Apostasy in Hinduism?
Recently a student from a college approached MyHinduPage to present the Hindu view of apostasy. It will be part of a research paper which deals with the interpretation of apostasy in different religions. Below are the questions and my reply to them.
1) Who/ What do you consider an apostate?
The concept of apostasy is not existent in Hinduism. I must note that Hinduism is not a religion. It is actually a family of different persuasions or sects that share similarities in belief and origin that have been grouped under the umbrella called Hinduism.
However, even among the sects of Hinduism there is no such thing as apostasy. A Hindu may change his or her sectarian views as one wishes, and formally enter one sect or another without need for excommunication or a declaration of apostasy.
The reason there is no such thing as apostasy in Hinduism is because of the belief that there is One Supreme God who is the God of all religions. Despite what people of other religions think, Hindus belief that we are all praying to the same God, Who appears in different forms. Therefore, even if one gives up Hindu practices and enters another religion, say Christianity, it does not mean that that person is 'leaving' God. He is still considered faithful to God, but simply worshipping and believing in God in a way more intune with his or her nature.
If there is anything remotely close to apostasy in Hinduism, it would be the recognition of atheism. Hinduism acknowledges atheistic beliefs as part of the spiritual evolution of the soul. Because of this, Hinduism recognizes atheism as a path of life. Yet a person may still continue following all the practices of Hinduism, even temple worship from a strictly cultural point of view, but maintain an atheistic point of view. However even in such a grey scenario of apostasy, excommunication is not necessary.
2) Is there any compulsion in any matter of religion where Hinduism is concerned? If there is, is there any documentation in any one of the religious texts or doctrines? Is there a formality to getting out of Hinduism?
In Hinduism religion and the belief in God is a personal matter. It is left up to the individual to cultivate his or her closeness to God. There is no compulsion to either force or regulate belief. There is also no formality involved in getting out of any Hindu sect. There is however foramality in gettting into Hinduism, however this is mainly of cultural significance more than spiritual.
3) Is a person who leaves Hinduism subjected to any form of punishment? e.g.: create negative karma, etc..
No, there is no such formal punishment for leaving Hinduism. From a karmic point of view, generally the act of leaving a religion itself does not accrue bad or good karmas. However, from a the same point of view, if the act of leaving a religion (not necessarily Hinduism only), is not done without securing blessings of loved ones, who may become hurt by such a move, bad or negative karma can be accrued.
4) As a Hindu, what are your views on conversion?
I have no concern for conversion. The choice of religion or creed is the personal and universal right of every individual. I am however, against parties who are involved in unethical conversion. Unethical conversion are methods of converting people out of Hinduism or other religions through financial or materialistic enticements or through deadly force.
5) Some religion says that apostates should be killed. What is Hinduism's take on it? What are your personal views on it?
From a Hindu point of view and my personal views, this amounts to murder.
6) Have you considered apostasy at any point of your life? When? How? Why?
No, I have never considered giving up my Hindu beliefs for anything else.
7) Have you known someone else close to you who had given up his or her faith? If you have, can you please name their experience?
Truthfully I have not known anyone who has given up his or her faith entirely. I don't consider moving to another religion giving up faith. All the people I know who have gone to another religion, had done so out of personal choice and it has turned out well for them. I am happy for them that they had found a faith that is most compatible to their individual nature.
8) Some people leave their faith to become atheists. What are your views on atheism? How does Hinduism view atheism?
I have answered this question in Q. 1. Atheism is part of a soul's spiritual journey.
9) Does today's world need religion? What is its relevance?
Our modern world continues to need religion no different that the need for religion in ancient times. Religion or rather the faith in God provides an anchor of hope, during hopelessness. It also provides fellowship for like minded people and creates culture among community. It is a primordial human need, this is an important communal relevance of religion. There is also a deeper spiritual aspect of religion, which is of important personal relevance.
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