SV: [Y-Indology] The point is...

[Guest guest]

> 4. All of us know that there are many philosophical

> insights, literary treasures, and religious openness in the

> tradition which, when properly presented to students, can

> only expand their horizons and enrich their perspectives.

> Instead of speaking about Kampan, Tiruvalluvar, the message

> of the Gita, the poetry of the Vedas, the fascinating

> episodes of Hindu sacred History, the fantastic science

> fiction in ancient Hindu epics, the grammatical insights of

> Panini, the music of Thyagaraja, the esoteric symbolism of

> Nataraja, the devotion of the poet-saints, the plays of

> Kalidasa, the framework of cosmic spirituality, the doctrinal

> enunciation of pluralistic monotheism, religious tolerance,

> and such, in courses on Hinduism, inordinate emphasis is

> placed on the caste system, widow burning, cow worship,

> animal slaughter, untouchability, obsolete laws of Manu,

> questionable interpretations of religious symbols, etc.

 

You have just mentioned the reasons why most Indologists do study India.

We started out as enthusiasts, and most of still remain so, even if we

are critical of some aspects of Indian culture. (Remember: being

critical is part of Western intellectual modernity). In this country, we

recently saw the publication of a book on India that repeated most of

the stereotypes. It was written by a journalist, and it was criticized

by academics in the spirit of Edward Said. Not quite according to the

pattern suggested by Mr. Malhotra.

 

However, I would agree that press reports on India tend to be slanted

towards social problems, and that important aspects of Indian society,

such as the economy and defence, are neglected. Indian culture could

also need a broader presentation, but there is simply no market for it.

 

> 6. Sadly (for Hindus), Hindu scholars, let alone Western

> Indologists, have not sold their precious wares the way

> Islamicists (both Muslims and their ardent Western exponents)

> have managed to successfully make the average Westerner

> believe, though incredulously, that Islam stands only for

> Peace, and that jihad really means only inner conflict.

> Perhaps, some munificent Hindu should give a handsome

> incentive to scholars to embark on a Madison Avenue type of marketing.

 

I believe that this is not quite fair. In Scandinavia, and as far as I

can see, in the rest of Europe, Muslims and Islam are certainly

criticized. The problem here is not to go so far as to create a feeling

of beleaguerment among Muslims, thus leading to "verkrampte" attitudes

(to use a word associated with South African Boers). We want integrated,

functioning societies and have to look out for fanatics in both camps.

The same problem applies to other Asian minorities. It is a delicate

balancing act.

 

Best regards,

 

Lars Martin

 

 

 

 

Dr.art. Lars Martin Fosse

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