduism stands as an inclusive religion that and allows for the acceptance of many cultures, beliefs, and practices. It is an open-minded religion that has been able to constitute its beliefs and traditions with the spread of time, inspiring notions of global harmony and tolerance. For this reason, Hinduism provides a unique opportunity to understand diversity and learn from the beliefs and practices of others in order to promote peace and unity in our society.
