Hindu Religion and Culture: Hindu religion has a rich cultural heritage. At micro level Hindu religion hormonises an individual’s relationship with the divine cosmic powers of the Universe. Hindu culture inculcates a sense of belongingness to his family, clan, group and thence to the greater society.
And at macro level Hindu culture provides ways and means for co-existamce of different social groups in an hormonious manner in the society. It avouds conflict between different groups or communities in the sociery. I prefer to call this kind of hindu culture as unique Social culture of its kind. In fact this kind of culture is founded on the principle of Achara Paramo DharmaH.
Achaara Paramo DharmaH
Hindu Customs and traditions have evolved over millennia and Hindu religion is based on the Principle of Achaara Paramo DharmaH, meaning every person and every community has an inherent right to follow his or their own customs and traditions which they have been following since ages. BY this way Hindu society provides an opportunity for any immigrant community to integrate into the mainstream society through the process of Assimilation which occurs over a period of time. Accordingly new people may adopt some customs and traditions of the mainstream society and vice versa in a reciprocal and hormonious manner. This is possible only because of the spirit of accommodation.
Dharmo Rakshati RakshitaH
Hindus are supposed to follow the Sanatana Dharma. Scriptures like Manu Smriti say that, “Dharmo Rakshati RakshitaH”, meaning that one who follows “Dharma” would be protected by the Dharma.I have read all Vedas, Manusmriti, Ramayana and Mahabharata and several Puranas also, but I have never come across any dictum saying that those who do not follow Dharma would be punished by the Gods or a King. But following Dharma is a social norm and of course voluntary.
Bharatavarsha
And the country in which Hindu Sanatana Dharma was born and followed was called as Bharatavarsha. Both Yajnavalkya Smriti and Manusmriti say that Bharatavarsha was the land where the Black Buck roamed freely. Bharatavarsha was also referred to variously as Jambudweepa, Bharatakhanda, Brahmavarta, Saptadweepa, Manidweepa, Aryavarta, Satyalok, Rishidesh, etc.
And Culture and Civilization of Hindus was followed and carried forward by Hindus from generation to generation through the texts of Smruti and Sruti composed in Chaste Sanskrit hymns. The hymns or verses were remembered by the method of rote and transfered to the next generation by Rishis of the ancient times. The tenets of Hindu Dharma are ingrained in the social norms so much so that everyone follows the Dharmic principles who did not read Dharma Shastras.
There existed no capital punishment for a learned Brahmin whatever may be his crime. (Instead head tonsure or outcaste are punishments prescribed for crimes of a Brahmin.) This kind of practice ensured preservationa and perpetuation of Hindu culture since ages.
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Crucible of Cultures and Mozaic of Races
Geographically, India is called as a Sub Continent. Because it has a very distinct geographical region with typically defined cultural and conventional boundaries rather than strict scientific criteria. And whether it was in the ancient society or midieval or modern, India lived and carried on as a a crucible of cultures and mosaic of races. The Country was and is thus multilingual and multi racial. No race of the World is unrepresented in India and no religion is not seen on Indian soil. Every stock arrived from outside Iwhich turned up into Indian soil became sons of the soil and upheld rich cultural traditions of the country in the course of time.
Now, India is a home for almost all the races and religions of the world. India accommodated all kinds of communities in its fold without disturbing its unique Social Fabric. And about 7 Centuries of Islamic and two centuries of Christian presence in India could not change the its Hindu Religious face of India. Presently less than 2% Christians and about 14% Muslims contribute to the populace of India.
Hindu religious sects
Indian society will have different communities following different religions and diffetent social norms still makes a cohessive and comprehensive society. Some people practice Vaishnavism, some Saivism, some Buddhism and some Jainism. Even ancient religion of Zorastrianism is practiced by Parsis without any hindrance.
There is a new religion created by Guru Nanak by amalgamating Hindu and Islamic thougts and practices. Parallelly every village will have a local female guardian deity who will be feared and worshipped by all villagers irrespective of their sectoral differences. And there is no denial that there occurred fights between different religious sects at various times. But they were sporadic and as time passed the differences got evened out and vehicle of greater dharma carries forward.
Hindu Religion and Culture
Hekenotheism
It is surpring to know that each and every major God is considered as the Supreme God unto himself or herself. And as regards to sacred literature, for Saiva people Siva purana is a sacred text, for Vaishnavas Vishnu Purana is sacred, and so on.
Secular scriptures
There are so many scriptures which are secular. For example, in the case of law of inheritance scriptures like Mitakshari and Manusmriti are referred. For the purpose of day to day religious practices Kalpa Sutras are referred. Bharata’s Natya Shastra is referred to learn and practice the art of Dance. For Yoga Shastra Patanjali, for Sanskrit learning Panini, and so on.
After reading several scriptures I got the conclusion that all later scriptures have taken their cue from Atharvana veda.
Borobudur and Bagan
It is interesting to note that Largest Hindu Temple complex is situated not in India but in Indonesia at Borobudur, and also at Bagan in Myanmar. And societies and peoples of China, Japan,etc,. follow Buddhism. (Lord Buddha belongs to Sankhya school of thought. And desciple of Sages Gautama and Kapila. )
Ajivikas
Asoka, who was a follower of Buddhism, has donated dwelling places (caves) and material to Ajivikas. And it is interesting to note that Ajivikas were a rival sect of Buddhists. This fact reminds us that King’s personal beliefs did not come in the way of patronising every sect and religion of his Kingdom.
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