Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions and is the third-largest religion worldwide. It has about 1.2 billion followers, mostly concentrated in India and Nepal. While the origins of Hinduism are in India, it has in recent times gained more and more followers in western countries, particularly in the United States of America.
It is estimated that there are close to 2 million Hindus living in the United States, with many of them having been born or descended from families who immigrated from India. In the U.S., Hinduism is the fourth-largest religion after Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
In this article, we’ll be taking you through Hinduism’s history and presence in the United States, the practices and beliefs of Hinduism, and the impact of Hinduism on American culture and lifestyle.
History of Hinduism in the United States
The first Hindu immigrants, who were mostly from Gujarat, Sindh, and Punjab, arrived in the US in the mid 19th century and by 1890, the population had grown to about 1,500. The first permanent Hindu temple in the US, the Gayatri Mandir, was established in 1994 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The first Hindu temple in the United States, the Palace of East India Companionage in New York was built in the 18th century. It was used as a storehouse for goods imported from India like vessels and furniture. This gave Hindus in the US a place to visit and connect with their culture while they were away from their home country.
Another significant event in the history of Hinduism in the US was the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey, the first traditional Hindu temple outside India in 2001. Following that, several Hindu temples, spiritual centers, retreat centers, and other Hindu institutions have opened across the United States. In recent years, Hinduism has grown to become the fourth most popular religion in America.
Practices & Beliefs of Hinduism
Hinduism is a monotheistic religion centered around the belief that there is one Supreme Being – Brahman. Hinduism also includes a range of other beliefs and practices revolving around this central belief.
The main practices and beliefs of Hinduism include:
• The worship of Hindu gods and goddesses – devotion to a particular god or goddess is an important part of Hinduism and each deity represents different aspects of Brahman.
• The observance of sacred rituals – Hindus practice various rituals such as performing puja, regularly chanting mantras, and annual holidays like Diwali and Holi.
• The practice of yoga and meditation – Hindus use yoga, meditation, and other spiritual techniques for inner growth and self-development.
• The practice of ahimsa or non-violence – Hindus believe that all living beings are equal and should be treated with respect, compassion and non-violence.
• The practice of reincarnation – Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and that the spirit moves onto a new body after each death.
• The practice of karma and dharma – Hindus believe that every action comes with a reaction – a principle known as karma. Dharma, meanwhile, is considered the moral code. Hindus strive to lead a moral and righteous life based on the principles of dharma.
Impact of Hinduism on American Culture & Lifestyle
The presence of Hinduism in the United States is increasing exponentially each year, particularly among the young. As this trend continues, American culture is becoming more and more influenced by Hinduism and Hindu teachings. There are a few specific examples of how Hinduism is impacting American culture and lifestyle:
• The popularity of yoga and meditation – Yoga and meditation have become popular among all age groups as a means of relaxation and stress management.
• Increasing vegetarianism – More and more Americans are adopting vegetarianism and veganism as a response to ethical and environmental concerns, as well as for health reasons.
• Integration of Eastern philosophies into modern life – Many aspects of Eastern philosophies such as the law of karma and concepts of dharma are being incorporated into modern American life.
• Holistic treatments – Holistic healing such as Ayurveda, a traditional healing system from India, are becoming popular in the US for treating various ailments.
The impact of Hinduism in the US is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and it looks likely that the influence of this ancient religion will only get stronger.