Hinduism: The Greatest Influence On Society

Hinduism had the greatest influence on society because it established the concept of Karma, the law of action and effect; promoted tolerance and peace; and created the caste system in India. As the most ancient organized religion, Hinduism’s principle of karma formed the foundation for culture and law. According to Georgetown University, “karma is the force of retributive justice that compels believers to behave righteously.” (Georgetown University, Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace, & World Affairs) Around the world, most legal systems are set up to punish wrongs just as the concept of karma prescribes. In addition, Georgetown University states that in Hinduism “religious ordinances govern not just the individual believer but society as a whole.” (Georgetown University, Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace, & World Affairs) The concept of karma is evident throughout world
For example, Next, Hinduism stood for tolerance and peace and its impact has been great. Followers of Hinduism, like Gandhi, changed the world using peaceful methods. Moreover, the concept of tolerating other religious beliefs is found in all first-world countries today. Lastly, the system that divided Hindus into group based on their work still does so today, and the impact is enormous. An article from the BBC News describes the caste system as “among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification.” (BBC News) The article discusses the system as “unjust and regressive, yet virtually unchanged for centuries, trapping people into fixed social orders from which it was impossible to escape.” The effects of the caste system touch every part of Indian society including the economy, laws, and customs. Religions have great influence over society, but Hinduism has had