Hinduism and Religion

The word Hindu may have its origin in the river Indus which was once known by the name Sindhu. Several millennia ago the Persians, it is said, called those east of this river Hindus and the land Hindustan. As an extension what these people practiced by way of faith came to be known as Hinduism. Whether Hinduism is a religion is a moot point. The dictionary meaning of religion is ‘belief in God or Gods and follow a set of defined practices’. Another more encompassing definition is “Religion is a collection of cultural and belief systems, that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe. They tend to derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle from their ideas about the cosmos and human nature”.

In effect Gods are created by man as a refuge from the unknown, by mentally transforming forces of nature. Most of ‘Hindu’ popular gods of today have their origin in the Rig-Veda. It would be interesting to trace their origins. Briefly here is how Goddess Saraswati evolved.  The Vedic name of Saraswati is Vac.  The Vedic goddess Vac (speech) transformed into Saraswati the Puranic goddess of learning, wisdom, culture and intellect; please note in those days learning and transfer of knowledge was by word of mouth. The Vedas were also known as shrutis (that which is heard in a particular form). All learning was by word of mouth – through vac or saraswai. Thus, saraswati the Goddess of learning came to be. All Hindu Gods have evolved in a similar way – all of them represent a force of Nature (creation, preservation…..) or aspiration of man (wealth). Even the Dravidian Gods evolved from worship of natural phenomenon like the Sun, wind et al. Somewhere along the way the Aryan and Dravidian Gods tended to merge into one family so to speak. 

Hinduism as christened by Persians, in my opinion, encompasses much more than what is defined by religion. So, I say that Hinduism did not actually evolve as a religion. It is more of a philosophy or way of life. I say this simply because it does not say one has to do this or follow that to be a good Hindu. Unlike other major religions there is no single rallying point. Please note these “Gods” being referred are deities and do not refer to the Supreme. Hindu scriptures also talk of advaita – meaning God (Supreme, Truth …) and self are one and the same. The concept of “Aham Brahma Asmi” (“I am Brahman” or plainly “I am the Supreme”) though much debated is widely accepted. The Upanishads make it clear self realization (in which ever way) is essential to realize the Supreme. Indian philosophy teaches that man is essentially divine. But there is no single path to follow in search of this Truth.

The modern prominent religions of today have come about as a result of reactions.  All modern religions came into being for noble causes. They were / are subsequently misused by vested interests to dominate society.

Culture and beliefs are also spoken in the same breath as religion, but that may not be right. Consider this. A belief is a state of mind where an individual holds a proposition or premise to be true. As such a belief need not necessarily be true or false. A ritual is a set of actions performed mainly for its symbolic value. Tradition is a combination of beliefs and rituals. Culture is a set of values which in the Indian sense is to be tolerant, accommodating, open-minded, deeply but not ostensibly spiritual and concerned with the common human welfare. This is how our country has achieved a common culture, despite a staggering pluralistic society, where we find a convergence of beliefs and culture based on societal practices of those who came to India over millennia and made it their home. Religion pulls at this convergence generating tensions.

Where are we today with all these religions and Gods?

Hurting religious sentiment is a misnomer.  Psychologically sentiment is an abnormal condition. While there can be a condition of religious sentiment, being abnormal it can not be hurt but only aggravated.  Sentimentality is an emotional state disproportionate to the situation, and thus replaces extreme and generally unthinking feeling for normal ethical and intellectual judgment 

Being critical of religion and religious practices is a must for an evolving society to free itself from archaic practices of the medieval era. Instead of shying away, discussions on religions and methods should be encouraged in a thinking (wo)man.

 A discussion need not be derogatory of individuals or groups. It is after prolonged discussions and consideration of differing opinions the Pope has now allowed the use of condoms – under certain circumstances. The change is a result of objecting to a belief in the first instance.

 In India I am afraid there are no public debates on religion because the politicians are afraid; the government is afraid; the media is afraid; the people are afraid; those that are not afraid are dissuaded by those who are afraid. Of course there are also those with vested interests who want to perpetuate ignorance. They are into exploitation and take shelter behind ‘religious sentiments’. The result is the proliferation of intelligence violations and militant extremism.  Religion and beliefs have to be discussed. We do not have a right to debate the practices of an individual where only (s)he is involved. We definitely have a right to discuss what is practiced in public – because it affects society at large.

 Let us not be afraid to debate. 

Theses are but a few thoughts…..In regard to religion and India, we do have a problem in our country – we are scared to discuss religion…and thus inadvertently we encourage exploitation of the people through misplaced religious activities by vested interests……