Analysis of Hinduism: Benefits, Struggles, and Critical Review

This essay delves into the global circulation of Hinduism, exploring its core tenets, benefits, and challenges. It discusses the religion's historical roots, its unique characteristics, and its impact on individuals and society. The essay highlights the benefits of practicing Hinduism, such as its emphasis on karma, respect for others, and the practice of yoga and meditation. It also addresses the struggles faced by Hindus, including discrimination and difficulties in practicing their faith in predominantly non-Hindu environments. Furthermore, the essay provides a critical analysis of Hinduism, referencing various perspectives and scholarly sources to offer a balanced understanding of the religion. The essay concludes by emphasizing the evolving nature of Hinduism and its adaptation to modern societal contexts.

Reading Head: GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF ASIAN CULTURE
0
Sociology
March 22
2020

GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF ASIAN CULTURE 1
Contents
Hinduism....................................................................................................................................2
Benefits...................................................................................................................................2
Struggles.................................................................................................................................3
Critical Analysis of Hinduism....................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................5

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Hinduism
Hinduism is known as one of the oldest religions. Roots and customs of this religion are 4000
years old. Hinduism is also known as the third largest religion in the world. People who are
followers of Hinduism mostly live in India. Hinduism is considering being a unique religion
because it comprises many different cultures, traditions, and philosophies. Different followers
have different beliefs regarding this religion. Followers of this religion believe in samsara
(the continuous life cycle that includes deaths and rebirth) and karma (the universal law of
cause and effect). There is also one fundamental principle of this religion that suggests that
the actions and thoughts of people directly determine their current and future lives. There are
some holy books of this religion such as The Ramayana, Mahabharata, The Bhagavad Gita,
the Upanishads and 18 Puranas (History).
Benefits
There are many benefits of Hinduism that I have been practicing and following daily. Some
beliefs of this religion are so practical that it helps me in solving my daily problems. Since I
am following this religion I believe in Karma. “Reap only what you Sow” this belief has
stopped me from involving in many unethical practices. It also helps in motivating ding good
for society. This religion also suggests people respect people and other religions that exist.
Since there are many different belief and customs in these religion followers of this religion
can easily adapt changes. Hinduism also follows Yoga and because of that, I can also remain
healthy and fit. Yoga is now practiced in almost every country. Meditation is also considered
to be part of this religion as it helps in relieving stress (Philosophy of Religion).
Followers of Hinduism are also vegetarian and because of that, there are fewer chances for
them to get infected from the disease. Because we can see many viruses are caused because
of the consumption of Non- Vegetarian food such as Swine Flu, Corona and many more.

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This religion also enhances the belief that refers to unity in diversity because many gods and
goddesses are followed by people. This religion also helps in giving direction to the life of
people. A sense of right and wrong is generated within followers of this religion (CNN).
Struggles
Since in the United States, the majority of people are believers of other religion and therefore
people believing in Hinduism have to face some problems. I have to face a problem in terms
of food as I am vegetarian and sometimes it is very difficult to find vegetarian food here as
most of the people are non-vegetarian. I also have to face problems in terms of worship as it
is very difficult to find temples as most of the people in the United States are followers of
Christianity. There are many festivals in the Hindu religion and it is very difficult to
celebrate those festivals in the United States as people do not celebrate those festivals
(CHAKRAVARTY and SARMA).
There are times when I have to face discrimination because of my religion as Hinduism is
considered to be a minority religion in this country. Because of that, there are fewer chances
of getting a good job and salary in comparison to followers of other religions. There are also
times when people judge me because of my religion and they do not consider me to their
level.
Critical Analysis of Hinduism
It is been analysed that the Hindu religion is not an easy religion to b practiced as it consists
of different beliefs. According to Hegel Hinduism is known as the “Religion of Phantasy or
Imagination”. According to this religion, it is said that God is everywhere. But it is said that
for Hinduism differentiation and manifolds are abandoned in this religion. In Hinduism
people believes in discrimination (Lourdunathan). As in this religion, there is a system of
caste. People belongs from lower caste are considered to be untouchables. Because of this,

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those people may not get equal chances of growth and their development is not possible
(Fandom, Inc). But with time these things and beliefs are also changing as more people are
getting educated.

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References
CHAKRAVARTY, UDEEPTA and ROHIT SARMA. “The Limits of Hindutva.” 2020.
Jacobin. 27 03 2020 <https://www.jacobinmag.com/2020/01/hindutva-india-
citizenship-amendment-bill-muslims-modi-bjp?
__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=df18c8e3839feb502e52941b4d6a0c0acddccaf0-1585310794-0-
AVdVvODamPbFvVtkaZ3LYB2BTxd51fSRtXmYeROnXLrlkG25e6i36qALS-
CzfACYwzpY9dkpryOqtJT5rU9KqVb>.
CNN. “Hinduism Fast Facts.” 04 09 2019. CNN. 27 03 2020
<https://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/07/world/hinduism-fast-facts/index.html>.
Fandom, Inc. “Criticism of Hinduism.” 2020. Psychology Wiki. 27 03 2020
<https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Hinduism>.
History. “Hinduism .” 2020. History . 27 03 2020
<https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism>.
Lourdunathan, S. . “Philosophy of Hinduism and A Critique for Liberation Religion.”
Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science & Humanities 1.1 (2013): 2321 –
788X.
Philosophy of Religion. “Religion of the World .” 2001. Philosophy of Religion. 27 03 2020
<https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/phil_of_religion_text/
chapter_2_religions/hinduism.htm>.