Creative Utilitarianism & Hinduism

Creative Utilitarianism has the potential to impact Hinduism in a number of ways. This includes challenging traditional interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hindu teachings, and promoting more inclusive and equitable forms of Hinduism.

One of the key features of Creative Utilitarianism is the emphasis on social justice and equality. This means that economic growth and development are not seen as ends in themselves, but are instead viewed as means to promote greater well-being and equality for all. This emphasis on social justice and equality is reflected in many Hindu teachings, such as the Bhagavad-Gita's emphasis on the importance of duty and social responsibility (3:20).

However, traditional interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hindu teachings often prioritize individual spiritual needs over social justice and equality. This can result in a narrow and exclusivist form of Hinduism that promotes the interests of some over others, and that fails to address systemic issues of inequality and oppression.

Creative Utilitarianism offers an alternative approach to Hinduism that prioritizes social justice and equality. This means challenging traditional interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hindu teachings that prioritize individual spiritual needs over social justice and equality, and promoting a more inclusive and equitable form of Hinduism.

For example, Creative Utilitarianism can challenge traditional interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita that justify inequality and oppression. This can include interpretations that promote hierarchy and inequality, such as those that support the caste system (4:13). By promoting a more inclusive and equitable form of Hinduism, Creative Utilitarianism can help to challenge these forms of inequality and oppression, and to create more inclusive and just religious systems.

Additionally, Creative Utilitarianism can also challenge traditional forms of Hindu leadership that are hierarchical and authoritarian. This can include forms of leadership that prioritize the interests of religious elites over the needs of the wider community, and that are based on power and control rather than service and compassion. By promoting more inclusive and participatory forms of Hindu leadership, Creative Utilitarianism can help to create more democratic and just religious systems.

Overall, the impact of Creative Utilitarianism on Hinduism offers a compelling alternative to traditional interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Hindu teachings that prioritize individual spiritual needs over social justice and equality. By promoting a more inclusive and equitable form of Hinduism, Creative Utilitarianism can help to create more just and sustainable religious systems.