Exploring Hinduism: A Cultural Perspective
Hindu Religion and Culture is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. On an individual level, it fosters harmony between a person and the divine forces that govern the universe. It also nurtures a sense of belonging, connecting people to their families, communities, and society at large.
On a broader scale, Hindu culture promotes coexistence among diverse social groups, encouraging peaceful interactions within society. This approach helps prevent conflicts between different communities. I view this aspect of Hindu culture as a distinctive and unique social model. Essentially, the culture stands on the principle of “Achara Paramo DharmaH,” which emphasizes ethical conduct as the highest duty.
Achaara Paramo DharmaH
Hindu customs and traditions have grown and changed over thousands of years. The Hindu religion is founded on the principle of Achaara Paramo DharmaH. This means that everyone has the right to practice their own customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Because of this, Hindu society allows newcomers to blend into the broader community over time through a process called assimilation. As this happens, new residents can choose to adopt some practices of the mainstream culture, and the mainstream culture can also embrace some new customs from these groups. This exchange happens smoothly because of a spirit of mutual acceptance and accommodation.
Dharmo Rakshati RakshitaH
Hindus are encouraged to adhere to Sanatana Dharma. Texts such as the Manu Smriti state, “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah,” which translates to “Those who uphold Dharma are themselves protected by it.” I have studied the Vedas, Manusmriti, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas, but I have never encountered any directive stating that failing to follow Dharma results in punishment by the deities or a ruler. However, observing Dharma is considered a societal standard and is, naturally, a voluntary act.
Bharatavarsha
The country known as Bharatavarsha is where Hindu Sanatana Dharma originated and thrived. This land, described in both Yajnavalkya Smriti and Manusmriti, is noted for the free-roaming Black Buck. Over time, Bharatavarsha has been referred to by many names, including Jambudweepa, Bharatakhanda, Brahmavarta, Saptadweepa, Manidweepa, Aryavarta, Satyalok, and Rishidesh.
Hindu culture and civilization have been preserved and passed down through generations by Hindus via the sacred texts of Smruti and Sruti, written in Sanskrit hymns. The hymns were memorized and taught to subsequent generations by sages from ancient times. Moreover, the principles of Hindu Dharma are so deeply embedded in social norms that even those who haven’t read the Dharma Shastras adhere to these Dharmic principles.
No matter what the crime, a knowledgeable Brahmin was not subject to the death penalty. (Instead, Brahmin misdeeds are punished with head tonsure or outcaste.) This kind of conduct ensured preservation and perpetuation of Hindu culture since antiquity.
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Crucible of Cultures and Mozaic of Races
Mozaic of Races and Crucible of Cultures
India is referred to as a subcontinent geographically. contrary to rigorous scientific standards, it has a fairly specific geographic area with usually specified cultural and customary limits. And whether it was in the ancient society or midieval or modern, India lived and carried on as a crucible of cultures and a mosaic of races. The nation was and continued to be both multiracial and multilingual. No race in the World is unrepresented in India, and no religion is not seen on Indian land. Over time, every foreign stock that landed in India became a son of the land and perpetuated the rich heritage of the country’s culture.
Practically every race and creed in the world now calls India home. Without disturbing its unique social fabric, India accepted a wide range of communities. In addition, two centuries of Christian and approximately 700 years of Islam were unable to alter India’s Hindu religious landscape. P resently, 14% of Indians are Muslims and less than 2% are Christians.
Hindu religious sects
Despite comprising numerous populations that subscribe to different societal norms and religions, Indian culture is nonetheless unifying and encompassing. Some persons practice Vaishnavism, some Saivism, some Buddhism, and some Jainism. Even the ancient faith of Zoroastrianism is practiced by Parsis without any interference from others.
There is a new religion founded by Guru Nanak by amalgamating Hindu and Islamic concepts and practices. By parallel, every village will have a local female guardian deity that every resident, irrespective of sectoral differences, will fear and worship. In addition, there is no doubt that disputes between various religious factions occurred at various times throughout history. But they were temporary, and as time passed, differences gradually evened out, and the vehicle higher dharma moves forward.
Hindu Religion and Culture
Hekenotheism
Hekenotheism
The reality that each of the numerous gods is regarded as the Supreme God in one’s own right is remarkable. And as regards sacred literature, for Saiva people, Siva Purana is a sacred book, for Vaishnavas, Vishnu Purana is sacred, and so on.
Secular scriptures
Secular scriptures aplenty. For example, in the context of the law of inheritance, scriptures like the Mitakshari and the Manusmriti are studied. Kalpa Sutras are employed for routine practices of faith. To learn and practice the art of dance, visit Bharata’s Natya Shastra. For studying Sanskrit, Panini, Yoga Shastra Patanjali, and the like.
I realized after reading a variety of books that the Atharva Veda had been a template for all later scriptures.
Bagan and Borobudur
It is worth noting that the largest Hindu temple complex is located not in India, but in Indonesia, at Borobudur, as well as in Bagan, Myanmar. And societies and peoples of China, Japan, etc., follow Buddhism. (Lord Buddha belongs to the Sankhya school of thought. And was a student of the Sages Gautama and Kapila. )
Ajivikas
Asoka, who was an adherent of Buddhism, presented dwelling places (caves) and articles to Ajivikas. And it is interesting to keep in mind that Ajivikas were a rival sect of Buddhists. This fact acts as an indication that the King respected every sect and religion in his domain notwithstanding his personal inclinations.
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