THE IMPACTS OF HINDUISM IN INDIACasey Harvilla

HINDUISM

3rd largest religion in the world One of the oldest organized religions Follows sacred texts known as Vedas Also known as Sanatana Dharma, or “eternal

religion” Henotheistic

Followers recognize one single deity as well as other gods/goddesses as part of that deity

VEDAS

Collection of four books that intertwine hymns, rituals, and philosophies Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda

BRAHMA

Single deity that exists in three forms: Brahma, the Creator Vishnu, the Preserver Shiva, the Destroyer

FOUR AIMS OF HINDUISM (PURUSHARTHAS)

Most socially accepted teaching

Pravritti goals for those who are in the world: Dharma (righteousness) Artha (economic success) Kama (pleasure)

Nivritti goal for those who reject the world: Moksa (the supreme goal)

POSITIVE IMPACTS

Social: spread of Hinduism practices of meditation and yoga

Political: success of democracy religious tolerance

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

Social: occurrence of caste system among Hindu

population Brahmins (priests & scholars) Kshatriyas (rulers & military) Vaishyas (merchants & farmers) Sudras (servants & peasants) “untouchables”

NEGATIVE IMPACTS (CONTINUED)

Social: denigration of women

harmful behaviors against women high levels of domestic violence low literacy rates

Economic: cause of poverty

unjustifiable “...Hinduism is not life-negating, other-wordly or

pessimistic in its philosophy. It does not condemn material success. It does not forbid the enjoyment of legitimate needs.” – Dr. M. Lal Goel

THOUGHTS

Hinduism is more than just a religion – it is a belief system that combines spiritual teachings, mythology, ancient philosophies, stories, etc., with historical roots.

Although there seem to be more negative impacts than positive, the overall contributions made to the country are highly beneficial.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

RESOURCES Goel, Madan L. "Religious Tolerance and Hinduism." Speech. Asian

Values Conference. Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton. 2002. Web. 23 Jan. 2010.

"Hinduism: a general introduction." ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Web. 20 Jan. 2010.

<http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism2.htm>. "Hinduism: additional information and links."

ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Web. 21 Jan. 2010. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism3.htm>.

"India's Religions and Philosophy (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism)." AsianInfo.org. Web. 18 Jan. 2010. <http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/religion.htm>.

"Negative behaviors by some Hindus." ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Web. 21 Jan. 2010. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism4.htm>.

"What is Hinduism and what do Hindus believe?" Bible Questions Answered. Web. 20 Jan. 2010. <http://www.gotquestions.org/hinduism.html>.