Positive Implications

Positive Implications

1. One/Many/No gods gives CHOICE

   • gives choice to Hindus as to which gods they worship, unlike the Abrahamic faiths where there is only one god
   • they can also not worship any gods and be atheist and still be accepted by the religion and be a good Hindu
   • there are 30,000 to three million gods that Hindus can worship so they aren't restricted and have a variety to choose from
   • as there are many different paths to liberation it enables everyone to do so and no other Hindus believe another path is the wrong way to do so
     • e.g. followers of the Advaita school believe that you reach it through Jnana but don't disagree with those who reach it through Bhakti, just believe they are distracted
   • this open choice proves how Hinduism is more of a way of life rather than a religion as...
     • ZAEHNER : "what binds Hindus is not their belief"

2. Male & Female - Equality

   • By providing its followers with male and female gods, Hinduism enables better connections to be made through these many manifestations of the one supreme
   • as they are of both genders they represent everyone in society equally and it enables Hindus to relate more to these gods and goddesses
   • this makes reaching liberation easier for Hindus as they can make a better connection with the gods
   • this equality empowers women and has been reflected in society through the new acts that have been introduced in Indian Parliament, like...
     • the protection for women from domestic violence act 2005
     • the sexual harassment of women at the workplace act of 2013
   • this shows the treatment of women has increasingly improved since the 1990's

3. Schools of Philosophy - Universalism

   • as there are so many different beliefs and teachings in each school it shows the universalism within Hinduism as they don't judge anyone based on their belief
   • they welcome all beliefs and all faiths as...
     • VOIELS : "Hinduism is not a religion or a dogma but a comprehensive, co-operative, complimentary and self-revitalising way of life"
   • this shows that it is a peaceful and tolerant religion as they are accepting of everyone
   • GHANDI : put this into an analogy which states that "different religions are streams leading to the same sea"
     • this shows that its an easy and free religion that doesnt proselytise as everyone is entitled to their own opinion showing that it clearly promotes universalism