Religion is among the forces that have shaped Indian society. This country is home to a number of different faiths. Hinduism has the largest following. Such other religions as Buddhism and Jainism have also found a home in India. These faiths adopt different perspectives on a wide range of issues. The faiths also define the worldviews, behaviors and beliefs of their adherents. The three religions have also shaped the social structures in India. These social structures have responded similarly as they also influence the religions.
Perspectives on Karma and Reincarnation
The concept of Karma is among the issues that Hinduism sheds light on. The main premise of this concept is that good deeds are rewarded while individuals who perform evil acts face punishment and suffer harm (“Karma”, n.d). The Hinduist perspective on karma is closely related to the idea of reincarnation. Those who subscribe to this faith are convinced that one’s experiences in this life are the result of their actions in a past life. For example, a person who endures suffering should blame his mistakes in a past life. Hinduism recognizes the role that deities play in influencing karma. Such gods as Shiva and Vishnu are credited with determining the fate of an individual’s soul and their experiences in life (“Karma”, n.d). There are some Hindus who dismiss the claim that gods are involved in administering karma. These people are convinced that karma is entirely the subject of human actions; good deeds yield positive outcomes while bad actions cause suffering and harm (“Karma”, n.d).
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Buddhism shares the Hinduist perspective on karma. Buddhists believe that past actions have an effect on the present. Buddhism goes beyond linking past actions to present experiences. This religion holds that it is possible for individuals to shape their lives. Through good motives and mindfulness, individuals are able to attract good fortunes (“Karma”, 2017). Buddhism also entertains the idea of reincarnation. This faith contends that karma forces individuals who have perfomed bad acts to return to life. On the other hand, those who led proper lives have the opportunity to determine the fate of their souls. There are clear parallels between the Buddhist and Hinduist views on reincarnation. Both religions acknowledge that there is a causal link between karma and reincarnation.
Jainism is another major religion in India. According to this faith, upon death, one is reborn into a human or animal form. This religion further posits that the circumstances surrounding one’s death determine their fate. Those who die calmly and with their minds focused on spiritual issues are destined for a pleasant rebirth (“Jainism, Death and Reincarnation”, 2009). As regards Karma, Jainism holds that actions in the past determine the present (“Karma”, 2009).
Impacts on Social Structures
Indian has one of the world’s most complex social structures. The various religions in the country have played a role in constructing these structures. Hinduism is responsible for the caste system that is in place in India (Lobo, 2000). This system defines a social hierarchy that is strictly respected. Such concepts as karma help to solidify the caste system. The caste system has also shaped Hinduism. Adherents of this faith who stand higher on the social hierarchy are ardent supporters of the Hindu perspective on karma. Hinduism has also inspired a nationalist fervor in the country (Lobo, 2000). It challenges the nation to rally behind a single religion and a single country. While Hinduism appears to entrench inequality and the oppression of the weak, Jainism has had the opposite effect on Indian social structures. Jainism pushes for social equality and women empowerment (“Significance of Jainism”, n.d). Buddhism shares the Jainism view on the Indian caste system. This religion is strongly opposed to the system (“Indian Social Structure”, n.d). Today, India has made progress in promoting equality. Such communities as the Dalits now have access to opportunities that they lacked in previous years. This progress suggests that Buddhism and Jainism have had a significant influence on Indian social structures. These structures also appear to be shaping these religions. The caste system is deeply entrenched. Those in support of the system are bitterly opposed to any religion that calls the system into question.
Conclusion
The Indian social system is intricately linked to religion. Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism are the main religions in the country. These religions agree on the issues of karma and reincarnation. They all hold that one’s past actions determines their present experiences. The religions diverge on the question of equality. While Hinduism endorses the caste system, Buddhism and Jainism encourage equality and respect for all people. As these religions continue to shape Indian society, it will be interesting to see whether Hinduism wins or if Jainism and Buddhism will defeat the caste system.
References
Indian Social Structure. (n.d). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SecICHCour/English/CH.19.pdf
Jainism, Death and Reincarnation. (2009). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/beliefs/reincarnation.shtml
Karma. (2009). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/beliefs/karma.shtml
Karma. (2017). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/beliefs/karma.shtml
Karma (Hinduism). (n.d). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/karma-hinduism
Lobo, L. (2000). Religion and Politics in India. Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2000/02/19/religion-and-politics-india
Significance of Jainism. (n.d). Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
https://www.jainworld.com/jainbooks/antiquity/signjain.htm
