Hinduism is an Indian religion or Dharma, a religious and universal order or way of life by which followers abide. As a religion, it is the world's third-largest, with over 1.2–1.35 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global population, known as Hindus. The word Hindu is an exonym, and while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as Sanātana Dharma which refers to the idea that its origins lie beyond human history, as revealed in the Hindu texts—but its usage is modern. Another endonym is Vaidika Dharma, the dharma related to the Vedas.
Hindus believe that gods live in heaven, and heaven has unlimited capacity. Therefore, these 330 million Hindu gods could be the divine beings living on that planet.
Hindutva and Hinduism are two distinct concepts, although they are related to each other within the Indian context. Here's an explanation of both terms and the differences between them:
Hinduism:
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions and encompasses a diverse range of beliefs, practices, rituals, and philosophical systems. It is the predominant religion in India and has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Hinduism is characterized by its belief in the concept of dharma (righteousness), karma (law of cause and effect), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). It also recognizes the authority of sacred scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and various Puranas. Hinduism is a pluralistic and inclusive religion, accommodating a wide array of traditions, deities, and philosophical perspectives.
Hindutva:
Hindutva, on the other hand, is a political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century in India. The term "Hindutva" was coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who defined it as the essence of being Hindu and as a cultural and national identity for Hindus. Hindutva promotes the idea of a Hindu nation or Hindu Rashtra, where Hindu culture and values are central to the national identity. It emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Hindu customs, traditions, and interests.
Hindutva seeks to unite Hindus and assert their cultural and political dominance within India. Advocates of Hindutva believe that India should be a Hindu-majority nation and that the principles of Hinduism should guide the country's governance. Hindutva ideology has been associated with various political organizations, most notably the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Difference between Hinduism and Hindutva:
Religious vs. Political: Hinduism is a religious and spiritual tradition that encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. Hindutva, on the other hand, is a political ideology that seeks to promote Hindu cultural and national identity.
Inclusiveness vs. Exclusiveness: Hinduism is inclusive and recognizes the diversity within its own framework, allowing for multiple gods, paths, and philosophies. Hindutva, however, emphasizes a more homogenized and exclusive definition of Hindu identity and seeks to assert its dominance within the political sphere.
Personal Belief vs. Political Agenda: Hinduism is a personal belief system and a way of life for its followers. Hindutva, in contrast, focuses on political goals and aspirations, including the establishment of a Hindu nation.
Pluralism vs. Majoritarianism: Hinduism embraces pluralism and the coexistence of different religions and belief systems. Hindutva, in some interpretations, promotes a majoritarian approach that prioritizes Hindu interests and cultural dominance.
It's important to note that interpretations and understandings of Hindutva may vary among different individuals and groups, and there can be diverse perspectives within the Hindu community itself.
Comments
Post a Comment