There maybe some who claim that Hinduism is not a religion, but a way of life, a philosophy or a science. However, this presupposes the possibility that there cannot be a religion which is cultural, philosophical and scientific. It would be more accurate to say that Hinduism is a cultural, philosophical and scientific religion. It certainly meets the definition of religion for it consists of sacred beliefs and practices and its aim is to reach spiritual liberation from the bondage of matter and making oneself divine. Certainly, officially Hinduism is considered a religion and has been classified as a religion for centuries now.
For me religion is an abused word (and an abusing word). It has been contaminated by overuse. One that embodies culture, philosophy and science at the same time cannot be a religion. Call it sth else if you like, but not religion.
Hinduism might be officially considered as a religion, but it does not mean that ‘you’ have to consider it a religion. The officials and the ones who classified for centuries didn’t ask you when they assumed (too much) :rolleyes: Just as British didn’t ask you when they coined the word ‘Hinduism.’
You assume too much based on an alleged history, which became legend, and eventually a myth. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are wrong; nor means that you are right…
[QUOTE=Surya Deva;51711]There maybe some who claim that Hinduism is not a religion, but a way of life, a philosophy or a science. However, this presupposes the possibility that there cannot be a religion which is cultural, philosophical and scientific. [B]It would be more accurate to say that Hinduism is a cultural, philosophical and scientific religion.[/B] It certainly meets the definition of religion for it consists of sacred beliefs and practices and its aim is to reach spiritual liberation from the bondage of matter and making oneself divine. Certainly, officially Hinduism is considered a religion and has been classified as a religion for centuries now.[/QUOTE]
This is what mot people who say “Yoga predated Hinduism” don’t realize. They think the rise in the 2nd century B.C.E of what European historians call “Hinduism” is actually “Hinduism” when in reality it is a facet of Sanatana Dharma.