Is Hinduism The True Religion or Merely Truth-Based?
We have 43000 religions in the realm we live in, each with similar ideologies, portrayed in vivid and respective ways. One such controversial religion is Hinduism. Hinduism is nearly 4000 years old, and some scholars believe it to be the oldest living religion. It roughly emerged around 500-200 BCE.
With all these being said, the central philosophy of the religion is considered multi-dimensional, the question has arisen whether Hinduism is Truth based or true religion? The ambiguity of the question itself foretells a complicated answer. Scholars have presented many facts and beliefs. Here is some information that may help you to come out of the confusion.
Hinduism Origin
Hinduism is one of its kind, a religion so diverse and broad yet so united. Hinduism was not found or discovered by someone, but it is an amalgamation of various beliefs over centuries.
Scholars believe this true religion emerged widely after and during the Vedic period. This true religion is called the carrier of Satya Dharma. There is no such certified proof as to when exactly was Hinduism found.
Who is the founder of Hinduism?
A single propounder did not found Hinduism; it is a rather heterogeneous mixture of many beliefs, thus a religion of many gods. Many scholars also had put points proving Hinduism is not a religion in itself.
Hinduism's origin is a mystery that is yet to be solved, though there have been compelling proofs coming up periodically. It is difficult to say how and when, and by whom Hinduism was brought up. Some of the scholars also believe that it existed since the time humans emerged on the earth.
When the birth of Hinduism is ambiguous, then how is it a truth-based or true religion?
The advent of religion, as some believe, is dated around the time the mighty Indus Valley Civilization flourished in the Indian subcontinent. The archaeologists have found the Pashupati seal with horses, bulls, and other animals among the findings of the civilization.
The scholars further believe that the civilization also worshipped natural elements such as sun, water, wind, etc. This is what Hinduism (true based) symbolized- the worshipping and honouring of natural elements. Hence one can conclude the relevance of true religion being acquainted with this ancient religion.
Also Read: Why is True Religion Outdated in the 21st Century? Do We Really Need Freedom from Religion?
The Oldest Religion
How does being an old religion prove that Hinduism is truth-based or true religion? This can be answered by going back to the Vedic period. The Vedic period of India was from 1500-500 BCE. This was when the Vedas, the basis of the alleged one true religion, was getting composed. There are four Vedas in Hinduism are
The Rig Veda
The Samaveda
Yajurveda
Atharvaveda
The Root- Sanatana Dharma
Hinduism is shaped by different practices and has no single originator. Among its foundations is the Sanatana Dharma, and as such Hinduism is regularly called the "most established living religion", instead of solitary, self-originated religion.
The first religion is called Sanatana Dharma, as referenced in the first original literary works. But with time, it has evolved to form present-day Hinduism. Today's Hindu religion is similar to an outer shadow of the genuine religion of the spirit – Sanatana Dharma.
The Vedic & Epic Literature
The Upanishads, such as Mahabharata, were written in the 3rd century and took place in 3067 BCE. Ramayana, too was composed in the 5th century BCE after the exile of Rama from Ayodhya. Many archaeological surveys have found the identical remains of the articles described in Mahabharata, such as utensils, iron arrows, etc.
Also, the submerged Dwarka, the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have lived, was found intact. The Ramayana also has much evidence, such as the footprint of Hanuman, Ram Setu, and parts of shreds of evidence of Rama and Sita living in exile.
These Upanishads depict gods that Hindus worship today; this proves that Rama and Krishna and other gods also might have existed. Many excerpts of the entire pantheon are based on these epic and other forms of ancient literature. This can be cited as proof that Hinduism is a truth-based and true religion.
Concept and beliefs
Satya Dharma in Hinduism is to teach the teaching of Vedas and Upanishads in human life. It is believed that by following Satya Dharma, one can attain moksha, i.e., the ultimate liberation. Hinduism also believes that a man's deeds depend upon his karma.
Karma is the path to be followed by a person through their actions. Karma depends on the deeds one commits their life. Hinduism believes that a man should be righteous and should not mislead by this righteousness. Hinduism also symbolizes the cycle of life.
Here the question arises whether Hinduism is a religion or a way of living?
Hinduism has a bit of both going. According to scholars, it also often depends on the way you perceive it. When you follow Hinduism it sheds light on the way you need to live your life. If you follow the ideology of living according to Hinduism and abide by 'dharma' (or duty), you are a believer in Hinduism. Both the ways Hinduism stands out to be the right religion leading based on truth.
On the whole, Hinduism can be a belief or a guiding force to you but a religion to live by and die for to someone. Being one the most prominent followed religions, it is vivid in itself, with 33 million gods and each god symbolizing a belief or set of beliefs along with their respective customs.
This makes it deeply rooted and oldest of all the religions, and with time, this true religion has evolved and has brought changes in all the pursuits of life. What makes it different from others and persuades it to be truth-based is the concept of the one supreme reality despite a varied pantheon of Gods.
What makes Hinduism a truth-based religion?
The above facts have shown that, though the foundation of the religion is obscure, it doesn't mean it is vague in formation, with its roots in every aspect of life and with no degradation of another's beliefs. It gives freedom for one to follow its own beliefs and pave their path.
This truth-based religion also has much evidence to show that it has been prominent at all times. Hinduism is a religion that is based on truth. However, there is no evidence to exactly know when the religion was found or brought into the picture.
It is pretty much clear though that Hinduism is a quest to find the supreme reality or ultimate truth (often referred to in the Upanishads as Brahman); hence it can be called truth based religion.
To conclude, Hinduism can be what you believe it to be; whether you want to call it, truth-based or true religion is up to you. It is often seen as an experiential way of thinking that is extraordinary to every person and incorporates their customs, practices, celebrations, and critical parts of culture, stamped more by diversity than uniformity.
But all being said, it is only safe to call it both as it is the fusion of both truth-based and true religion, and all distinctions are but in the perception.
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