The Growing Interest of Americans in Practicing Hinduism
By Lokanath Mishra
Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, has taken a fascinating journey to reach American soil. Over the past century and a half, it has moved from being virtually unknown to becoming a significant spiritual and cultural influence. Today, millions of Americans actively practice aspects of Hindu philosophy, yoga, meditation, and ritual, while many others are indirectly influenced through literature, movies, and popular culture.
The 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions : A Turning Point
The first formal introduction of Hinduism to the United States occurred during the World’s Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893. This assembly brought together representatives of many world faiths. It was here that Americans first heard directly from practitioners of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions.
At that time, academic circles in Europe and America had begun to acknowledge non-Christian traditions as important “world religions.” However, Hinduism was still not regarded as equal to Christianity. Indigenous American spiritual leaders were not invited, highlighting the limited inclusivity of the Parliament. Still, the event marked a breakthrough moment in exposing Americans to Hindu thought.
The Parliament’s most memorable speaker was Swami Vivekananda, a young Hindu monk from India. His opening words, “Brothers and sisters of America,” immediately won the hearts of the audience, who responded with a standing ovation. In an age marked by racial division and cultural hierarchy, his universal greeting carried a powerful message of human unity. A journalist later described his speech as “vast as the skies above us, embracing the best in all religions.”
Vivekananda traveled widely across the United States after the Parliament, spreading the message of Vedanta philosophy, yoga, and meditation. He emphasized that these practices were not limited to Hindus but belonged to all humanity. He often used vivid imagery to convey Hindu teachings: “Imagine a flame burning in your heart. That flame is your soul, and within it dwells God, the Soul of your soul.” His words inspired many Americans seeking spiritual depth outside traditional church structures.
Early Seeds: Emerson, Thoreau, and the Bhagavad Gita
Even before Vivekananda’s arrival, Hindu philosophy had quietly influenced American thinkers. The Transcendentalists, particularly Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, drew heavily from Hindu texts. Emerson called the Bhagavad Gita a “trans-national book” and copied long passages from Hindu scripture into his journals. His poems Brahma and Hamatreya directly reflected Hindu ideas of the eternal soul and the impermanence of worldly life.
Thoreau, during his stay at Walden Pond, engaged in meditation inspired by Hindu practices. He openly acknowledged that the Gita shaped his worldview. Thanks to their admiration, Hindu scriptures found a place in prestigious American libraries, long before Hindu teachers arrived in person.
Two Forms of Hinduism in America
Since the 1960s, two distinct strands of Hinduism have developed in the United States:
1. Philosophical/Spiritual Hinduism
• Focused on yoga, meditation, and inner transformation.
• Introduced by Swami Vivekananda and popularized by teachers like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who gained worldwide fame when The Beatles studied under him.
• Life magazine even named 1968 “the year of the guru” because so many Indian spiritual leaders had arrived in America.
• Later figures like Deepak Chopra presented meditation, Ayurveda, and holistic healing in universal, non-religious terms, appealing to Americans of all faiths.
Importantly, many of these teachers avoided labeling their practices strictly as “Hindu.” Instead, they framed them as spiritual and universal. This helped make yoga and meditation widely accessible.
2. Temple Hinduism
• Established primarily by Indian and Caribbean immigrants after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which removed quotas and opened the door for large-scale migration.
• These communities built temples and celebrated festivals in traditional ways, complete with music, dance, rituals, and processions.
• Today, there are more than 2.4 million Hindus in the U.S., compared to only 1,700 in 1900. Temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Ganesh, Mahalaxmi, Hanuman and Jagannath are found across North America.
Influence on American Life and Culture
Hindu concepts have not remained confined to temples or spiritual circles. They have also shaped American culture in broader ways:
• Yoga and Meditation: According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 21 million American adults and 1.7 million children practice yoga regularly, while about 18 million Americans practice meditation. Interestingly, while yoga and meditation are often seen as “Hindu practices” in America, surveys reveal that more than half of Hindus in the U.S. do not practice them regularly.
• Popular Culture: Hindu philosophy has influenced films and literature. For instance, Star Wars creator George Lucas was inspired by the teachings of Joseph Campbell, who studied Hindu Vedanta philosophy. The concept of “the Force” parallels Hinduism’s idea of Brahman, the universal reality, while The Matrix’s illusory world resembles the Hindu concept of Maya.
• Literature and Philosophy: Writers, poets, and scholars continue to draw from Hindu texts, keeping works like the Bhagavad Gita alive in American intellectual discourse.
The Spread of Temples and Festivals
In recent decades, temples have become central to Hindu community life in America. Festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, and Rath Yatra attract not only Hindus but also curious neighbors and interfaith participants. Of particular note are the growing number of Jagannath temples, reflecting the spread of Odia traditions and the universality of Jagannath culture.
What Henry David Thoreau once imagined—“the waters of the Ganges mingling with Walden Pond”—has, in a sense, come true. Today, Hindu rituals, philosophy, and festivals flow alongside American traditions, creating a vibrant fusion.
Conclusion
From the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893 to the millions who practice yoga and meditation today, Hinduism has profoundly shaped American spiritual and cultural life. Whether through the immigrant-led temple movement or the universalist teachings of yoga and Vedanta, Hindu traditions continue to evolve in the American context. What began as a curiosity has grown into a living presence—one that enriches both Hindu immigrants and Americans of all backgrounds who find meaning in its timeless wisdom.