what makes hinduism so popular to its followers?

Question

i have to write paper on this topic, but im having trouble coming up with a thesis statement and finding information on this. please help

hema where did u get that info? did u already know that or was it a pre written paper?

Answer 1

Hinduism teaches that God is one (although represented by many symbols). God cannot be seen with the eye but is that which causes the eye to see. A true devotee is one who sees God in all things animate and inanimate. Therefore, we must see God in all animals, plants and people. When Hindus greet each other they say "Namaste" meaning "I bow to the Divinity within you." The highest duty in Hinduism is Ahimsa or non-violence. This promotes peaceful living with all God's creatures. However, we must stand up in self defense as the Lord did when he manifested as Shri Ram and his consort Mother Sita was kidnapped. As I mentioned before, Hinduism is very symbolic. There are many murtis (Statues of Hindu Deities). Before murtis are worshipped, prayers are said to invoke the spirit of God to dwell within it. In fact, I have heard that it is scientifically proven that after a murti is consecrated; there is a significant increase in the energy within it. Murtis are made to focus the mind on something because the human mind cannot fully comprehend God. Murtis are the signpost leading to the final destination which is God. They are not the destination itself. A more spiritually evolved Hindu experiences God within himself or herself. Murtis at this stage are not necessary but are never disrespected, just as one should not disregard the ladder one uses to climb to greater heights. God is the Param Atman or Super Soul and we are the Jeeva Atman or the individual Soul. The Jeeva Atman is part of the Param Atman just as a drop of water from the ocean has the same properties as water from the ocean. Hindus have many names for God but the truest name is Om. The Bible says that in the beginning was the word and the word was God. Scientists have affirmed that the first sound within creation was Om. The different names that Hindus have for God represent his different energies. For example when God is creating, he is referred to as Brahma. Just like how one woman can be called mother, wife, sister etc. Hinduism does not believe that God has a gender but rather he has male and female qualities. Therefore God is mother and father in Hinduism. The male aspect of God is Shiva or the consciousness within the universe, whereas Shakti is the feminine aspect of God – the energy and creative power within the universe. Throughout Hinduism, God has manifested as avatars to defend humanity. This does not mean that God was limited to that one person; just as God lives within you and me but is not limited only to us. Hinduism is probably the oldest religion in the world and the Vedas probably the oldest books. The Vedas were revealed knowledge from God to the first saints and sages who lived on this earth. According to Hindu teachings, we are all God’s children and therefore all equal since the Atman or soul within one person is the same Atman in another person. Hence, the caste system does not advocate segregation. It merely differentiates people by profession. People have twisted this around out of limited knowledge. In the Ramayan, the Lord as Shri Ram ate from and whole heartedly accepted low caste people. Who are we then as ordinary people to look down on others? As mentioned before, all animals are precious but the most sacred for Hindus are cows. Many people criticize this because they don’t understand. Cows are worshipped because they are like mothers to us. When we cannot get our mother’s milk as babies, we live on the milk from cows. If cow’s milk sustains us, the cow plays the role of a mother. Would anyone want to kill his mother and eat her? To conclude, the Rig Veda teaches that God is one but is called by different names. Hence, Hindus believe that all religions lead to one God just as different rivers lead to one ocean.

Answer 2

It is definitely not a popular religion. Only people who are born HIndu continue be hindu.
The respect for nature is good in hinduism Eg; water, sun ,rat, snake, elephant everything is worshipped.

Answer 3

The primary factor in any religion's popularity is whether one is indoctrinated from a young age. Also, as with any Western religion, social "pressure" to conform without serious analysis is pretty strong.

Answer 4

Eastern spiritualty first became big amongst Westerners in the 60's I believe. It was part of the whole counter-culture movement.

Answer 5

It's a culture based religion. Most Hindus are born Hindus.

Answer 6

It was begun as something you could not escape - i.e. you were born Hindu and the state forced you to stay Hindu. As population increased, so did the population of Hindus.

Answer 7

Finding truth behind the reality tht we're living in. To become more spiritual, and seek peace within oneself.

Answer 8

Perhaps the abundance of deities. They tend to just adopt whatever god makes itself popular to the masses.

Answer 9

your question is based on false assumption.

you assumed that hinduism is popular among its followers.. but its not true.. hinduism is based on Veda.. and veda says in Yajurveda 3:32,, that of that God, there is no image.. yet many hindus worship Idols.

Answer 10

i am not joking, i am serious. it will b hard for u to find info on this subject, what i awill say is go to the nearest temple and ask there....