Hinduism as a Religion, Its Major Concepts, and Renowned Contributors - Essay Example

Hinduism Introduction Hinduism is one of the third largest religions of the world. The term Hindu is basically derived from Sanskrit. The religion can be tracked down 5500 years back, having its roots in Harappa, Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is basically set of ideas, beliefs, culture and traditions of the people living in India. There is not a single founder of this religion and it is made up of diverse traditions. It is the oldest living religion of the world having immense number of followers throughout the globe (Fuller, 2004). The essay strives to exemplify Hinduism as a religion; its major concepts and renowned contributors. The definition of Indian Supreme Court about Hinduism is elucidated as well. It also presents the services of Mahatma Gandhi in spreading Hinduism and his views regarding caste system in the religion. The theme of the paper is to give a hawk eye review about Hinduism as a religion. Concept of Maya Maya has huge significance in Hinduism and it basically means illusion. The term moves around the conception that this world is not actually real and the environment around us is an illusion. The things we experience are not authentic but are in fact depiction of ourselves. Every human being lies somewhere like a drop of water in an ocean. The perception of eternity is the premise of Maya. The term can be more explicated that this universe and creatures living in it are fake; actual human live lie somewhere else. The people which we observe around us actually belong to someplace else (Klostermaier, 2007). Fuller (2004) demonstrated that in Hinduism it is believed that the teachings of Vedanta are ultimate truth and an ordinary human mind cannot go deep into the wordily meaning of Maya. Karma and Ahamkara are the forces which make Maya. The Brahman caste of Hindu’s can understand the meaning and true notion of Maya. To produce conclusive arguments; verses of Bhagavad Gita are presented by Hindu Scholars to strengthen the concept of Maya. The essence of this theory is principally that world is a fake place and our souls lie somewhere else (Klostermaier, 2007). Supreme Court Verdict The Supreme Court of India defines Hinduism that it is nothing more than a way of life. It does not believe in a single god, one prophet or single philosophical concept and it does not persuade towards religious traditions. Hinduism is the way people live their lives in a cultured and tailored manner. This idea of Hinduism was defined by Chief Justice of Indian Supreme Court, P. B. Gajendragadkar in 1995. Most of the Hindu’s believe in this definition of the court but criticism about this description prevails in the region (Fuller, 2004). Klostermaier (2007) describes that the decision of court was acknowledged by many Hindu scholars but some of them argued that the definition also includes Jain Hindu’s in it; which according to a certain conservative Hindu group are not a part of Hinduism. Supreme Court reviewed the definition and gave an irrefutable definition of Hinduism in which Jain Religion was stated to be not a part of Hinduism. Mahatma Gandhi Influence Mahatma Gandhi holds distinguished position among Hindu’s and in Indo-Pak subcontinent. His conviction of spreading love, harmony, justice and equality throughout the world carries colossal importance. Hindu’s believe that Mahatma Gandhi was a political and religious leader too. He gave a new horizon to the followers of Hinduism and forced them to get themselves out of Hindu fundamentalism. He was a practicing Hindu and was also influenced by Jain religion. Gandhi believed in the concept of Satyagraha and lived his whole under the umbrella of this concept. He believed that insistence on truth with nonviolence must be the aim of every individual. Hurting fellow human beings by hand and tongue is not right. The light of truth must be spread through nonviolence (Bakshi, 1986). The concepts of Gandhi about caste system were very clear that these are the limitations created by men and it does not have anything to do with Hinduism. Caste system in Hinduism is a curse which should be eradicated soon. In his lifetime, he did a lot of efforts to spread this message on a wider spectrum and tried to realize Brahman Hindu’s too to get out of superiority complex and treat everyone equally. Gandhi views on caste system got popularity among the middle cast Hindu’s, however Brahman’s had reservations about these ideas. To present an example to the world, Gandhi’s son marriage took place in inter caste (Bakshi, 1986). Bakshi (1986) elucidates that Gandhi tried to bring social revolution in the caste system prevalent among Hindu’s. He advised Brahman’s to marry Untouchables as these caste systems have created distances between Hindu’s. He also believed that Caste system creates inequality and injustice among the society. Gandhi’s quest for the establishment of interfaith harmony among Hindu community makes him an eminent Hindu Scholar too. His ideas about the practice of Hinduism are highly respected among the masses. Notary work of Gandhi in spreading Hinduism in the world is widely appreciated by Hindu scholars. Conclusion The beliefs and definition of Hinduism varies from person to person however the comprehensive explanation by Supreme Court of India clearly defines the religion. The exact explanation of Maya is a myth because most of the Hindu’s are confused about this concept. Majority of the Hindus do not indulge themselves deep in finding out the meaning of Maya. Some of the conservative and misunderstood beliefs of Hinduism are eliminated by time. The role of Mahatma Gandhi in explaining the true meaning of Hinduism has immense importance. His influence to the majority of Hindu’s makes him one of the renowned scholars of the religion. The methods applied by Gandhi in achieving inner peace, such as Satyagraha is also considered as a part of religion now. The influential factor of Gandhi in Hinduism has eradicated certain traditional values. Inter caste marriage started to take place among Hindu’s. Previously it was considered as a sin and untouchable were not even allowed to touch utensils of Brahmans. Social revolution in the religion has been brought by Gandhi which carries enormous connotation. References Bakshi, S. R. (1986). Gandhi and Ideology of Non-violence. India: South Asia Books Fuller, C. J. (2004). The camphor flame: Popular Hinduism and society in India. London: Princeton University Press Klostermaier, K. K. (2007). A survey of Hinduism. NY: SUNY Press Read More