Why is religion rising in India?

 Rise of Religion in India

   Religion has acted both as a great friend and also as the greatest enemy of humanity since ancient times. As a friend, it has helped in the development of great architecture. Great people like Swami Vivekananda, Jesus Christ, Adi Shankaracharya, and Vidyaranya have emerged from religious backgrounds. Religion has produced men who were great lovers of their country and who sacrificed their lives for it. Great saints and thinkers have promoted moral values and made significant scientific discoveries. But the same religion has also preached religious extremism, which has led to violence and has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people throughout history, whether through the Islamic Crusades wars, or Hindu-Muslim conflicts in India. This religion has promoted superstition and terrorism too. I have previously written about religion and spirituality on my blog; you can read it here.

 

 

Although spirituality and youth may appear unlikely companions, a recent study by the youth entertainment channel MTV revealed that 62 percent of Gen Zers believe spirituality aids in gaining clarity, with 70 percent feeling more confident and in control of their lives after prayer.

 

In today’s blog, we are going to discuss why this trend of spirituality is becoming so popular among the youth, especially in India. If we look back 20 years, religion was often seen as backward and conservative. However, today, religion is embraced by Indian youth. This trend has both positive and negative aspects.

There are many causes for the revivalism of Hinduism among youth:

 

1) Right-wing Government in India:

Currently, in India, there is a right-wing government in power. Therefore, the policies created by the government align with right-wing ideology. Consequently, religion is promoted among the masses. Right-wing politicians often incorporate discussions about Ram Mandir and other religious topics into their speeches, further promoting religion.

2) Influence of Social Media:

Social media is another significant factor contributing to the resurgence of religion among youth. Allow me to share my own experience: When I was 9 years old, I observed various ritualistic practices and superstitions at home, as is common in many average Hindu families in India. Initially, these practices seemed irrational to me, and I viewed religion as outdated. However, when I turned 13, I delved into the scriptures and discovered that the teachings of saints and scriptures differed significantly from what people were preaching. This realization influenced me to explore the true values of Sanatan Dharma.

 

On social media platforms, there are numerous videos promoting the authentic teachings of Sanatan Dharma, which resonate with seekers seeking deeper spiritual truths beyond what is commonly known. However, it's essential to acknowledge that social media also promotes pseudoscience, superstitions, and astrology under the guise of Sanatan Dharma, which is a drawback of this factor.

3)The Lockdown Effect:

The COVID-19 lockdowns imposed worldwide had a profound impact on people's lifestyles and priorities. With more time spent at home and limited social activities, many individuals turned to introspection and exploration of deeper aspects of life. During this period, numerous people delved into reading scriptures and texts related to Sanatan values.

The lockdown provided an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their beliefs and seek solace in spirituality. Many discovered the rich philosophical and ethical teachings embedded within Sanatan Dharma, which resonated with their inner values and aspirations. As a result, there was a surge in interest among youth towards the authentic teachings of Hinduism.

Nowadays, spirituality should ideally have a positive impact on the youth, but unfortunately, it seems to be going the opposite way for many. Instead of genuinely embracing spirituality, some individuals are merely pretending. They are faking spirituality without truly understanding its essence. Many haven't even read their scriptures or don't know the basics, such as how to perform "achaman."

 

In the name of spirituality, they  superficially chant slogans like "Jai Shree Ram," post Instagram stories, or adhere to superstitions. If I question about their religion, they often become defensive, ignoring the fact that Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, encourages inquiry and critical thinking. Instead of questioning and seeking understanding, they prefer blind belief.

 

Moreover, some individuals disrespect other religions without having a proper understanding of their own. This lack of knowledge and understanding leads to unwarranted criticism of figures like Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this ignorance and intolerance contribute to the rise of religious extremism.

 

In recent times, there have been numerous communal conflicts, often incited by politicians for their own agendas. These conflicts are fuelled by religious and communal tensions, exacerbating divisions within society.

Due to the increasing influence of religion among the youth, everyone seems to be using it for their own vested interests. In India, there are very few people who genuinely seek spiritual knowledge and the bliss of God. Instead, most people are solely focused on material success and seek satisfaction by using religion as a means to achieve their goals. They manipulate religion to serve their personal agendas, which is evident in various aspects of society.

 

For instance, many right-wing political parties in India exploit religion as a tool to garner votes. They often portray themselves as champions of religion and claim to work tirelessly for its cause. However, in reality, they are the ones who tarnish the essence of religion by promoting superstitions and engaging in corrupt practices. Some politicians even associate themselves with fraudulent Babas who have been convicted by the courts and are currently serving jail sentences. Their actions have little to do with genuine religious beliefs; rather, they are driven by a desire for power and votes.

 

Unfortunately, due to a lack of political education and awareness, many people in India are swayed by such deceptive tactics. They naively believe in the propaganda spread by these politicians and parties, without critically analyzing their actions or motives. Moreover, some political parties, while projecting themselves as religious, are also involved in activities that contradict the principles of Sanatan Dharma, such as beef export, which goes against mainstream Hindu beliefs of non violence. Despite this contradiction, many youths fall prey to their propaganda and support them blindly.

 

In essence, the exploitation of religion for personal gain has become a prevalent trend in Indian politics, perpetuated by unscrupulous politicians and fueled by the ignorance of the masses.

 

Most of you are likely familiar with podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps. If we examine the most popular podcasts on Ranveer's Hindi channel, we'll notice that a significant portion of the content revolves around spiritual discussions related to Hinduism. Similarly, many other podcasters have also begun teaching about Hinduism on their platforms. Even rappers and singers have jumped on this trend. But what motivates them? The primary goal seems to be gaining popularity and financial success. While there are a few genuine singers and podcasters who aim to promote religion and are serious about spiritual growth, the majority seem to be capitalizing on the hype surrounding spiritual topics. They are driven by the desire for fame and monetary gain rather than a sincere commitment to spiritual exploration. And I call them “Economic Hindus”

Indeed, amidst the negative effects, the rise of spirituality also brings about positive impacts, albeit for those who are genuinely committed to the path. The question arises: who qualifies as a serious aspirant? In my view, a serious aspirant is not merely someone who claims mastery or rigidly adheres to principles. Instead, true aspirants are those who earnestly strive to embody the teachings they follow They may fail to follow but they try their best.

 

A genuine aspirant is someone who, upon recognizing a mistake or misstep in their behavior, immediately seeks to rectify it and improve themselves. They continuously strive for self-improvement and spiritual growth, acknowledging that perfection is a journey rather than an endpoint. Every attempt, every moment of sincere effort, defines them as aspirants on the path of spirituality.

 

That is why we call them aspirant cuz they aim if they were perfect they would be called “Siddhas”

 

The rise of spirituality has made scriptures more accessible online, attracting many individuals back to their roots. This resurgence has had a positive impact, particularly for serious aspirants seeking deeper understanding. Surprisingly, many atheists are rediscovering their Sanatani heritage, which doesn't necessarily entail belief in a specific God but encompasses various philosophical traditions. Throughout history, numerous Indian thinkers, such Samkyawadis or advaitists, identified as atheists within the Sanatani framework.

 

Contrary to popular belief, being an atheist in Sanatana Dharma doesn't solely mean rejecting the concept of God; rather, it's often defined as disbelief in the Vedas. This inclusive perspective accommodates diverse philosophical viewpoints.

 

The resurgence of religion brings both positive and negative impacts, depending on how it's utilized. While some seek fame through superficial displays of devotion, others genuinely explore spirituality, finding solace, meaning, and motivation in questioning life's complexities. This exploration often leads to decreased depression, increased satisfaction, ethical behavior, and enhanced motivation.

Spirituality has helped many to come out of depression,remain cheerfull and happy, gave satisfaction.

 

However, the depth of engagement varies. Many are reciting Hanuman chalisa daily, but if I ask them to tell me the meaning of Hanuman chalisa verses, they will fail to do so. So these are the fake Hindus. And serious aspirant, he may not remember Hanuman Chalisa, and he even may not. Sing it daily, but he will actually know the teachings from the life of Lord Hanuman.