Who Saved Hinduism
Hinduism has been around for thousands of years, going from humble beginnings in Ancient India to now enveloping billions of followers worldwide. It has been seen as one of the oldest and most continuous civilizations since its existence, however, it has not been without its difficulties. It is any faith’s worst nightmare to develop a split within, and Hinduism was no different. Through the efforts of many, Indian reformers and Hindu leaders, Hinduism was able to maintain its continuity and its following. Who, then, were these people who saved Hinduism?
In the 18th century, Hinduism was facing a time of crisis. A multitude of Islamic rulers and Western influences threatened to alter the traditional beliefs in Hinduism. It was in this time period when a Hindu leader, Ram Mohan Roy, stepped forward and initiated a religious reformation of sorts with the intention of saving Hinduism. Roy argued that the ancient Hindu faith needed to be revised in order to survive and progress. He prescribed for the integration of new ideas, doctrines, and customs, without compromising the traditional ideals of the faith.
In the 19th century, a well known Indian reformer and Hindu leader, Swami Vivekananda, furthered Roy’s efforts by propagating the ancient ideals of education and society through his teachings. He argued that true progress must come from within, and he propagated the power of positive thinking and dedication in order for this progress to be realized. His feats were so grand in magnitude, that he is regarded by many as being ‘the spiritual cornerstone of modern India’.
The duo of Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda formed the basis of Hinduism’s survival during this tumultuous time. Through their efforts, Hinduism was saved from the blemishes of Western colonization, Islamic rulers, and their own trajectory towards disintegration. However, the battle for preservation did not end here.
In the 20th century, a current of Hindu nationalism emerged. This was a result of deep intellectual, political, and religious debates addressed by some of the greatest Hindu minds. Notable Hindu philosophers and reformers, including Subhash Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Mahatma Gandhi among many others, provided great insights into the power and progress of Hinduism. Subhash Chandra Bose was an Indian revolutionary who was a key leader in the Indian independence movement. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian independence activist and one of the first to propose that India should be independent from British rule, while Mahatma Gandhi was an iconic president of the Indian National Congress and an advocate of nonviolent civil disobedience. All three were instrumental in giving Hinduism a sense of community, pride, and identity.
In the modern era, there have been more efforts to preserve and uphold Hinduism and its values. Indian politicians, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind, have been vocal in their support of Hinduism and its values. They have been vocal advocates of peace and progress and have made important steps towards religious tolerance, unity, and security. As such, these politicians, in addition to many others, can be credited with the maintenance and preservation of Hinduism in modern times.
Developments in Education
The time period spanning from the 18th to the 20th century is often regarded as the era of Hindu reformation, particularly in terms of education. During the British rule of India, educational reforms were introduced by prominent figureheads, such as Macaulay, focusing on the English language instead of vernacular education. This caused a great disparity between the upper and lower classes, as English-educated upper class individuals had a much better chance at accessing jobs and positions of power.
In this landscape, a number of Hindu leaders had a great influence in reestablishing the importance of Hinduism in everyday life. Keshub Chandra Sen, for example, was a reformer and guru who was instrumental in the revival of religious education and temple worship, thus adopting an inclusive attitude to the faith. His religious synthesis, a combination of different philosophical systems, was regarded by some as unorthodox, however, it was critical in the preservation of Hinduism as a growing community of different beliefs.
Rabindranath Tagore, on the other hand, returned to India from a stint in the West with a new vision for education. His idea was to establish a university free of religious and cultural boundaries, where different communities and beliefs could come together and learn in harmony. True to his word, Tagore established the Visva Bharati University in Calcutta, which is credited as the pioneer in bringing modern education to India.
The efforts of Keshub Chandra Sen and Rabindranath Tagore in the educational sphere have gone a long way in preserving the core beliefs and ideals of Hinduism by adapting them in a fresh and dynamic way. The support of English-language education has facilitated Hinduism’s globalization, thus being attractive to a larger and more diverse audience. This, in return, has made a strong contribution to Hinduism’s continued existence.
Indian Philosophy & Reforms
From Sankara to Aurobindo to Gandhi, many of the great minds from Ancient India’s religious and philosophical past have contributed to the current state of Hinduism. By emphasizing religious neutrality, usage of Sanskrit language, renovation of temples, and the reintegration of Hindu traditions, these figures were instrumental in keeping Hinduism alive in the face of growing discord and storm of controversy.
Adi Sankara is credited as the founder of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic and monistic school of Hindu philosophy. His idea of non-dualism emphasized a common spiritual identity and tolerance of all religions. Another important reformer, Rabindranath Tagore, discussed extensively on the tensions between the divine and the temporal, between the material and the spiritual. He was a key member in the formation of the ‘Ram Rajya’, a political and social ideal that combined communalism and religious symbolism during India’s struggle for independence.
Sri Aurobindo, a spiritua leader and sage from 20th Century India, emphasized the Hindu identity and spiritual growth. For Aurobindo, India’s independence was much more than a political or economic message, it was an opportunity for spiritual emancipation and growth. He issued a message of oneness and unity among all Indians, and his views on Hinduism were a forward thinking approach to preserve and maintain the religion’s unity and continuity.
It was through the efforts of great minds such as these that Hinduism was able to be reconstructed, reformed, and its status renewed. These reformers enabled Hinduism to exist with its traditional and modern elements, which are both still alive and powerful today.
Contemporary Hinduism
In more recent times, Hinduism has undergone events of globalization, with communities in Europe, North America, and Australia among other regions beginning to adhere to its customs and values. These communities, while fortunate enough to have access to Hindu practices, have mostly strived to stay connected to their Indian heritage and customs.
In the 1980s and 1990s, a greater effort to globalize Hinduism was taken. Greater outreach initiatives, such as the promotion of Yoga practices and international seminars, enabled Hinduism to transcend its geographical boundaries. Here, the Westernized world was exposed to its traditional practices, beliefs, and values. This further increased its appeal, thus leading to Hinduism’s increased relevance in contemporary society.
Today, the internet has enabled the communication and sharing of Hindu ideals and values to the West in unprecedented ways. Social media platforms, such as YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, allow Indian customs and values to be shared throughout the universal Hindu community. Despite cultural differences, this allows for a greater cross-cultural understanding and exposure. Additionally, various humanitarian initiatives, such as the relief work of the Art of Living Foundation, provide tangible and practical support to communities worldwide, enabling Hindu customs and values to be shared and implemented among other religious groups.
The Impact of Migration & Globalization
The global Hindu community has not only maintained its presence in India, but also extended itself to other parts of the world, such as Europe and North America, as a result of the migration of Hindus to these areas. Forced migration, however, might be a major reason why Hinduism is less Revered in the diaspora than it is in India. This also has an overall effect on the way Hinduism is understood worldwide, as the discourse and interpretations of Hinduism are different in the diaspora than they are in India.
Globalization has played a key factor in the survival of Hinduism, with its reach spanning over the entire globe. This globalization allows for diverse interpretations of Hinduism in different cultures and societies, leading to the adoption of Hinduism by different individuals around the world. Additionally, the export of Hindu ideals, such as yoga and meditation, have served to strengthen the faith, popularizing it to greater extents and allowing for its further spread.
The exponential growth of technology in recent decades has further enabled the growth of Hinduism as a faith. With access to the internet, anyone can learn about Hinduism and its various interpretations, which further adds to its globalization and cultural assimilation. Thus, people from all over the world can connect and learn about their shared faith and culture.
Impact of the Non-Hindu Majority
The presence of Hinduism in the East-Asian countries, such as Thailand, has had a large influence on the world, particularly with regards to cultural exchange. Many of the beliefs and customs found in Hinduism, such as yoga and meditation, have been adopted by the Thai as a regular part of their lives.
This assimilation of Hindu customs has been significant in these countries, as there is currently a minority of Hindus in these regions. Despite the low percentage of Hindus, the reception of Hinduism has been relatively good. The Thai, in particular, have largely embraced the Hindu culture and have incorporated some of the traditions and customs into their own, making them unique from the rest of the world.
The global presence of Hinduism has been greatly aided by the presence of the non-Hindu majority in countries, such as Thailand. This global exchange of ideas, culture, and customs has been a big part of the continued growth of Hinduism in the modern world, and this is largely due to the openness of the non-Hindu majority in countries around the world.
Conclusion
The efforts of Hindu leaders and activists over the centuries have been instrumental in saving Hinduism from dissolution and disintegration. The reformation of old school beliefs, philosophy, customs, and values, have kept Hinduism alive and thriving throughout the ages. Additionally, with the significant advancements in technology, Hinduism is now more globalized and accessible than ever before, allowing it to reach greater heights.
From ancient reformers and modern world figures, to the power of education, migration and globalization, and the non-Hindu majority, the factors that have contributed to the survival of Hinduism throughout the years have largely been the same
