Does Hinduism Support Nazism?

Alisha Chhangani
Aug 28, 2017 · 4 min read

7 Misconceptions about Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion founded in India which promotes the idea of the anti materialistic world, purification of personal wants, and removal the idea of individualism. This topic came to me when I noticed false information about this religion. For instance, elementary textbooks call Hinduism a polytheistic religion. Here are some common misconceptions about Hinduism:

  • “Hinduism believes in 330 million gods.”
Krishna’s Avatars

Hinduism is a religion that follows an ultimate principle that can be seen in many ways. For instance, Goddess Saraswati is prayed for knowledge and Laxmi for wealth. However, they both manifest the same ideal being known as “God”. God exists in everything and in many forms, yet it is still one. These separate gods were created for easy worship like focusing on a face and directing their prayers.

  • “Hindus only worship idols.”
Hindu Idols

Hinduism describes God as omnipresent as can be seen in idols, pictures, and even people. Hindus can worship anything, so long as they see their God in it. God can be seen anywhere through different people. For example, one may believe that God is solely in idols and others may believe that God is an invisible companion to whom they can talk and pray.

  • “Hinduism supports Nazis because of the Swastika.”
Hindu Swastika VS Hitler’s

Five thousand years ago the Swastika was used by Hindus to represent the beginning of life. Hitler took this symbol and poisoned it with his ideology. Consequently, the Swastika is now a symbol of controversy, because non-Hindus see this icon as fascist.

  • “All Hindus are vegetarian.”
Typical Indian Food

Hindus do believe slaying animals is unjust so many practice vegetarianism. Others believe that eating meat does not contradict that tennet. Non-vegetarians eat meat to sustain their healthy diet. Hinduism never restricted their diet, but as I explained in Misconception #2 usually Hindus idealize all animals as God.

  • “Hinduism promotes the caste system of ancient India.”
Caste System in India

Around 1500 BC the ancient Indians created the caste system as a cultural hierarchy to keep order in India. Unfortunately, people think that Hinduism created this as a religious rule. There is no element of discrimination in the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures). To the contrary, according to the Vedas one is born a Shudra, relying on people to survive. As one grows and earns an education, one becomes a Brahmin, a person who studies. When one pursues a job one becomes a Vasiya, a person who earn money, and finally people who take the job to protect like the military are seen as Kshatriyas. This implies that the “caste system” is flexible and does not restrict one to a single destiny.

  • “After death, Hindus go straight to heaven or hell.”
Heaven VS Hell

In Hinduism there is a concept of reincarnation, that implies one must cycle through life and death about 8,400,000 times. During these cycles you must do good or become one with the God to attain moksha (the ascent to heaven). The idea of hell is not prevalent, but some say if one does not attain moksha during their time, they go to hell.

  • “Hinduism is a strict religion where everybody does the same thing.”
Hindu Rituals

Hinduism gives the autonomy in their practices. There is no prescription for prayer, as long as one does. For example, one may pray in the evening and one may pray every month. Some sacrifice cows and others may pray to cows. One may praise the God while others may ask for materialistic gains. Hinduism is a flexible religion that does not require one to follow a set of rules, while it lets one find the most effective way to pray for themselves.

These misconceptions not only affect Hindus all around the world but the general population too. Young children are learning wrong ideas about the third largest religion in the world and people are not noticing that. Now that you have read this, when you hear a misconception, correct it, because people should know the truth about Hinduism.

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Alisha Chhangani

Written by

A senior student interested in Education, Feminism, and Spirituality.

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