The Times comment on Hinduism.

[Guest guest]

Further to a comment in the Times Newspaper on 15th October

The following response was sent by us. You can see what poor

view the Media has of Hinduism.

 

~~~~~~~~~response to the Times~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

FAO Ms Libby Purves:

Ref Times Editorial

 

Dear Ms Purves

 

Ref Editorial in the Times / Tuesday 15th October.

 

Quote:

" their (Hindu) faith – ‘its own odd ancient spiritual culture’ and ‘animist Hinduism’."

 

The above phrase is in poor taste. This 'odd and animist' Hinduism as you put it has

a great deal to offer the world today. In fact it holds the key of solving the major problem

we all face, namely: Strife in the name of religion.

 

People of different faiths no longer have the luxury of living in isolation.

They have to learn to live with each other. As we all know this is not as easy as

it looks. On September the 11th we saw in a dramatic manner how the issues involved

can unfold on the world stage.

 

Almost all religions preach (openly or covertly) an exclusivist agenda. If you like - a

monopoly on salvation. It is only Hinduism that promotes something different called

'Pluralism'. It is this pluralistic aspect of Hinduism that is often misunderstood and

seen as 'odd ~ polytheist ~ animist'. It is this very aspect of Hindu teaching that

holds the key to how different religions can co-exist without having to water down their

own faiths or having to patronise each other or fight each other for supremacy.

 

Since ancient times Hinduism has taught, "All these religions are different

pathways to the same goal". This is called pluralism. The reason why the pathways are

different is because we are different. We as individuals or as groups are different.

We come from different parts of the world, believing in religions that were preached

at different times in history reflecting differing needs of mankind.

Pluralism recognises this. It is not a statement of compromise but a statement of

fact recognising that these differences are inevitable. All religions promote different

ways to the same goal - the differences reflect our differing needs and limitations.

This mature understanding is crucial if we wish to resolve the crisis we face today.

Until we learn to do so, Bali-type atrocities will be repeated again and again.

Hinduism offers the key. It says, "No religion has monopoly in spiritual matters,

learn to be democratic in spiritual matters" or put another way "As many opinions

that many paths to God". Hinduism alone has offered mankind such freedom in spiritual

matters. 'Odd' isn't it?

 

Jay Lakhani hindu

Vivekananda Centre London