Believed to have been founded over five thousand years ago, there’s no denying that Hinduism is the main religion of India. Today, it is thought that around 80.5% of India’s population (1.3 billion) follows Hinduism, making it the world’s third largest religion.
Moving away from the scriptures and spiritual scriptures that are associated with the practice of Hinduism, it is undeniable that India has also had a strong cultural influence throughout the world for hundreds of years, due to the multiple gods and goddesses, and religious rituals that Hindus follow.
The rich history of this religion and culture is complex, with various sects and branches from which the original teachings developed. However, the core elements of worship, meditation and ritual have remained strong and even in this day, hundreds of festivals and holy days are celebrated by Hindus across India and the world.
So exactly what is the driving force behind this religion? From a social and philosophical perspective, the main goal of Hinduism is to be one with ‘Brahman’, the ultimate and indestructible source of all existence. Advocating rebirth, ethics, non-violence towards all living things and the four stages of life are also some of the basic Hindu teachings.
In terms of its place in modern Indian society, Hinduism remains a powerful and influential force and it is entwined with many aspects of traditional and modern life. From Puja ceremonies that begin special occasions or festivals to the colorful dress of its people, Hinduism is unmistakable and is a huge part of what makes the Indian culture so unique and distinct.
By taking a look at India’s constitution, it is also possible to see how important Hinduism is to the nation. Not only is the national flag based on the symbol of the national god and temple, Vishnu’s Trident, but India is also the birthplace of some key spiritual gurus, including Swami Vivekananda, who is often described by Hindus as the supreme guru.
Religious Diversity
It is often said that India is an incredibly diverse nation. With over 28 recognized religions and millions of people from numerous cultural, religious and economic backgrounds, it is easy to understand why such diversity exists. Even with its religious diversity, Hinduism still holds an exceptionally prominent place in the nation. In fact, it is believed that Hinduism falls into the category of ‘fusion’, in which it is the blend of various cultural, religious and philosophical beliefs.
In its traditional form, Hinduism encompasses various spiritual disciplines such as yoga, jyotish (Vedic astrology) and other mystical practices. But in a practical sense, Hinduism also incorporates widely accepted social norms such as ancestor worship, vegetarianism and avoiding intoxicants as part of its belief system.
Despite its high ratio of Hindu followers, India is still home to a large number of other religions and sects. For example, the census of India reports that 12.72% of the country’s population follow Islam (168 million people), 6.11% are Buddhists (81 million people), 1.56% (20 million people) follow Christianity, and 0.87% (11.1 million people)follow Sikhism.
As a result, a large number of festivals, ceremonies and traditions are celebrated in India each year. From Diwali and Holi to Eid and Christmas, India’s culture is colorful and vibrant. And while Hinduism is the main religion of India, it is far from exclusive as its followers practice tolerance, understanding and co-existing peacefully with followers of other religions.
Pros and Cons
Like most religions, Hinduism has its upsides and downsides. On the one hand, the spiritual and social aspects of the religion are incredibly valuable, allowing Hindus an opportunity to look inwardly for peace and understanding. As a result, many Hindus find strength and security in their faith, enabling them to remain emotionally grounded and focused in difficult times.
Yet, on the other hand, Hinduism can be seen as a ‘religion of confusion’, with several branches and diverse interpretations of the teachings. What’s more, the hierarchical structure of the nation and its caste system often creates great disparities between rich and poor and can lead to inequalities.
Therefore, although Hinduism remains unarguably the main religion of India, much more needs to be done in order to ensure it is an inclusive and equitable one.
Challenges
Hinduism faces a number of challenges in the 21st century. For one, there is growing secularism in India, coupled with the rise of other religions such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism.
In addition, the presence of technology and the internet has dramatically changed the way in which Hindus practice their religion, leaving traditional practices and rituals to become sidelined.
These issues, along with the rise of ‘Hindu nationalism’ and its surge in popularity, has the potential to deeply affect the country’s religious landscape.
Whilst the ideas and beliefs associated with Hinduism are incredibly valuable and should be preserved, practitioners need to accept that change is an essential part of life.
This means both embracing new and innovative methods of spiritual practice and also finding ways to modernize and reinterpret traditional teachings in order to make them more relevant to current times.
Hinduism and the Western World
Whilst the origins of Hinduism can be traced back to the ancient Indian subcontinent, it has become increasingly popular in the Western world over the last few decades.
This is due to the rise of ‘New Age’ spirituality, which has attracted people of all ages and background to the religion due to its metaphysical and philosophical insights.
Today, there is a growing number of Hindu-based spiritual retreats, teachers and healers across Europe and the United States, with Hindus from these regions, alongside those from India, coming together to practice and celebrate the religion.
Unsurprisingly, this rise in Hindu-based spiritual teachings has caused some controversy. With some claiming that elements such as chanting and meditation, as well as the incorporation of certain Western elements, can ‘taint’ or ‘defile’ the religion.
However, this is not necessarily true. Despite the progress made in terms of modernizing the teachings of Hinduism, at the core it remains an intensely powerful and profound spiritual practice.
As such, it has helped countless people across the world gain a greater understanding and appreciation of their lives, while also providing a valuable connection to the wisdom of their ancestors.
A Bridge Between East and West
Part of the power of Hinduism lies in its ability to provide a bridge between East and West. It is a religion that resonates particularly well with people in the West due to its focus on self-improvement and inner transformation, as well as its emphasis on the importance of non-violence and respect for all life.
As such, Hinduism has given those in the West a unique opportunity to connect to a traditions and practices that are almost five thousand years old, while learning from their closely related Eastern counterparts.
Also, by offering us a greater insight into spirituality and the power of meditation, Hinduism has enabled us to understand more deeply the nature of reality, reminding us of the importance of balance and harmony in our lives.
In conclusion, no matter what religious or cultural background we come from, Hinduism has something to offer us all. By learning from its ancient teachings, as well as its modern interpretations, we can begin to develop a clearer understanding of who we are, and creating a life that is full of hope, joy and peace.
