Hinduism, The World’s Third Largest Religion and How Gen Z’s and Millennials Worship

Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, with approximately 1.2 billion followers, or 15% of the global population, known as Hindus. Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, with beliefs and practices that date back at least as far as the 1500s BC. Hinduism is practiced primarily in India (where approximately 80% of the population identifies as Hindu), Nepal, and Indonesia. Hinduism encompasses a variety of traditions, sects, philosophies, and rituals, which share some common concepts, such as karma, dharma, reincarnation, and moksha.

Hinduism is based on the Vedas, the ancient scriptures that contain the spiritual and ethical teachings of Hindu sages. The Vedas are divided into four sections: the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda. The Vedas are supplemented by other texts, such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, which contain stories, myths, and legends that illustrate Hindu values and beliefs. Hinduism also recognizes the authority of the Smritis, the law codes that regulate Hindu social and personal life, such as the Manusmriti and the Arthashastra.

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, meaning that it worships many gods and goddesses, who are manifestations of the supreme reality, called Brahman. Some of the most popular Hindu deities are Vishnu, the preserver; Shiva, the destroyer; Ganesha, the remover of obstacles; Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Durga, the goddess of power; and Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Hinduism also venerates various forms of nature, such as rivers, mountains, trees, and animals, as sacred and divine. Hinduism also respects the diversity of paths to reach the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, such as bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), karma (action), and yoga (discipline).

Hinduism is a way of life that influences every aspect of a Hindu’s daily activities, such as diet, dress, hygiene, and etiquette. Hinduism also prescribes various rites and ceremonies to mark the important stages of life, such as birth, naming, initiation, education, marriage, and death. These rites are called samskaras, and they are performed by a Hindu priest, called a pandit, with the help of sacred fire, water, and mantras. Hinduism also celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali, the festival of lights; Holi, the festival of colors; Navratri, the festival of nine nights; and Dussehra, the festival of victory.

Hinduism is a living and evolving religion that adapts to the changing times and contexts. Hinduism has spread to various parts of the world, such as the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia, through migration, trade, and cultural exchange. Hinduism has also interacted with other religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and has influenced and been influenced by them. Hinduism has also faced various challenges and reforms, such as the caste system, the status of women, the social justice movements, and the modernization and globalization processes.

Hinduism is also a religion that appeals to many young people, especially Gen Z’s and millennials, who are the generations born between 1981 and 2012. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 78% of people ages 13-25 consider themselves at least slightly spiritual, including 60% of unaffiliated young people (atheists, agnostics, and nones). And 71% say they are at least slightly religious, including 38% of the unaffiliated. However, many of these young people do not practice their religion in traditional ways, such as attending worship services, following rituals, or belonging to a denomination.

Instead, they practice their religion in more personalized, eclectic, and creative ways, such as meditating, reading, listening to music, or exploring nature.

Hinduism is a religion that offers many possibilities for such individualized and flexible expressions of spirituality and religiosity. Hinduism does not have a rigid dogma or a hierarchical structure, but rather allows for multiple interpretations and paths to the divine. Hinduism also embraces diversity and pluralism, and respects other faiths and cultures. Hinduism also provides a rich and varied source of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance, through its scriptures, stories, symbols, and practices. Hinduism also encourages a holistic and harmonious view of life, that integrates the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human existence.

Hinduism is a religion that is relevant and meaningful for many Gen Z’s and millennials, who are looking for ways to connect with themselves, others, and the world. Hinduism is a religion that helps them cope with the challenges and opportunities of the modern age, such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, identity, purpose, and social justice. Hinduism is a religion that nurtures their curiosity, creativity, and compassion, and empowers them to live authentically and responsibly. Hinduism is a religion that is not only the world’s third largest, but also one of the most vibrant and dynamic.

PREs1 and TiK4TaT Research Team, 2024