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S.L. wrote:
>
> Max Muller was a Missionary Bigot!
...and went on to describe how the religious and colonial motivations of
Muller et al contributed to a debasing of Indian history, including
rejection of any historical dating that didn't coincide with the 4,000
year old creation theory of some Christians.
Muller and others have created "the big lie" which even today keeps its
power. For those of us working with Hindu youth -- or even their
parents -- it's too common place to run into an inferiority complex
rather than a sense of pride based on knowledge of the culture and the
great tradition of Hinduism.
Having come to Hinduism later in life, it has been with open eyes, and I
take pride in being Hindu and in the Hinduism which I share with many
non-Hindus. Interestingly, I have not the slightest interest -- as do
many born Hindus who are well educated -- in showing how Hinduism and
science coincide. Let Hinduism stand or fall on its intrinsic spritual
merits, on its ability to lead people to realization.
I would never have thought Hinduism had such an ability if I went on the
basis of what I learned in school and in church as a boy. Thankfully, I
have learned how misinformed I was. Today, when I talk as a chaplain to
other chaplains on death and dying, or on findings God's power and
presence in everyday life, they are often amazed at Hinduism's depth of
wisdom. I've had comments such as "we never new Hinduism was so
positive," or "we didn't realize there was grace in Hinduism."
Even today, the ideas of Muller in modernized form are with us. But my
experience working in hospitals, jails and the broad community is that
these mistaken ideas, this big lie, withers when faced with Hinduism
itself.
S. L. does a good service by reminding us of the content of Muller's
ideas, and pointing toward the need for Hindus to work among themselves
and others to create awareness and appreciation of our tradition.
Otherwise, for this generation of young Hindus living in North America,
it will be largely lost.
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