Hinduism in 21^st Century: Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world. It is composed of a rich collection of philosophical and spiritual traditions that had been followed throughout Asia for over five thousand years. The core beliefs of tolerance and pluralism are the very essence of Hinduism.  Hinduism accepts the divinity in all beings, and views the universe as a family or, in Sanskrit, Vasudhaiva kutumbakam. Especially interesting is the fact, that Hinduism considers all beings from the smallest organism to man are the direct expression of God. Mankind, the superior of all species is vested the responsibility not only to tolerate but create and honor the unity and equality of all beings, thus, professing universal kinship. The concept of pluralism is also to be noted in Hinduism, which emphasizes on respect for belief and acceptance of other ideologies and religion (Hindu American Foundation para1).

Thus, Hinduism is not a religion of selfishness; it does not pressure homogeneous religious preference over others and had never sanctioned proselytization. Further, over their vast history, we have observed that Hindus have never invaded another land in the name of religion. They have never procrastinated   religious sentiments and thus, for centuries in Southeast Asia, it has been this Hindu brand of absolute pluralism, which has provided the ideal environment for peaceful coexistence and prosperity. It has influenced the co-existence of at least 8 major religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism among others.

According to Rishi (Saint) Aurobindo, “India is the meeting place of the religions and among these Hinduism alone is by itself a vast and complex thing, not so much a religion as a great diversified and yet subtly unified mass of spiritual thought, realization and aspiration” (Narayanan). Hinduism is a way of life and Hindus have profound allegiance to their religion.

The most strategic point of Hinduism- is perhaps its most vivid, extensive and enriched philosophical architecture. It encompasses the combined experience of thought, religious, and moral values that are so unique and unlike Judeo-Christian and classical traditions of ‘western’ culture. Hindu traditions are in close proximity with cultures and languages that pre-date the West.  Firstly to evolve a current picture of Hinduism, we have to link the traits of the religion to the ancient Hindu civilization. Tilak, Bipan Chandra Pal, Aurobindo and Savarkar defined the Hindu achievement as nurtured and created by the Hindus and reflective of the unique historical experiences and Hindu sensibilities. Gokhale, Ranade, Gandhi, Tagore thought that the Indian civilization was spiritual in nature, rather than being narrowly religious in its nature. It was open to the influences of others, synthetic rather than Hindu in its content, decentralized and rural in its orientation, and committed to the values of tolerance, self-restraint, and universality (Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies).

In Hindu mythology, there is emphatic guidance of Vedas (holy book), as Vivekananda said:  “The Vedas teach that the soul is divine, only held in the bondage of matter; perfection will be reached when this bond will burst, and the word they use for it is, therefore, Mukti – freedom, freedom from the bonds of imperfection, freedom from death and misery.”

Hinduism had changed over the years. Superstition, religious dogmas and narrow mindedness has almost tarnished the pristine image of the religion. As all regions, Hinduism had been interpreted in its long journey over centuries. Societies, Brahmins, Kings and culture had eroded its roots to create a neo-classical, modern yet submissive, deteriorated, mass of human beliefs. Hinduism in its true form is rare and almost extinct in its behavioral form. The spirituality, enigma and its guiding principles has lost its luster in the hands of political sects and interests. Thus, 21^st Century is now a mere formality that reside more in temples than in human heart. It is more of an accordance rather than feeling. The pristine philosophy is camouflaged in political power and false accusations.