I should not be saying this, but the current Indian political landscape seeks polarized stance on religion. So to get that out of the way, let me just get it out of my system. I was amidst a drinking session with my office colleagues when I got the idea to write this post.
Now that I have lost my ‘Hindu’ pass already, let us judge me on the fact how my drunk conversations also revolve around Blockchain.
Done?
Alright. This gives me a decent segue into the actual conversation now.
We were discussing how Hinduism has stood the test of time and become a burgeoning religion over the years. And that led to a thought train. A train of how Blockchain, somehow follows the similar principles of Hinduism.
Let us try to put some rationale behind this absurd analogy.
What is Hinduism?
It is hard to articulate a religion anyway. Top that with the mad respect I have for our gods (all one crore of them), it just makes it even harder. But I will still give it a shot.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, it is the third-largest religion worldwide, with the majority of its followers in India and Nepal.
Hinduism is unique among the world religions because it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. Its complexity stems from its vast array of practices and beliefs, which have been influenced over centuries by cultural and historical developments.
Let us talk about a few keywords that triggered this thought.
Oldest?
No single founder?
Single system of morality
and more…
What is Blockchain?
Internet is flooded with the definition of Blockchain. There are some good analogies too. But the idea to correlate it with the religion is borderline dangerous.
However, I am willing to take that risk. Nothing so far has helped me drive this point home.
A blockchain is a distributed ledger with growing lists of records (blocks) that are securely linked together via cryptographic hashes. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Since each block contains information about the previous block, they effectively form a chain, with each additional block linking to the ones before it.
Rage quit already?
While it is important to have a technologist view, for a layman, I believe normies like ourselves (or maybe just you) will connect more if we talk about the fundamentals of what it is and what it can do.
Why Blockchains are Hinduism in Disguise?
If you have stuck with me so far, this is where it all starts making sense. Below are a few compelling reasons why I think Blockchains follow the principles of Hinduism effortlessly:
1. Democratic:
India is a secular country. I do not think that this is just by the virtue of a government policy. Instead, it is rooted into our core values ever since the evolution.
Yuval Noah Harari suggests that polytheism, for example, is fundamentally open-minded because it tolerates the existence of multiple gods, even those from other cultures, which could be seen as an early form of religious inclusivity.
Monotheism’s emergence is portrayed as a transformation from polytheism, with monotheistic religions often retaining elements of earlier polytheistic beliefs.
The earliest civilizations in this Indian subcontinent followed this theses and let everyone join us in the race of finding the ultimate.
Blockchains are akin to this thesis.
The network does not care if you follow to a particular religion, of particular age or gender.
It is ‘all encompassing’ in its nature.
So where traditional banks might have different requirements to onboard you as a customer, Blockchain networks just need an internet connection.
I think this confidence stems from the strength of the fundamentals. In case of Hinduism, it was the cultural prowess, in case of Blockchains, system does not allow you to go rogue!
2. Forks:
Forking is yet another marvelous property of Blockchains.
In case you are not happy with the network, forking allows you to take your data along with you and move elsewhere. No strings attached. No consequences.
For example, some people did not comply with Satoshi’s vision of Bitcoin, so they ended up creating Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin Gold.
Fun fact: The infamous meme coin, $Doge is a fork of Litecoin, which is a fork of Bitcoin. In a way, $DOGE is a grandson of $BTC.
If you are interested in understanding how this happens, be my guest. Read more about forks here.
Now coming to Hinduism.
Isn’t it a physical manifestation of a Blockchain fork? I mean anyone can take the ‘good’ of this religion and spin off something of their own.
History has countless examples of different religions stemming from Hinduism.
This has happened in the past, and will continue to happen as long as the fundamentals are strong.
3. Resilience:
Nope. Not your typical blogpost that explores the tyrannies of west and middle-east.
Long story short, there have been enough attempts to obliterate the history of Hinduism.
However, it just thrived. Somehow, it stood against the test of time.
Blockchains? Pretty similar.
Imagine a system run by a bunch of individuals (computers or nodes). The system performs as expected until the last node is standing.
And until the last node is surviving, the chances of revival are as good as any day.
The entire system is designed in a way that it is beneficial to sustain the system even you are the only one doing it.
And until a few years ago, governments hated Bitcoin. But then, why didn’t they shut it? They have all the power, talent and money to do so!
Well, simply because they couldn’t.
4. Fundamental Layer:
And I believe all of this is possible only because Hinduism is not really a religion. It is a way of life.
It is like someone teaches you how to fish rather than feeding you for a day.
Harder in short run, much more sustainable in longer.
Blockchains? Exactly that.
You have basically enabled a network, independent of its creators.
Anyone can leverage it the way they want.
All the guidelines and rules have been defined on day zero with a constraint that they cannot be misinterpreted or tweaked in future.
If rules have to change, then you must fork it, build something of your own and follow it. No questions asked.
Is Blockchain Secular?
In my head, this was a really positive post appreciating the intricacies and resilience of our mighty religion. However, some of you might get offended after reading this.
Well, although it does not matter, my apologies in advance.
And once again, just like the religion, Blockchain does not care about your religion, caste, colour and whatever.
Got questions? Want to take it to the next level? Reach out to me using your preferred platform from the links below
Until next time..
43 responses to “Blockchain Dharma: Decoding the Cosmic Ledger”
I found your comparison between Hinduism and Blockchain really fascinating! It’s interesting how you connected the principles of both systems, showing similarities in inclusivity and resilience. Your perspective is thought-provoking and sheds light on these complex topics in a relatable way. I might need to give it a few more reads to fully grasp the depth of your insights, but I appreciate your unique take on the subject! Great job!
I never thought someone could use Hinduism as an analogy for blockchain.
Its refreshing and thought provoking, especially for people like us who are still new and lost on the internet.
Yes even I wondered the same thing because I was told bitcoin buying it not legal but yet people are into it and it is not banned like tiktok and other things.
You totally nailed it again Raghav… I wouldv liked your post even if it didn’t have a comparison with hinduism cuz although i am a Hindu by birth, I don’t associate myself with any religion. I still feel everyone on this side of the Indus(Sindhu) as perceived and mispronounced by the Persians are Hindus🙂
To be honest, in the earlier season, I used to read your posts with great difficulty and with hardly any takeaway… cuz everything flew over my head. This season, becuz u have turned it around and made it easy for laymen readers to understand, I find it very interesting and informative n I am excited to read.
Keep them coming…
Thanks ma’am. Glad to know that pivot has worked. 😊
Interesting take on the intersection of Hinduism and blockchain! Your comparison sheds light on the democratic nature and resilience of both systems. The analogy between forking in blockchain and the diversity within Hinduism is thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing this unique perspective!
Thanks ma’am. 😊
I like the way you have explained Block Chain. Since, you broke it into points, even ignorant ‘normie’ like me understood it. However, I have never studied religion.
I’ll repeat again, I love the way you write your pieces with a dash of humour and wit. The comparision to Hinduism of Blockchains, was the cherry on the top, who could’ve thought so. Your posts which were alienated to me at first have now started spreading their knowledge and made me more aware about Blockchains, cryptos and bitcoins.
Thanks ma’am. 😊
Wow, Raghav, you nailed it . The way you explained the black chain with Hinduism is really fascinating. I studied religion and tried to understand that, but now it’s time to study black-chain policies . Thanks for the information.
Your analogy between Hinduism and blockchain is certainly an intriguing perspective, drawing parallels between the fundamental principles of both. While some may find the analogy unconventional, it encourages reflection on the underlying values and dynamics that shape these complex systems.
Hinduism is a hot topic nowadays, though I could differ on how much resilience, all-encompassing, etc it has in the current version, but I get your idea, Raghav. It was clever to make us understand the construct of blockchain through the popular topic of Hinduism by comparing the similarities.
Thanks ma’am. 😊
This is true! I’ve been witness to at least a couple of drunk conversations, especially when the older generation (father and uncles) talk about blockchain and crypto. The funny thing is, they all think they know best on the topic even with zero or little knowledge. You’ve given me an idea to make these sessions more explosive *evil smile* I’ll just say it’s just like Hindutva and boom, I can just imagine the expressions on their faces. Because religion and politics are top favorites in these drunk conversations. Then I’ll use your post as a reference point to explain the why and how. Lol! Should be fun.
Hahah. Drop this bomb and let us know how did it go! Sounds like a plan!
hehe, sure thing! 🙂
Wow, what a unique perspective on blockchain and Hinduism! It’s refreshing to see such a creative and thought-provoking exploration of two complex subjects. The idea that Hinduism and blockchain share a fundamental layer of guiding principles is really insightful. It’s inspiring to think about how these foundational concepts can shape entire systems and ways of life. I keep learning something new every time I read your blog posts.
Thanks Felicia! 😊
Thank you for such easy post. Otherwise most of the post are out of my brain 😁 I like your comparison though you discuss it in drunken mode 😉 but clear everything about blockchain, which is new for me.
Guess drinking isn’t as bad after all. 😂
Your thoughts on Hinduism and Blockchain are really interesting! I never thought about how they could be connected like that. The way you compared Hinduism’s age and lack of a single founder to Blockchain’s ledger system is smart. Thanks for sharing your ideas—it’s got me thinking. Your way of explaining things so everyone can understand has me excited to read more of your work! Keep it up, and I’m looking forward to what you share next.
Thanks! 😊
I loved the idea of how you have the reference to a religion on the blockchain. going on a little forward on how things work with bitcoins. Your posts are informative
Thanks!
I had never imagined that I will read articles on Blockchain with interest. Connecting it with Hindus=ism–who could have ever thought of it? You made it easy to understand. Love your posts.
Thanks ma’am
What an original take on the intersection of blockchain and Hinduism! It’s invigorating to encounter such an imaginative and intellectually stimulating examination of these intricate topics. The notion that Hinduism and blockchain might share underlying guiding principles is truly enlightening. I must say that you are equally good experts in Blockchain and Writing and are a deadly and brilliant combination which I came across in recent time. Your content sparks inspiration to contemplate how these foundational ideas can influence entire systems and lifestyles. Each time I delve into your blog posts, I find myself gaining fresh insights. Raghav you are absolutely brilliant and I am thankful to you because you have enlightened me with so much knowledge about Bitcoin. I am still scared to try my luck with block chain and in such a situation these posts of yours are taking me out step by step from the prevailing myth in the industry about this segment of the Finance studies.
Thanks ma’am. Glad to know that you liked it b
What a comparison, it is a religion that is exactly a way of life. Blockchain is sustainable in the long run is what I understand.
Hinduism and Blockchain really???? Well you did it and did with utmost ease. Hinduism is not really a religion. It is a way of life. That’s so true and your comparison with Blockchain on this principle made it so easy to understand with great example of a fish.
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
A devout Hindu myself, I found its comparison with Blockchain quite interesting. Your drunken sessions surely bring out the best in you. Learnt something new in a totally novel way today!
Thanks ma’am. Maybe I should continue hanging out with same set of people
That is quite an fascinating comparison, Raghav. My understanding on Hinduism is more from books and Amar Chitra Kathas and books than religious texts since I am not a Hindu. This was quite an interesting read.
Thanks ma’am. Appreciate it.
What an amazing analogy. While this post has block chain terminologies the comparison with Hinduism made it much easier for me to understand
Quite an interesting and I believe sensible comparison. However, this makes me wonder – you start off the post about how today everything is polarised – and I feel really sad seeing how religion is being used for political gains – would love to hear your thoughts about we can draw a parable between the two on this point.
Valid point ma’am. I’d say that currently religion has become a tool to garner votes. But that was always the case. Only difference is that someone is now doing it with the largest religion in the country. Hence it is evident much more. But I’m sure that values of Hinduism will remain unaltered no matter whosoever tries to change it.
haha, you are brilliant! This is such an interesting article, and I enjoyed reading about the parallels and appreciate the way you have explained the blockchain concept and world.
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I think the fundamental aspect to highlight is that Hinduism isn’t a single religion – it is the belief that many religions / religious customs can and should thrive simultaneously. With that in mind, your blockchain analogy fits very well.
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