Hinduism Way of Life or Religion
I strongly disagree with the statement that "Hinduism is not a Religion; it is a way of life." This is because every religion fundamentally teaches a way of life. For example, Islam provides detailed guidelines on practices such as handwashing, worship, and moral conduct. Similarly, Christianity emphasizes respecting women, helping others, and other aspects of ethical living. These religions encompass comprehensive systems that dictate various aspects of daily life.
If we refer to the dictionary definition of Religion, it is described as a personal set or an institutionalized system of
attitudes, beliefs, and practices. These attitudes, beliefs, and practices
essentially constitute a way of life. When every religion is a way of life then
how can Hinduism differ in this criteria. So way of life can not be a
differentiator of Hinduism.
Hinduism Not a Religion
The assertion that
Hinduism is not a Religion is true in some respects because it does not
conform to the basic attribute of a religion, which is a particular belief
system. Hinduism lacks a single, unified set of beliefs or a strict code of
conduct. For example, while some Hindus are vegetarians, many others consume
meat, and neither practice is considered wrong. This diversity is reflected in
the three basic paths or "margas" of worship described in Hindu
texts: Tamsic, Satvic, and Mishra. Mishra, the most popular path, suggests that
one should avoid Tamas (ignorance) and Rajas (passion) during worship, but in
everyday life, individuals are free to eat and drink as they choose. This
flexibility illustrates how Hinduism can mean different things to different
people, making it a unique and diverse spiritual tradition rather than a
conventional religion.
However, Hinduism is not limited to the
teachings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Numerous other texts provide diverse
interpretations of moral conduct. When considering Hinduism as a whole, it can
be likened to an enormous elephant, much larger than any elephant we can see.
Each person perceives only a part of this vast entity—some see its trunk,
others its tail, and others its legs—leading to varied interpretations based on
their limited perspective. This analogy highlights the expansive and multifaceted
nature of Hinduism, where each individual grasps and defines different aspects
of its teachings.
Hinduism Name
The origin of the term
"Hinduism" is indeed a topic of debate and speculation, with various
theories circulating about its etymology. One prevalent explanation suggests
that the name originated from the Persian and Arabic languages, possibly due to
a linguistic misunderstanding. According to this theory, travelers and traders
from the Middle East encountered the Sindhu River (now the Indus River) and the
people living beyond it, whom they referred to as "Hindus." According
to this theory, travelers and traders from the Middle East encountered the
Sindhu River (now the Indus River) and the people living beyond it, whom they
referred to as "Hindus."
This explanation has its flaws and doesn't fully account
for linguistic nuances. It seems improbable that a simple mispronunciation
would lead to such a significant naming convention. Additionally, the ancient
Persian and Arabic languages were capable of pronouncing "Sindhu."
Old Persian religion was called as Zoorashtrianism, the persian God was called Amesha
Spentas word Salam was used for greeting each other by Arabs and all these
words contain S so who the hell could not pronounce Sindhu River properly.
Another theory posits that the term
"Hindu" may have arisen from indigenous Indian languages, where it
could have been used to denote the people living in the region beyond the
Sindhu River. The connection of Hinduism solely with the Sindhu River seems
inappropriate because, for Hindus, the most worshipped river is the Ganga, not
the Indus. This suggests that the term "Hindu" may have broader
cultural and geographical connotations beyond just a specific river, indicating
a more nuanced and multifaceted origin for the term.
India and Hinduism
The exact origins of
the term "Hinduism" remain uncertain, and it is possible that it
evolved over time through a combination of cultural interactions and linguistic
adaptations. Consequently, tracing its precise lineage can be challenging, and
it may ultimately represent a complex amalgamation of various influences and
historical contexts.
Indeed, Hinduism could be considered more
of a regional identifier rather than a specific religious label. Evidence from
ancient stone inscriptions in the Pali language supports this notion. My theory based on my own research says that inscriptions of the Ashokan Empire contain the term "Hida Loka," which translates to
"place of happy people" In the Pali language plausible that linguistic challenges
arose when these concepts were communicated to other cultures. For instance,
the Chinese may have struggled with pronouncing "Hida," leading to
variations like "Ida" or "Indu." Subsequent linguistic
transformations by Europeans resulted in the term "India," while
Arabic influences further morphed it into "Hind." This theory
presents a more logical and compelling narrative regarding the origins of the
term "Hinduism" and its association with the geographical region of
South Asia.
The significance of
names lies in their role in differentiation, yet the Vedic belief system
inherently lacked the need for such identifiers. Instead, the term
"Dharma" sufficed, encapsulating an individual's duty fulfilled
through adherence to custom or cosmic principles. This understanding
underscores that the Vedas are not confined to a specific region.
Evidence of Hindu
temples discovered globally in excavations attests to the expansive reach of
Vedic beliefs. This dispersal suggests that the Vedic tradition transcended
geographical boundaries. I firmly maintain that the preservation of invaluable
texts like the Vedas within this region can be attributed to its enduring
continuity.
During the Ice Age,
when vast expanses of the world lay shrouded in snow and ice, this region
thrived. Shielded by the Himalayas, it remained relatively unaffected by the
harsh conditions. The Hindukush mountains played a pivotal role in deflecting
cold winds, rendering the region moderately temperate even amidst widespread
flooding. This geographical stability likely facilitated the preservation and
continuity of Vedic traditions in the face of environmental challenges.
In the event of global
climatic upheavals and widespread population losses, the resilience of India's
geographical landscape has historically ensured its continued prosperity. This
unique capability has positioned the region as a bastion for preserving global
culture.
India's remarkable
ability to withstand climatic changes has made it a focal point for
safeguarding the world's cultural heritage. The oldest texts, such as the
Vedas, were meticulously preserved within this region. This strategic
preservation ensures that these invaluable texts can be reintroduced to
humanity once conditions stabilize following any form of natural calamity or
mass destruction.
Written by,
Pradeep Mahaur
Meditation Guru
Author of the Bestseller Book - DEVTAS-WHO ARE THE HINDU GODS
Website- https://www.pradeepmahaur.in/
Email- pmahaur2023@gmail.com
Directly message me on Telegram Massinger
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