How
Hinduism is different
By Satish Chandra
Arecently formed group called the American Hindu Association (AHA) has been meeting every third Thursday of the month for the last nine months. In a nutshell, its mission is to project a unified image of Hinduism (Hindu Dharma). The US society has either little idea or has distorted images of Hinduism. Though this has been of concern to many of us over the years, this forum has taken off with the initiative of a unique couple, Madhu Anal and Anal Madhu. They are well-known social activists in India, now residing in Las Vegas.
The unique feature of this meeting is that not only one has to come to a consensus on a topic after discussion, but also be able to communicate it to all, to the non-Hindus in particular. Everyone is encouraged to speak for two to three minutes, preferably in English. Thus this forum is also a communication (listening and speaking) ‘training’ arena. Knowing a thing is as important as being able to tell it to others. The meetings are moderated by Anal Madhu.
For the month of November, I was suggested to lead a discussion on a topic: ‘How Hinduism is Different from Other Religions?’ I would have seven to ten minutes to open this topic, and then the session would be followed by remarks from the rest. While pondering over it, it occurred to me that why not put my thoughts in black and white for my record as well as for sharing it with others who are unable to attend it.
Since we are living in a Judaic Christian society in the the US, it is better to focus on differences with Christianity and Islam. Also, Christianity makes at least 80 per cent of the US population and Islam is the fastest growing religion in USA, and always in news after the 9/11 attack on America. The religions of the East are omitted mainly for being the offshoots of Hindu religion and having a negligible presence in USA. The following fundamental contrasts stand out in my mind:
Language: Rarely any Hindu, including MA/Ph.D scholars in Sanskrit understand the Vedic Sanskrit in which Hindu scriptures are written and its rituals (sanskars) are performed by priests. On the contrary, Arabic is a common man’s language and understandable by believers whose mother language in not even Arabic. As far as Bible and Christian ceremonies are concerned, they are translated in every language of the world. By and large, translation of Quran in other languages is prohibited.
Common beliefs: All Muslims believe in five pillars of Islam: shahada (faith), saum (fast), zakat (charity), salat (prayer), Haj (pilgrimage). On the other hand, the Hindus of the world do not believe in any one tangible principle! Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Bible as a word of God–this is a common belief.
Places of worship: Hindus irregularly go to their temples and have no stake in them in terms of its membership, or obligation. Christians belong to a church as ‘certified’ members. Muslims can visit any mosque. In Islamic countries, there are State-supported neighbourhood mosques.
Mentality: In Islam emphasis is on getting organised, as its five pillars stress. Five prayers a day are unrestricted in one sense, yet the timings are set for all. However, the Friday prayers in mosques are binding on men. Sunday morning services in churches are a hallmark of Christianity. Hinduism promotes ultimate individuality, sometimes at the cost of its collective welfare. Christianity and Islam begin and flourish as a group.
Conversion: Proselytisation to Islam and Christianity is a part of a competition in life. Hinduism focussing on individuality has no room for conversion as a strategy to welcome every new member. Thirty-five years ago, an Indian friend came up to me in a dilemma. He asked, “If a Muslim/Christian decides to get converted to Hinduism, then in what caste shall that person be placed?” We two mathematicians could not settle it!
Caste system: Hinduism is embedded in the caste system that sets it apart from other religions. Caste-based divisions within subdivisions of a society based on birth do not exist in Islam or Christianity. Muslims are often seen calling each other as brethren.
State religion (Raj Dharma): Islam becomes a State-supported religion the moment a Muslim becomes a ruler of a country. Politics and religion are one and the same in Islam. Christianity has State sanction to practice and preach its beliefs. Countries like USA and of West Europe try to separate religion (form of worship) from government. But Hinduism in India has never been a State religion for well over 1,000 years.
There are other salient points, and a few corollaries of these seven points are available, but this text is limited for the purpose of this meeting. Hopefully, the AHA shall continue to discuss these topics during the forthcoming meetings. Information on the AHA and related articles are posted on the website below.
By Satish Chandra
Arecently formed group called the American Hindu Association (AHA) has been meeting every third Thursday of the month for the last nine months. In a nutshell, its mission is to project a unified image of Hinduism (Hindu Dharma). The US society has either little idea or has distorted images of Hinduism. Though this has been of concern to many of us over the years, this forum has taken off with the initiative of a unique couple, Madhu Anal and Anal Madhu. They are well-known social activists in India, now residing in Las Vegas.
The unique feature of this meeting is that not only one has to come to a consensus on a topic after discussion, but also be able to communicate it to all, to the non-Hindus in particular. Everyone is encouraged to speak for two to three minutes, preferably in English. Thus this forum is also a communication (listening and speaking) ‘training’ arena. Knowing a thing is as important as being able to tell it to others. The meetings are moderated by Anal Madhu.
For the month of November, I was suggested to lead a discussion on a topic: ‘How Hinduism is Different from Other Religions?’ I would have seven to ten minutes to open this topic, and then the session would be followed by remarks from the rest. While pondering over it, it occurred to me that why not put my thoughts in black and white for my record as well as for sharing it with others who are unable to attend it.
Since we are living in a Judaic Christian society in the the US, it is better to focus on differences with Christianity and Islam. Also, Christianity makes at least 80 per cent of the US population and Islam is the fastest growing religion in USA, and always in news after the 9/11 attack on America. The religions of the East are omitted mainly for being the offshoots of Hindu religion and having a negligible presence in USA. The following fundamental contrasts stand out in my mind:
Language: Rarely any Hindu, including MA/Ph.D scholars in Sanskrit understand the Vedic Sanskrit in which Hindu scriptures are written and its rituals (sanskars) are performed by priests. On the contrary, Arabic is a common man’s language and understandable by believers whose mother language in not even Arabic. As far as Bible and Christian ceremonies are concerned, they are translated in every language of the world. By and large, translation of Quran in other languages is prohibited.
Common beliefs: All Muslims believe in five pillars of Islam: shahada (faith), saum (fast), zakat (charity), salat (prayer), Haj (pilgrimage). On the other hand, the Hindus of the world do not believe in any one tangible principle! Christians believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Bible as a word of God–this is a common belief.
Places of worship: Hindus irregularly go to their temples and have no stake in them in terms of its membership, or obligation. Christians belong to a church as ‘certified’ members. Muslims can visit any mosque. In Islamic countries, there are State-supported neighbourhood mosques.
Mentality: In Islam emphasis is on getting organised, as its five pillars stress. Five prayers a day are unrestricted in one sense, yet the timings are set for all. However, the Friday prayers in mosques are binding on men. Sunday morning services in churches are a hallmark of Christianity. Hinduism promotes ultimate individuality, sometimes at the cost of its collective welfare. Christianity and Islam begin and flourish as a group.
Conversion: Proselytisation to Islam and Christianity is a part of a competition in life. Hinduism focussing on individuality has no room for conversion as a strategy to welcome every new member. Thirty-five years ago, an Indian friend came up to me in a dilemma. He asked, “If a Muslim/Christian decides to get converted to Hinduism, then in what caste shall that person be placed?” We two mathematicians could not settle it!
Caste system: Hinduism is embedded in the caste system that sets it apart from other religions. Caste-based divisions within subdivisions of a society based on birth do not exist in Islam or Christianity. Muslims are often seen calling each other as brethren.
State religion (Raj Dharma): Islam becomes a State-supported religion the moment a Muslim becomes a ruler of a country. Politics and religion are one and the same in Islam. Christianity has State sanction to practice and preach its beliefs. Countries like USA and of West Europe try to separate religion (form of worship) from government. But Hinduism in India has never been a State religion for well over 1,000 years.
There are other salient points, and a few corollaries of these seven points are available, but this text is limited for the purpose of this meeting. Hopefully, the AHA shall continue to discuss these topics during the forthcoming meetings. Information on the AHA and related articles are posted on the website below.
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