Here is Why Hindu Religion gained popularity in the West

There are many types of faith people have in the world. Some people believe in the supreme power of God which is the ultimate source in the universe. Some do not get bothered by the mere fact and continue living thinking that we just exist in this universe as a part of natural process. Some are against the Supreme Power.

On these grounds, Hindu dharma has taken shape amongst many.

Hindu Religion in the most ancient religion and many have acknowledged the teachings of the ancient

First, let’s discuss the first category. They are the complete followers and believers. They believe that there is one supernatural and all-powerful being that has the power to control our world. Muslims call it Allah, Christians call it Lord Almighty or Jesus. This inclination to believe that Allah or Lord Almighty is the ultimate being comes from the religious doctrines and texts each religion has. The Muslims have the Holy Quran, the Christians have the Holy Bible. For Hindus, there are many texts and scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads, Mahapuranas, and so on.

Quran was written around 609 CE by Prophet Mohammad. Bible scholars claim Bible to be the 7th-century human artifact. But these texts have been subject to scrutiny ever since and many have found inconsistencies, anomalies, and repetitions in them. For instance, in Quran, Mohammad who specified polygamy that allows up to four marriages for Muslim men justified his fifth marriage to his daughter-in-law in some verses.

But Hinduism is something different. It is the oldest faith and contains Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas that are timeless, consistent and constant throughout. It is also that the time of origin is incomprehensible to human beings. More than just a religion, it teaches about a way of life, about oneself, the universe and the creator. Many scientists and philosophers in the western world have found homage in Hinduism too (LINKS).

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Alienation in Christians

There are evidence that Church-goers in the west have diminished. In countries like the UK, the USA, and in Europe, there are evidence that churches remain empty most of the time, and because of that, some have even converted it into bars, hotels, malls or offices.

More so, people have found it hard to give into the basic of Christianity that the followers need to be responsible for the sins of Adam and Eve. That has given rise to Atheism in the west too.

To add, there is also no space for reincarnation in Christianity. They believe that the followers will go the Heaven and the non-believers will rot in Hell. Followers need to go to church as part becoming a “believer”.

Hinduism filling the gap

Hinduism is different. Reincarnation is one of the foundations of Hinduism, and one can remain a Hindu while not going to temples to pray. There is the concept of karma too, and more people and more people believe that you get what you give.

Spiritually inclined believers have also the hunger to know more about the spiritual knowledge, which both Christianity and Muslim fails to provide. It talks about the Universe, the creation, the being, the destruction, the soul, the journey and the destination. It acquaints an individual with the whole picture of what it is and is more optimistic.

Spread through Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda

With globalization taking place into account, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda have been gaining pace all across the globe. One research shows that there are over 200 million Yoga practitioners all across the globe. This has been one of the bases for acknowledging Hinduism and its roots. People have started to understand the positive effects of performing yoga for one’s body and mind, meditation for the mind, and Ayurveda for health. Even Ayurveda is certified by WHO.

Also Read : Most Interesting Facts About Hinduism You May Not Know

Rise of Vegetarianism

In the west, people are converting themselves to vegetarians to reap health benefits. Since Hinduism talks about non-violence to animals, people are getting hooked to the religion.

Spread of ISKCON

ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness and has been gaining popularity all across the globe. If you have seen westerners singing “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare”, then you might already know how this society has found its root, especially since it is supposed to bring the devotional feelings amongst the followers. People are also finding Bhagavad Gita more applicable in their practical life. This is one source for the spread of Hinduism too.

Sanskrit in university

Sanskrit is considered to be the mother of all languages and is taught in many universities in the west. The literature is also vast with high scientific and informative language pattern. Young students get introduced to Hinduism through it.

Role of Swami Vivekananda

One notable mention for the spread of Hinduism in the west should be given to Swami Vivekananda who introduced and preached Hinduism in World Parliament of Religions at Chicago in 1893. Many acknowledge the Hinduism way of life as the ultimate way of life, thanks to him.