THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CHANGESIN RELIGIOUS PRACTICE [HINDUISM, JAINISM ANDBUDDHISM] OF INDIA

Abstract

Religionhas long been seen as a conservative force in society across the globe. Religious beliefs serve to justify the existing, unequal social order and prevent societal change by making a virtue out of poverty and suffering. Religion also teaches people that it is pointless striving for a revolution to bring about social change in this life. Religion was primarily an ideological tool by means of which the ruling class legitimated its position and mystified those whom it exploited by conveying the conception that the prevailing social order was not simply a product of the ruthless exercise of a monopoly of power and profit in the interest of a particular social group, but rather a divinely ordained order .Religious ideas, thoughts and practices differed among the groups, along with transformations and developments took place in the various religious forms in course of time. Religion in India was never static in character but was driven by an inherent civil dynamic strength. Despite the consistency of core teachings [Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism] over the years, since the last decade or globalization has entered into the economic, social-cultural, and political spheres of Indian society, yet another dimension to social change in Indian society was added. In this respect, its practices had gradually changed. Otherwise, Indian spirituality is deeply rooted in ancient philosophical and religious traditions of the land.