Cultural Effects of Hinduism
Although people practice many different forms of religion in India, the main form represented is Hinduism. Because of its pervasiveness and despite the fact that Hinduism lacks any unified system of beliefs and ideas, certain moral ideas and some key tenets of Hinduism are prevalent in day to day life.
The moral Ideals of Hinduism prevalent in the people I met include truthfulness, friendship, compassion, and generosity. Time and time again, I was met with a smile and warm words, even when I was grumpy. Hindu texts extol these qualities in what they call “the liberated individual.” This is a person who not only treats others with respect, even when faced with adversity, but also replies with kind words instead of anger. This is also a person who speaks the truth, harms no one, and expects no blessings or praise. True to the idea of the karmic cycle, this person is comfortable with little and does not fret about the ownership of material objects. Knowledge alone is of the utmost importance.
Some key tenets in Hinduism are: idol worship, reincarnation, karma, dharma and moksha. Of these, moksha is the one which seems to be the most discernible in day to day life, but it is tied up in karma and reincarnation.
Moksha is the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, loss of the egoistic self, and union with Brahman. Hindus believe that reincarnation is true universal justice. People who currently live an immoral or unethical life are given a second chance before a final judgment is made on their souls. Also, those who live in poverty are given an opportunity to experience a life of comfort.
This acceptance of the karmic cycle shows up in various ways. In speaking with residents of Bangladesh, Trivandrum, and Delhi, as well as considering the readings, lectures, and observations, I discovered that many, including those professing different faiths other than Hinduism, believed that they and others were destined for better, or worse, lives.
One example of this is how the general populace accepts government corruption. In speaking with several people after watching news reports of such, I learned that corrupt tactics were the norm and not the exception. Although there are some, such as Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, who decry these practices, it is more ordinary to see citizens who shrug it off. My host in Trivandrum, a practicing Catholic, even said of one politician that he would be “judged” in his next life.
Another example is how those living in poverty accept their state. Although it is recognized that social factors such as inheritance laws and the caste system have hindered social and economic progress, little has been done by the government to ameliorate these factors. Rural migration has also added to the population and proliferation of slums. In spite of all the suffering and hardships, these people prefer their meager existence in the city fringes, sleeping under flyovers (that which we call overpasses) or on pavements. Yet Hinduism says poverty is a virtue, and these people who literally beg for every morsel to avoid starvation, will break their karmic cycle because of their poverty. For them, this state is the end of the road.
Because duty is key to each stage of the Hindu belief system, the obligations and tenets of the Hindu faith have been a part of the Indian culture for centuries. In enacting any type of social change, it is important to keep this in mind.
The moral Ideals of Hinduism prevalent in the people I met include truthfulness, friendship, compassion, and generosity. Time and time again, I was met with a smile and warm words, even when I was grumpy. Hindu texts extol these qualities in what they call “the liberated individual.” This is a person who not only treats others with respect, even when faced with adversity, but also replies with kind words instead of anger. This is also a person who speaks the truth, harms no one, and expects no blessings or praise. True to the idea of the karmic cycle, this person is comfortable with little and does not fret about the ownership of material objects. Knowledge alone is of the utmost importance.
Some key tenets in Hinduism are: idol worship, reincarnation, karma, dharma and moksha. Of these, moksha is the one which seems to be the most discernible in day to day life, but it is tied up in karma and reincarnation.
Moksha is the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, loss of the egoistic self, and union with Brahman. Hindus believe that reincarnation is true universal justice. People who currently live an immoral or unethical life are given a second chance before a final judgment is made on their souls. Also, those who live in poverty are given an opportunity to experience a life of comfort.
This acceptance of the karmic cycle shows up in various ways. In speaking with residents of Bangladesh, Trivandrum, and Delhi, as well as considering the readings, lectures, and observations, I discovered that many, including those professing different faiths other than Hinduism, believed that they and others were destined for better, or worse, lives.
One example of this is how the general populace accepts government corruption. In speaking with several people after watching news reports of such, I learned that corrupt tactics were the norm and not the exception. Although there are some, such as Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, who decry these practices, it is more ordinary to see citizens who shrug it off. My host in Trivandrum, a practicing Catholic, even said of one politician that he would be “judged” in his next life.
Another example is how those living in poverty accept their state. Although it is recognized that social factors such as inheritance laws and the caste system have hindered social and economic progress, little has been done by the government to ameliorate these factors. Rural migration has also added to the population and proliferation of slums. In spite of all the suffering and hardships, these people prefer their meager existence in the city fringes, sleeping under flyovers (that which we call overpasses) or on pavements. Yet Hinduism says poverty is a virtue, and these people who literally beg for every morsel to avoid starvation, will break their karmic cycle because of their poverty. For them, this state is the end of the road.
Because duty is key to each stage of the Hindu belief system, the obligations and tenets of the Hindu faith have been a part of the Indian culture for centuries. In enacting any type of social change, it is important to keep this in mind.
