Also referred to as Sanatana Dharma in the contemporary world, Hinduism’s origin can be traced back in the Indian subcontinent to the times when the visiting foreigners found it convenient to refer the inhabitants of the area of Indus River as Hindus. According to Fisher, “Most of the other Indian religious ways have been categorized together as if they were a single tradition named Hinduism” (2005, p. 69). The belief system, the cultural and societal influences and the concept of liberation from earthly existence in Hinduism are discussed in the following section under the relevant heads:
The belief system in Hinduism: Unlike many other religions, Hinduism which is inherent in India for almost thousands of year now originally does not have a historical founder. Similarly, there also lacks a unified system of belief among the followers of Hinduism. It is the absence of a nationalized authority and technical composition which contributes to the disparity of practices and beliefs in Hinduism. Steven Rosen has observed an Indian historian as saying “Among all the great religions of the world, there is none more catholic, more assimilative, than the mass of beliefs which go to make up what is popularly known as Hinduism” (2006, p.33).
In the presence of numerous sources for the ethical practices in Hinduism, Purusharthas are the most widely accepted ethical concept. The theory of Purusharthas in Hinduism puts forth the way of living by conceptualizing the four main aims of human life to an individual who possesses the basic understanding of himself, the society that is surrounding him and his contributions towards the society while acting responsible towards his oneself. These four main aims of human life are guided by the Artha, Kama, Dharma and Moksha concepts as advocated by the Purusharthas theory in Hinduism (Rosen, 2006). To be analytical, the Purusharthas do not essentially work as the set principles in which the followers of Hinduism lead their lives; it rather is the explanation to the varied behaviors and reactions of a common man to the diverse conditions of human life.
Cultural and societal influences contributing to the significance of Hinduism: According to Fisher “Hinduism is reaching around the world, some Hindu groups within India are giving Hinduism a strongly nationalistic thrust” (2007, p. 110). The Vedas, Purusharthas, the varied customs and festivals, the caste systems, the belief in the concept of reincarnation etc put together define the basic identity of Hinduism which influences its followers in the modern world through their practice. India is a secular country and Hinduism coexists with many other religions in the country such as Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity etc. the Purusharthas that explain the basic understanding of the way of reaction of a human being is different situations of life which not only teaches the followers to adopt the right behavior but also sets the correct priorities in his life. It is this culture of belief in the Karma and Dharma in the everyday life which makes life all the more systematic and satisfied. Such element of leading organized lives has made Hinduism more and more prevalent in the modern day.
Not only in India, but in many foreign countries, people are taking to Hinduism to achieve salvation. The two predominant trends that are popularizing Hinduism among the people worldwide in general and people in India in specific, is the growing trend of globalization associated with the formation of identification. In the words of Fisher, “RSS—Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh—arose early in the twentieth century, espousing Hindu cultural renewal in order to combat the ills of modernity and return to an idealized past referred to as “Ram Rajya,” the legendary kingdom of Lord Ram, when Hindu virtues were maintained by a perfect ruler” (2007, p. 110). As has been quoted in the Rig Veda “Truth is one, sages call it by various names” is the ideology that is followed by the disciples of Hinduism that makes them tolerant towards the existence of other religions. In the present world of frequent communal riots, religious tolerance is of utmost importance considering the welfare of the society as a whole. As an endorser of such religious tolerance, Hinduism has an impeccable societal influences in the place of its origination i.e. India.
Concept of liberation from earthly existence in Hinduism: Along with renunciation, liberation is also the most vital institution in Hinduism. Yoga is considered to be a most concrete method of achieving liberation as per the Hindu beliefs (Flood, 1996). Liberation per the understanding in Hinduism refers to the process of getting relieved from the cycle of rebirth. Though ensuring the practice of good deeds is the main aim of Hinduism, what still needs to be attributed for it due recognition is the peaceful life in the hereafter. Such peaceful life is known to be achieved through Moksha. In the words of Fisher, “This desire for liberation from earthly existence is one of the underpinnings of classical Hinduism” (2007, p. 75). Therefore in Hinduism, the aspect of getting liberated from the worldly pleasures is equally important as the persuasion of the good deeds.
1. Rosen, S. (2006). Essential Hinduism. Connecticut: Praeger Publishers.
2. Fisher, P. M. (2007). Living Religions. New Jersey: Person Education.
3. Flood, G. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. New York: Press Syndicate of University of Cambridge.
