244. diaspora
figure 10
An Indian American boy from the Philadelphia area brings members of his
Boy Scout troop to visit the Pittsburgh temple, 2003. Photo by John Hawley.
sional Hindu.These perceptions about their own religion are extremely important
to this group and condition their view of themselves and other religions. I will iden-
tify and discuss a few of the main perceptions that I have noted over the years as part
of the Hindu community in this country. Some are reinforced by temple bulletins.
I do not present these positions or attitudes as correct or incorrect. I merely wish to
point out that they have become so common that they comprise a “generic Hindu”
outlook that is unique to the late twentieth century.
- Hinduism is not a religion; it is a philosophy, a way of life. This statement is
often followed by the statement that “Hinduism is the oldest religion in the
world.” The two assertions are probably the most common pronounce-
ments of Hindus in this country. I have heard from various friends who
teach religion in the United States that second-generation Hindu students
often repeat these sentiments. The “Visitor’s Guide” to the Penn Hills tem-
ple itself states that “Hinduism might be better described as religious cul-
ture rather than a religion.”