Gurus, Globalization, and Hinduism

Abstract

This talk will focus on the pivotal role that Hindu spiritual leaders (gurus) have play in spreading Hinduism beyond the borders of South Asia by outlining the reasons for their movements overseas and the means by which they have successfully transmitted Hinduism to a global audience. In doing so, this talk will attempt to address two issues. The first issue is the effect of transnational capitalism on Hinduism while the second issue is the effect that the globalization of Hinduism has had on defining Hindu identity in India and in the Hindu diaspora.