Vikas's Tid Bits

Origin of Hindu religion?

What is Hindu Religion? Is it the religion which is followed in India? As per ancient vedic scriptures (oldest Hindu religious books), there is no mention about Hindu Religion. Neither there is a reference of "Vedic Religion" or "Sanatan (timeless) religion". In fact, the religion is not referred by any name. Foreigners who invaded India called the country beyound "Sindhu" river as "Hindustan" and the religion followed by the people as "Hindu". It is customary to name the places and people after some landmark objects or person. This brings an interesting topic to think and discuss about. Why our religion is not referred by any name in the ancient vedic scriptures or why our predecessors were not referring them by any specific name like "Hindu". Suppose if there is only one kid in family, parents can call him by any name and symbolic reference. But if there are more than one kid, then it is compulsory to name each kid uniquely to correctly identify whom we are referring to. Same way, if there are many religions in society, we need to specify a name for each religion and their followers to clearly identify whom we are referring to. If there is only one religion in society, is there any need to give any name? Isn't it be enough to specify, "we should follow the religion strictly" instead of saying "we should follow the Hindu relogion strictly". Distinction is required only when there are more candidates to compete & create confusion.Every religion except our own were established by some individual. "Buddhism" means the religion founded by Gautama Buddha. "Jainism" means religion founded by the Mahavira Jain. So has Christianity its origin in Jesus Christ. Our religion predating all these had spread all over the world. Since there was no other religion to speak about then it was not necessary to assign any name to it.

posted by Vikas Mishra @ 12:58 am