>F.B.S.(anandsi@slip.net) wrote:
>Namaste
>I would like to make an observation, and see what others have to say
>regarding that observation.
>Previous to the British colonization, and other factors, there was no
>such thing as a religion refered to as "Hindu-ism", in fact, looking
>at the word "Hindu-ism", is like saying "Negro-ism" or "Anglo-ism" or
>"Italian-ism".
>Correct me if I am wrong, however it seems to me that the common
>thread of the Vedas flows through all Indian Religion and Religious
>Practice, yet like Truth Her/His/It-Self manifests in many forms.
>I see the same thing has happened to "Sikh-ism" and "Christian-ity"
>and "Buddh-ism".
>Does anybody follow my train of thought here?
>I know that I may be stepping on some toes, and I certainly don't wish
>to offend anyone at all, however, there are certain groups and
>individuals that have fostered these "isms" within Dharma.
>I happen to be a "white-skinned" American, and I find it amusing that
>many Indians have the notion that only those born into "Hindu-'ism'"
>are "truly 'Hindu's'" (whatever that is supposed to mean".
>When I read Upanisads, Vedas , I see none of the ludicrous and
>obnoxious behavior.
>The One Reality, if She/He not only pervades everything, but IS
>everyThing and everyMoment, than how could a person possibly accept
>Caste, Race, etc. as some sort of ruler to measure individuals by?
>Even being very familiar with proper behavior and customs, when I have
>gone into a "Hindu" temple, I am generally treated as strange, even
>"untouchable", like because of my skin I don't belong there. I find
>this very sad.
>Rupee for your thoughts. . . . . . .
You are right that the concept that people can only be born as a Hindu
is ridiculous. Such a narrow definition violates the basic tenets of the
Upanishads and Gita. It is just that many Hindus have never read their own
scripture and are simply unaware of the broad tolerance of the Hindu faith.
I am sad that people have treated you strangely in Hindu temples just
because you are a white skinned American. The only way to tackle this problem
is to acquint Hindus with their own scripture. I just do not know how one
would go about doing it.
Pradip G
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