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I wish to thank all the people who participated in the SRHV/SRV
discussion, particularly Ken Stuart. By providing me with the
opportunity to participate in the discussion, they have caused me to
see something about myself that I may otherwise have missed.
Having been born Hindu in an environment where all religious
traditions (including those from the Middle East) were accorded equal
respect, I have been carrying with me this seed of arrogance about the
inherent 'superiority' of Hinduism.
>From an intellectual viewpoint, Hinduism or Sanathana Dharma permits
one to open one's mind to all the possible perspectives in religion.
But religion is also of the heart. And one who chooses to follow the
path of his heart does not have to concern himself with what others
are doing, if he so chooses.
There are no 'superior' religions.The Vaishnava whose entire focus is
upon Krishna and who cares nothing about what other 'Hindu' schools
think is equal to the Muslim who believes that all others are infidels
is equal to the Thinker who can understand that all paths lead to One
God. As long as they are sincere in their hearts and seek fulfilment
within their religion, they are no less that any other.
If a Jaina or a Buddhist or a Sikh or a Vaishnava or a Shaiva or
anyone else wishes to exclude himself from anyone else, that is his
prerogative. It is not for anyone else to insist that he can or
cannot. We are not talking about Chechnya wishing to secede from
Russia. We are talking about Love and Understanding.
Unity of religions is not achieved by forcing people to accept
another's point of view. It is achieved by accepting any person for
what he is or chooses to be. Since Hinduism is already a plural
religion, it may be an excellent vehicle for forging religious unity.
But that will only happen if those who profess to be Hindu expend
their efforts on promoting Love and Understanding.
I have contributed to the anguish. I seek to make amends.
Peace and blessings.
SV Singam
Minden, Penang
Truth, viewed from any angle, remains truth.
