Undeniably, Hinduism has become one of the religions that growing at a fast rate. It is the third largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. It has had a lot of influence on America and the entire world in terms diet, lifestyle, and ways of solving problems. Hinduism was introduced in America in the 1800s during the time when Hindus started to migrate to America bringing with them their faith and beliefs (Harley, 2009). However, the impact of Hinduism was not felt until in the years 1960s and 1970s primarily due to the dot com boom accompanied with the implementation of a formal Immigration Service Act.
Hinduism has immense impact on America some of the great examples is the fact that over 20 million people in America practice yoga, which is a Hindu ancient physical mental and spiritual exercise(Thomas, 2003). Secondly, Martin Luther King advocated for the Hindu’s non violence principle to solve problem during his time. The principle had been previously used by other activist to promote a non violence way of dealing with problems. More significantly, there has always been growing use of Hindu spices and alternative mediation, and vegetarian diets, which are known to be good for people’s health. Additionally, migration and intermarriages between Hindus and Americans has led to the spread of more than 800 temples in America. Many Americans join in Hindu big festivals such a Dwali and Holi.
In the current day, America had an increasing number of Hindu professionals, who have taken jobs in medicine, IT, law, entrepreneurship, chefs and other industries (Schaffer 2009). The Hindu professionals in America have been well placed and greatly influence the decision making process in America.
References
Harley M. (2009) Hindu and Sikh Faiths in America: Faith in America Series: New York, InfoBase Publishing.
Schaffer B. (2009) The Limits of Influence: America's Role in Kashmir: New York, Brookings Institution Press
Thomas W. (2003) Hinduism Invades America 1930: London, Kessinger Publishing.
