Acharya's teachings and Versions

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Sanjay Srivastava wrote:

>

>

> "The tolerance and openness of Hinduism has been

> historically unprecedented among the wider community of world

> religions, universally acclaimed, and very well attested."

>

> I am not sure if anyone born as a Sudra will attest to the above.

> Hinduism

> though tolerant for outsiders was at the same time intensely

> intolerant and

> even cruel to some of its own members-- both in theory as well as in

> practice. This riddle has always perplexed me and I would like to know

> the

> views of learned members of this forum on this.

>

Dear Sanjayji:

 

I am not a scholar but think that Hinduism is a broad umbrella for many

schools of thoughts. Others more knowledgeable can correct me but the

common bond among Hindus (it seems to me) is that they believe in the

authority of the Vedas and accept the Bhagavad Gita as a holy scripture.

However, the interpretation of these scriptures differs. For example,

Mahatma Gandhi's reading of the Gita and its meaning is different than

that of the Hare Krishna Swamis. However both are Hindus. Also Gandhiji

was against the caste system but many Hindus believe in it. But

regardless, they are all considered Hindus. Perhaps someone else with

more scholarship can comment on this this as well. Thanks.

 

Love to all

Harsha