Hinduism Today

After seeing the effects of invasions on Hinduism, we move on to a study of the state of Hinduism in today's society. This study and discussion focuses on the common Hindu practices and their effects or lack of effects in many parts of society. We take a look at things like Ahimsa, Yoga, Aum, Karma, and Reincarnation, and then relate them to changes in temples/practices (including the change of language), Hinduism in the mainstream society, and the idea that people are learning more about Hinduism.  

The discussion centers around temple architecture and depiction of Gods, Hinduism in Bollywood, Hindus taking on roles of politicians internationally, religious symbols on clothing and inked on people Hindu and non-Hindu alike, and differences in the willingness to learn more about in-depth concepts in society as a whole. 

Discussion questions considered are: 

How do you feel about religious symbols on clothing, shoes, among many other things in society? Do you find it offensive or not? 

What is your take on the debate regarding Yoga (Specifically the debate as to the origins of the Yoga performed in the United States e.g. Bikram Yoga, Hot Yoga, etc.)?

The main question to consider through all of this is: Is it Globalization that changed Hinduism, or Hinduism that changed the Globe?  

Effects of Invasion on Hinduism

1. This week’s meeting, Effects of Invasions on Hinduism, focused on the history and the changes that Hinduism went through.  Hinduism is said to have began when the Aryans invaded the Indus River Valley civilization.  The Aryan’s invasion into the Valley marked the beginning of the Vedic culture and the foundation of Hinduism.  There has been a lot of debate of how the Aryans really affected Hinduism and whether or not they invaded the area. However, over the years, what we know as India today, was under the rule of two major empires- the Mughals and the British.  
   
   
2. Under the Mughal Empire, Hinduism went through periods where Mughal rulers were both tolerant and intolerant of the religion. Notable, tolerant rulers were Akbar and Babur. Both welcomed Hindus to practice their religion within the reign of the Mughal Empire. Babur took additional steps to protect the cows - considered sacred in Hinduism - and allowed the construction of new temples. During Akbar’s ruling years, he abolished the pilgrimage tax and allowed Hindus to conduct their pilgrimages fully. Aurangzeb, the last ruler of the Mughal Empire in India, was known to be very intolerant. He put the Sharia Law into effect and ended the policy of religious tolerance. Additionally, he ordered the destruction of Hindu temples and reinstated the tax. Persian influence can been seen in language and architecture of temple structures.
   
   
3. Under the British Empire, many Hindus experienced religious discrimination. They were not able to practice their religion freely once Christian missionaries and scholars began to come to India to “westernize” the country through religion.  Tension between Hindus and the British increased when the Hindus found out the British forced them to use cow grease for rifle bullets.  Also, the role of technology which disrupted the Indian- Hindus’ traditional, slow paced culture and economy added to the tension.  Furthermore, the British rule created increasing tension between the Indian- Hindu’s and Indian Muslims; which, is still a prevailing issue now.  However, all these cases gave the push for India to fight for Independence.  Ramakrishna and Gandhi are famous reformers who used Hindu teachings and knowledge to fight for Independence for India.
   
   
4. After independence, Hinduism started expanding westward.  Many Hindus Migrated to Great Britain and North America.  By the end of the millenium, Hindu communities were well established socially, economically and academically.  
   
   
5. From the research done for this meeting, it can be concluded that Hinduism can not be easily or uniformly characterized.  Challenges will cause for new developments; however, at the same time, practices and beliefs that have been there from the beginning are still maintained.  
   
   
6. Discussion questions :
1. What do you know about the development of Hinduism?  What factors influenced it?
2. Do you see these invasions as providing  a positive or a negative impact to Hinduism?
3. If there really was no Aryan invasion into the Indus River Valley, how do you think the Vedic culture came about?