Introduction to Hinduism
Hinduism is the oldest surviving major religious tradition in the world originating in India, it is the predominant religious tradition of South Asia. Although the origins of Hinduism are unknown, scholars suggest that its current state may have developed in the second millennium BC largely influenced by Brahmanic, Vedic and ancient Upanishadic beliefs and traditions. Hinduism is considered a polytheistic faith with 330 million gods as well as humans and animals, thus establishing the concept of dharma as a way of life. Dharma, a Sanskrit term literally meaning “right way of living” is based on the principles of nonviolence, respect and reciprocity, non-absolutism, and non-duality (one’s equal and interconnected part of a whole). Hindus believe in a cyclical view of reality and celebrate various festivals each year to celebrate life.
Origins and Diffusion of Hinduism
Hinduism initially diffused into south-east Asia through travelling traders and pilgrims along the Indian Ocean from India and Sri Lanka. Over time, the region developed diverse Hindu syncretic traditions which blended with local culture and indigenous beliefs giving rise to various forms of Hinduism that are distinct to each region. For instance, Cambodia has historically had heavy influence from Indian faiths through rulers in the Funan, Chenla and Angkor periods who embraced Hinduism and brought in Brahmin priests to construct temples and shrines to house images of Vedic and Sanskrit gods.
In Thailand, Hinduism was introduced by Indian traders near the end of the first millennium CE and while there is not a significant Hindu population in Thailand, Hinduism still has an impact on its culture. For example, the Thai version of Ramayana ballet is still performed today, as well as the worship of Shiva which is seen in the reverence of the deity at sites such as Prasat Ban Lak Muang. Additionally, many Thai Buddhist traditions have been heavily influenced by Hinduism such as the practice of making offerings of incense and flowers, and conducting ceremonies for life-cycle events such as weddings, funerals and newborn babies.
The Sri Lankan form of Hinduism is known as Saivite Hinduism which is an amalgamation of Vedic,post-Vedic and Tamil traditions. Here, temples often feature Shiva, Vishnu and Ganesha as the main deities, and shrines are developed by searching for sacred man-made objects such as Buddhapada (the footprints of the Buddha) and bodhi trees.
Hinduism has diffused to Bali, an island in the Indonesian archipelago. Hinduism arrived around 1500 by migrants from the Hindu-Malay kingdoms of the Sunda region, bringing with them the Balinese version of Shiva-Buddha which blended classic Hinduism with Animism and Mahayana Buddhism, leading to a distinct form of Hinduism.this included local dragon spirits and ancestor worship. Temples in Bali are arranged according to Balinese aesthetics, with lots of colourful decorations, gamelan music and Hindu rituals such as processions and offerings.
Hinduism in Other Regions
Hinduism has also been influential in Nepal, where it merged with Buddhism to form what is called Nepalese Hinduism. It has further diffused to parts of Burma, Tibet and Central Asia, where some Hindu customs and beliefs were absorbed into Tibetan Buddhist and medieval Buryat cultures.
In the 17th century, Hinduism also spread to Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Singapore and western Java, due to successful Hindu-Malay traders from the mainland. As a result of this influx, Hindu temples in these countries were built which featured deities such as Ganesha, Lakshmi and Vishnu, along with local folk gods such as Siwa and Mahatala. In Indonesia, Hindu Shiva statues have been found in Bali, Lombok and Java. Hinduism has had a significant impact on the mainstream Indonesian culture, influencing the architecture, art and language in traditional royal ceremonies.
In addition, Hinduism has infiltrated East Africa with the establishment of East African Hinduism, formed when Indians moved to Africa in the 19th century as traders, settlers and labourers. This resulted in the establishment of temples, and the diffusion of Hinduism into religions ensuing in what is now Swahili Hinduism, a combination of African traditional religion, Hinduism and Islam.
Assimilation of Hinduism
Hinduism has assimilated with other traditions over the centuries. An example of this is witnessed in the two national religions of Suriname, Maroon and Indophobia which blends African, Hindu and Islamic rituals together. The African component includes divination practices while the Hindu component includes reverence of Hindu deities such as Shiva and Vishnu. This is also seen in the practice of traditional Chinese religion in Malaysia, which is a mix of Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism, with beliefs similar to Tai Shan Taoism, a Chinese folk religion. Hindus in Malaysia tend to venerate goddesses such as Durga, Kuan Yin and Mariamman.
Impact of Hinduism
Hinduism has had a major impact in a number of ways; from influencing the architecture, art and language of the regions it spread to, to forming national religions, merging with other traditions and establishing shrines and temples devoted to various Hindu gods. Additionally, Hinduism is one of the few traditions to emphasise nonviolence, respect and reciprocity, establishing the notion of Dharma which teaches people the right way of living. One of the most significant impacts Hinduism has had on the regions it diffused to, is that it has enabled people of different backgrounds and beliefs to come together and find common ground and forms of expression in day-to-day living.
Hinduism and Education
Hinduism has had an impact on education in the regions it has diffused to, most notably in Southeast Asia, where the notion of Dharma has been incorporated into the education systems. For example, Buddha’s teachings have been included into the Thai education system and played an integral role in teaching values and principles such as non-violence, altruism and humility. Similarly, Dharma is taught as part of the syllabus in Indonesia, as well as in other countries such as India,Malaysia and Singapore. As such, Hinduism has provided an ethical framework for education in the continents it has expanded to.
Hinduism and Values
Hinduism has helped shape values and principles in the regions it has spread to, by providing an ethical framework for living. Hindus believe that each individual should strive to do their duty according to their caste, and recognize the interconnectedness of all living creatures. This notion of non-duality and Dharma is at the core of Hinduism and is reflected in the Hindu scriptures, which advocate values such as respect, non-violence, non-absolutism and reciprocity.
Hinduism and Art
Hinduism has impacted the art of the regions it has diffused to, through its sculptures,temples and symbols. For instance, in Bali, Hinduism has left a distinct impact in the form of temples, sculptures and architecture which reflects Hindu values and gods. Additionally, Hinduism has provided a source of inspiration for many pieces of artwork in Southeast Asia, from Thai Ramayana Ballet which is derived from the Hindu epic, to Indonesian shadow puppetry which follows the Hindu themes of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Hinduism and Music
Hinduism has also left its mark on the music of the regions in which it has spread. Some of the musical genres which are believed to have originated from Hinduism are gamelan music in Indonesia,and tembang Sunda in Wester Java. In Thailand, influences from Hinduismcan be seen in religious music such as the Thai version of Ramayana ballet. Hinduism has also influenced bhajan music in India and Sri Lanka, chaiti kirtans which are devotional songs sung in North India, and classical carnatic music, which is the dominant form of music in South India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hinduism is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world and has had an enduring impact on diverse regions in terms of culture, music, art,education and values. Diffusion can be seen in the form of shrines and temples, assimilation into Swahili religions, incorporation of scriptures into Thai and Indonesian education systems, and influence of Hinduism in music such as gamelan and bhajan.
