08-02-2005, 06:47 AM
I would like to point out that mitradena's point of view is more reactionary than substantive.
First of all hinduism has had a long tradition of internal criticism, like shavism , vaishnavism, advaita which have criticised each other and also co-existed. In a temple we can see both Shiva and Vishnu being worshipped side by side. This gives a holistic view to god realisation and also a more complete culture and method of living. Internal criticism is the reason of hindu tolerance and also for this being the only religion which has lived till time immerorial. Internal criticism has enabled hindus to be able to adapt and change and keep innovating to newer geopolitical situation. It is the great civilizational strength of hinduism which was able to stop the onslaught of islam(the great persian civilization perished in no time) and indeed completely blunt it. All of this due to the character of hinduism being like a water. Which can cut mountains with constant and persistent onslaught but can also change its course if situation so demands.
I believe that if internal criticism is removed and all new forms of expression is discouraged then the essential character of sanatan dharma will be gone. The most important aspect to keep in mind for this quest towards hindu resurgence is that we should not shun away new ideas(but logical) and close all doors to criticism and newer methods of preaching and cultures. New cultures indeed enrich hinduism. Buddhism added a dimension to hinduism and sikhism gave the much needed tool to fight the brutal assault of islam. Today sikhs are the most wealthy community in india and lead a very good life and are a pride of india as a nation.
To view Iskon or buddism or sikhism as against hinduism is a very narrow method of thinking. To view that hinduism means certain vedic way of life or certain concept of living and that this concept only should be hinduism is something like an islamic extremist saying that quran is the only truth and everything else is false.
We should not fall into the trap of getting into a shell, indeed like a confident civilization should come out and start contributing to the world heritage, art and culture in a distinctively hindu way. Hindus have a great knowledge endowed to them through veda, purana and upanishads. Vivekananda expounds some of the greatest methods to find happiness and peace. We should debate and create an environment of internal self assesement which keeps on innovating and changing us.
Lastly I will say the only thing constant in world is change. And hinduism understand and implements it beautifully and that is why it is sanatan and never ending. The writers of vedas were great visionaries.
As for christian missionaries ravaging South Korea, the simple reason is that Buddhism was an imported religion and so had no great affinity and strong philisophical roots like vedas and several and numerous seers giving tremendous support, so that is why it just got replaced from one popular religion of that time to another popular religion of present time. We cannot compare oranges and apple. India is the land where several religions were born and flourished and also given to people outside this land. It is not similar to South Korea.
Abhishek
First of all hinduism has had a long tradition of internal criticism, like shavism , vaishnavism, advaita which have criticised each other and also co-existed. In a temple we can see both Shiva and Vishnu being worshipped side by side. This gives a holistic view to god realisation and also a more complete culture and method of living. Internal criticism is the reason of hindu tolerance and also for this being the only religion which has lived till time immerorial. Internal criticism has enabled hindus to be able to adapt and change and keep innovating to newer geopolitical situation. It is the great civilizational strength of hinduism which was able to stop the onslaught of islam(the great persian civilization perished in no time) and indeed completely blunt it. All of this due to the character of hinduism being like a water. Which can cut mountains with constant and persistent onslaught but can also change its course if situation so demands.
I believe that if internal criticism is removed and all new forms of expression is discouraged then the essential character of sanatan dharma will be gone. The most important aspect to keep in mind for this quest towards hindu resurgence is that we should not shun away new ideas(but logical) and close all doors to criticism and newer methods of preaching and cultures. New cultures indeed enrich hinduism. Buddhism added a dimension to hinduism and sikhism gave the much needed tool to fight the brutal assault of islam. Today sikhs are the most wealthy community in india and lead a very good life and are a pride of india as a nation.
To view Iskon or buddism or sikhism as against hinduism is a very narrow method of thinking. To view that hinduism means certain vedic way of life or certain concept of living and that this concept only should be hinduism is something like an islamic extremist saying that quran is the only truth and everything else is false.
We should not fall into the trap of getting into a shell, indeed like a confident civilization should come out and start contributing to the world heritage, art and culture in a distinctively hindu way. Hindus have a great knowledge endowed to them through veda, purana and upanishads. Vivekananda expounds some of the greatest methods to find happiness and peace. We should debate and create an environment of internal self assesement which keeps on innovating and changing us.
Lastly I will say the only thing constant in world is change. And hinduism understand and implements it beautifully and that is why it is sanatan and never ending. The writers of vedas were great visionaries.
As for christian missionaries ravaging South Korea, the simple reason is that Buddhism was an imported religion and so had no great affinity and strong philisophical roots like vedas and several and numerous seers giving tremendous support, so that is why it just got replaced from one popular religion of that time to another popular religion of present time. We cannot compare oranges and apple. India is the land where several religions were born and flourished and also given to people outside this land. It is not similar to South Korea.
Abhishek