Why Hinduism is not a religion

Religion relies on faith and strict obedience to its laws. The philosophy of Hinduism, Vedanta, requires logic because it is founded on inquiry rather than blind belief.

• In Vedanta, you are a spiritual seeker rather than a faithful believer, so it does not conflict with science. In fact, its philosophy about the illusory nature of matter aligns with the principles of quantum theory.

• The philosophy holds that all matter is ultimately the one supreme energy in various forms, so there is nothing apart from God. This means it is perfectly acceptable to worship God in any form.

• There are no strict rules or commandments, only guidelines to help you on your spiritual journey.

• There is no heresy because there are multiple interpretations of the same philosophy. Even traditionally, there are six perspectives or darshans: Yoga, Sankhya, Vaiseshika, Nyaya, Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa.

• There is no blasphemy because questions and doubts are viewed as a necessary part of the spiritual journey.

• There is no apostasy because it advocates freedom of choice.

• There is no 'us versus them' mentality or God’s chosen ones. The world is a family.

• There is no baptism or excommunication because it isn't an organized religion.

• It is inherently secular because it respects freedom of worship and even your right to be an atheist.

• Everyone is on the same spiritual journey, regardless of the path they take, so no one is excluded from reaching God because of their religious beliefs or not having any.

• The path to liberation is through your actions, not just following religious rules.

 Last but most importantly, Vedanta sees God as the formless, genderless, eternal, infinite power of existence, consciousness, bliss, not as an entity. This existence manifests in various forms in the universe, so as the Upanishads say, we are no different from it. Every part of creation is equally divine.