Sanatana Dharma (Part 3)

In the last posting we looked at some features of Hinduism – that it has no personal founder and its extreme diversity and variety. Now we will look at a few more aspects:

Hinduism is non-sectarian and non- exclusive. It does not belong to any “chosen” group of people. As it is based on universal principles, it is also a universal religion.
At the same time, Hinduism has been a non – proselytizing religion. No attempts have been made to induce, either by coercion or other incentives, persons of other faiths to convert. In fact, I know of no ceremony or any other method of “certification” that converts a person of another faith to Hinduism. No one can become a Hindu, but everyone is free live the Hindu way of life.

Through the centuries, Hindus have been open minded about other faiths. Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism coexisted peacefully in India for centuries. Zoroastrians (Parsees), Jews, and others who faced religious persecution in their own lands, found safe haven in India. More recently, we have seen that the Dalai Lama and thousands of his Tibetan followers, have been welcomed and given sanctuary in India, and live peacefully without interference. This attitude goes beyond mere tolerance; Hindus have respected and accepted all other faiths as valid. This catholicity of outlook and open mindedness has been expressed in the scripture and by the sages. Here are some quotations:

“O Partha!. Whosoever worships Me through whatsoever path, I verily accept and bless them…” Bhagavat Gita, Ch 4, Verse 11.

“Whichever devotee desires to adore whatever aspect (of Me in other forms/names and methods of worship) with faith, in all such devotees I make that particular faith unshakable.” Bhagavat Gita, Ch7, Verse 22.

“The Truth is one - sages have called it by various names.” Rig Veda

“As many faiths, so many paths.” Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

With this brief background on Hinduism, the next posting will look at the scriptures.