Traveling exhibit replaces misconceptions about Hinduism

[Guest guest]

Traveling exhibit seeks to replace misconceptions

about Hinduism

 

By Gloria Labounty

Sun Chronicle Staff

The Sun Chronicle

Attleboro-North Attleboro, MA

August 14, 2006

 

Attleboro - It's one of the oldest religions of the

world and one that is becoming more prominent in this

area, but it is also one of the most misunderstood.

 

With its unique view of divinity, its belief in a

cyclic universe and its stress on spiritual

exploration, Hinduism is a faith that many Westerners

fail to grasp.

 

"There are a lot more misconceptions than real

knowledge," said Sampath Kumar of Attleboro.

 

Now residents of this area will have a chance to learn

more. Kumar has arranged a two-day visit by a

traveling exhibition that depicts, through 30 posters,

some of the aspects of Hindu faith, culture and

traditions.

 

The free exhibit will be at the Attleboro Public

Library on North Main Street from noon to 8 p.m. on

Wednesday, Aug. 23, and Thursday, Aug. 24, and will be

open to the public.

 

Sponsored by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, a non-profit

cultural organization aimed at promoting and

preserving Hindu culture, the exhibit has been making

its way around the country and has been well received

by both Hindus and non-Hindus, said Kumar, who is a

member of the organization.

 

The posters touch on various themes, including

Hinduism's basic concepts and way of living, its

temples and traditions, its contributions in math and

science, its Yoga and dharmic nature, its roles for

women, and its art, architecture, dance and music.

 

Kumar, who came to this country 16 years ago from his

homeland of India, is now enlisting the help of other

local Hindus to staff the exhibit and answer questions

posed by visitors.

 

Hindu families moving in

 

A number of Hindu families have been moving to the

Attleboro area and buying homes here, he said, but

their culture and their faith may not be as readily

understood because Hinduism is not an organized

religion the way Christianity is, and is not as

visible.

 

Although Hindus have temples, such as the ones in

Ashland and Fall River, they do not gather there

frequently and instead pray any time of the day, and

often pray at home, where many of them have set aside

special rooms with altars.

 

For Hindus, Kumar said, the focus is on looking

inward, toward peace and meditation, and on a

one-on-one communion with God.

 

"This is a very different approach to spirituality,"

he said.

 

Hindus do not proselytize and have no mandate to

convert others, Kumar said, so the exhibit is not

meant to influence anyone's religious perspective.

 

There is no one message, no one book, no one messiah

in Hinduism, he said, and people are free to explore

and to inquire, because the more they ask, the more

they will realize.

 

"Simple answers to spirituality do not satisfy

people," he said.

 

In general, Hindus see the divine in every living

thing, and believe in gods and goddesses, but as

manifestations of the one God, a view that is often

misconstrued.

 

Yet Hinduism is not only about God. It is also about

art, architecture, science, math, and many other

aspects of Hindu culture and tradition that American

Hindus are hoping to preserve through the younger

generations, and hoping to demonstrate through this

exhibit.

 

Kumar hopes people will come to see Hinduism as a

gentle, tolerant religion that focuses on harmony and

mutual respect.

 

Hindus, he said, are a model ethnic group that is

generally well educated, law abiding and family

focused.

 

"We have set the right tone to be accepted into

American society," Kumar said.

 

Ever since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he

said, Americans have become more aware of the need to

understand other religions and cultures.

 

He wants that awareness to include Hinduism, which he

said is now a permanent part of the American

landscape.

 

"The more we know about each other, the more

understanding we have, the more we appreciate each

other," Kumar said.

 

To learn more about the traveling exhibit, visit

www.hssus.org .

 

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2006/08/15/city/city6.txt

 

 

Jai Maharaj, Jyotihsi

Om Shanti