Experiences in London

[Guest guest]

Dear ListWe participate in many activities relating to Hindu educational work in the UK. Let

us share our thoughts on how different aspects of Hinduism are being portrayed:-Miracles:Haberdashers, a well known private school in North London asked for an assembly

on Hinduism. We talked about 'miracles'. We suggested: At best, Hinduism says

what is considered to be miraculous may be metaphysical in nature and should

be tapped into for the benefit of mankind. At worst, this concept asks us to switch off

our rational faculties and leave us open to all sorts of nonsense in the name of religion.

If we want to see a miracle of God then we just have to look around, what we see is so

finely poised! The famous mathematician Roger Penrose has worked out that:-The chance of this universe coming into existence as it is: One part in ten to the

power ten to the power one hundred and twenty three! This can indeed be called a

miracle of God! But then surely we cannot be satisfied with that!! - We want him to do

some card tricks too! Though he may decide to do that too : ) that is his business!We have to take care that in the name of religion we do not switch off our rational faculties. Religions may claim to supersede rationality but they never ask us to accept things that are

in contradiction to rationality!Education:Meeting with the University Examining Boards on the role of Hinduism:-We have told these bodies that the portrayal of Hinduism in the West through the

educational system can be improved. At the moment almost all Religious Education

teachers in the UK equate Hinduism to the Caste System and Polytheism.

Such teachings parading as Hinduism, do a great deal of harm. They obscure the more

relevant and important teachings of Hinduism offering the best resolution to many

contemporary issues. How religions can co-exist peacefully in a multi-faith society?

These Hindu teachings also offer the best response to the serious challenges faced by

all the world religions posed by the rational and scientific lobbies. We are pleased to say

that the these educational bodies in the UK are beginning to listen to us.Community relations:Tonight we offer our views to the Harrow Council for Racial Equality. We will emphasis

the important role Hinduism can play in generating greater community cohesion. The

pluralistic aspects of Hinduism offer the best cohesive and yet religious force urgently

needed in a multi-faith society.Interacting with the Christian Theologians:Tomorrow we conduct a two hour session at the Theology department in Canterbury

perhaps, heartland of Christian theological teachings in the UK. The session will focus on:-

How can many World religions (mostly exclusivists) co-exist without having to compromise?

How to co-exist with other religions without threatening or feeling threatened?

This will be an interesting encounter as we are expecting some theology lecturers to be in attendance.

Next week we have a session at Kingston University on the theory of Reincarnation.

A session with Hampstead Interfaith on the crucial role of Interfaith in our society.

A session with the Caribbean Hindu Society on the role of Hinduism in the West.

 

By the grace of our mentors our work in promoting spirituality continues to grow.

 

regardsjay (dilip)

Vivekananda Centre London