Knowledge and Power in Hinduism
Hinduism is the religion in which Hindus, a population mostly found in India and Nepal, subscribe to. As with most religions, Hinduism is based on sacred values, beliefs, principles and virtues. Hindu believers seek to obey and glorify their gods while adhering to the Hindu traditions. Notably, Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with its roots going back to ancient times. Hindu traditions are practiced in the modern world, especially in India. Despite the globalization that has been witnessed in the contemporary world, Hinduism has withstood the test of time to uphold its culture, traditions, and values. In this religion, knowledge is regarded as one of the most treasured virtues. Hinduism upholds knowledge as a priceless value that has positive impacts in society. For instance, knowledge is often considered as the ultimate form of power in the Hindu community. This is because knowledgeable people in society shed light, helping people in various situations.
Knowledge is a primary virtue in the Hindu tradition. Those who possess this priceless value are held in high esteem in the Hindu society. As noted by Flood in his book, Introduction to Hinduism, Knowledge is the definitive form of power. Even in modern society, information is such a critical factor as it helps people to know the necessary knowledge on certain matters. Flood argues that having the right knowledge helps people to make the right choices. These choices dictate our fate in life, and if the correct ones are made, then prosperity is inevitable. Knowledge gives us the power to control our destiny by helping us to make informed decisions for a better future. Knowledge is essential in ensuring that people of the Hindu religion observe the core beliefs. If a person lacks knowledge, it is easy for them to be lured by other desires to find a purpose in life.
Humility is one of the primary virtues required in Hinduism to acquire knowledge. People who desire to understand the ways of life and obtain wisdom are urged to be humble. This entails respecting other people’s dignity so as to learn from them. If a person desires to obtain certain knowledge, they have to show humility to their teacher, even if he/she is below their social status. For instance, some people have a lot of knowledge of specific areas where they spent most of their resources learning. Since this cannot be common knowledge, the specialists have real power in these fields. For example, if a king needs to know about a particular issue, he will consult with the experts who have better knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. In this case, although the ruler has more power vested in him, the advisors help him to acquire more power by providing the necessary information and knowledge.
Knowledge and power are inseparable, especially in the contemporary world, where one needs to be equipped with the right knowledge to prosper in any endeavour. Knowledge is crucial in obtaining the truth, which translates to real authority in Hinduism. In order to learn the truth in one’s life, it is important to have knowledge of the underlying value and principles that govern their beliefs. According to Flood, people who seek to acquire knowledge have supreme power, as they can shape their destiny effectively, thus benefiting in the long run. Since Hinduism emphasizes that knowledge is the ultimate source of power as it leads to the truth, people should be eager and open to Hinduism and its principles. Therefore, students should be more positive in learning Hinduism in school. More importantly, the society should embrace the principles and virtues, including knowledge and power.