Sanatana Dharma....

Disclaimer: The author is a Hindu, well, more of a pantheist. He respects all religions and belief systems. He is not in a position to draw parellels between the many religions. Nor is he an authority on the principles of any religion. The viewpoints presented out here are solely his. Some could be credited to certain conversations with his friends. If there be a pro-Hindu tinge, it would be more of a sub-conscious shade.

Hinduism, the Sanatana Dharma, is more a way of life, or so they say. One of the few philosophical systems with a neat response to the conundrum of the "Problem of Evil", it is veritably in great danger right in its own homeground - India. A gradual and slow erosion of Hinduism, by far, one of the most tolerant belief systems in the world, is clearly evident.

Most politicians, refrain from the Hinduism chime. While one section is jingoistic in its behavior towards Hindutva, the other section (majority) distances itself from Hinduism. While, Hindutva or the so-called "Hindutva jihadi's" have come to tarnish the pro-tolerant pantheist image of Hinduism, little is being done to restore this system to its original glory. Sadly and unfortunately, Hindutva has come to mean Hinduism. The pro-Hindutva group does as much damage as the pro-secular group.

Certain thought-provoking instances in the life of the author and around him are cited below:

• The Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia; boasts of a first-class facility. It further provides a separate prayer room for Muslims. With due respect to Muslims, and their prayer schedules, Malaysia is free to do what it wants to. Moreover, Islam is the majority religion in Malaysia. But then, why does anything related to a temple bound to create a great controversy in India?


• One of my good friends told me that he couldn't find a place to eat in Qatar, during his transit on his way to India from the US, during the Ramadan month. How can an international airport not service its visitors with the basic amenities of water and food? Not everyone in the world is a Muslim, right?


• In the United States, the author has met quite a few missionaries trying to convert the author. With all due respect to Christianity, why is it that people want others to convert to their religion? Is it a sign of insecurity? All religions are beautiful on their own, and no religion prescribes the victory of the evil over the good. If that were be so, then, why should one necessarily have to declare, "My way is the only way; and yours is a path to perdition".


• Few people understand Hinduism. Most of the people of the author's generation are disenchanted with the heavy ritualistic principles of the same with their apathy intensified due to the esoteric nature of its sacred texts. Sanskrit is known to only a few, and we ourselves define our own limits by not taking any step towards learning Sanskrit. Even otherwise, transliterations of most of the works are available. Then, what is stopping us?


• The increasing breed of a class that goes about professing atheism, agnosticism, religious humanism, etc. Of course, when it is a conscious decision towards embracing such a philosophical system, it is well within one's own fundamental rights and independence. But, when it is more like a rebellion against the established norms of the society or as an ostracization of the "rustic" religious/spiritual beliefs of the age-old systems; so as to be labelled hip amongst one's peers, it is a clear sign of immaturity.


• Most of India's political policies center around the appeasement of the minorities. One can get away with almost anything in the name of secularism. Poor maintenance and sheer neglect of the astonishingly beautiful temples of India is one such example. So many temples in the south are in decay and no politician ever talks of their renovation, because is is not a secular thing to do.


• Most of the Hindu Brahmins, related to the priestly class are poor. They depend on the religious functions for a living, and their remuneration is not high. Their salaries for being temple priests is not high. Their standard of living is mediocre and they often find it difficult to educate their children and get their daughters married. However, the Indian political system recognizes them as being amongst the Forward Community, despite their economic backwardness, and fails to encourage their children. This article reads " Are brahmins the dalits of today". An obviously better yardstick would be a classification on the basis of their economic status; and reservation, if necessary, based on that classification. An even better solution would be to focus on the paradigm of primary education for all.


• The sheer apathy to the actual living conditions of Hindus because of its anti-secularism viewpoint is making India blind to one of the most ancient spiritual systems of the planet. With most systems advocating the middle path, why is that the so-called proponents or followers fail to do so? Why does the word Islam, one of the most beautiful religions and the fastest growing religion of the world, raise fear in us? In a way, Islam is also in danger. The heavy influence of the state on the church is detrimental to Christianity too.

As an analogy, music exists in various forms with its foundation being on the essentials of rhythm, melody, harmony and bass. Each form of music generates its own unique appeal and aesthetic bliss. If that were to be so, then, how can anyone claim as to what he/she is passionate about is the only way and the only way to bliss? What about the so many other people for whom the form they like is their religion? Does that mean that the other forms are nothing but noise?

Lastly, the renaissance for this spiritual system would come from the West. The author is amazed to see so many people dedicating their entire lives towards the study of the Hindu texts, Hindu way of life, etc. out here in America. The chantings of Bhajans in the heavily accented tones and the respect for Yoga, Kriya, Satsang, meditation, etc. that people have out here is heavily inspiring to the author. Most people in America have their basic comforts taken care of. In the sense, one need not be worried about the acute water problem or frequent load-shedding of electricity. Like Swami Vivekananda once said, "Spirituality is for the rich".

Importantly, why cannot one live and let live others too?