Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Hindu denial

[Guest guest]

We are in denial

"Although Hindus form 80 per cent

population of India, there is still only one university which teaches

"Hinduism" whereas there are five which teach Islam, five which

teach Christianity, two which teach Sikhism and one that teaches

Jainism."

BY SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR

Posted online: Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 0000 hours IST

 

If you come across a Communist, with a Hindu name, and ask him about

his identity, he will deny being a Hindu. Yet, a Muslim Communist

often claims his identity without hesitation. One wonders what causes

this difference in attitude.

 

It is interesting to probe into the psyche of identity, which often

is

a source of security, insecurity, conflict and comfort. Perhaps the

following reasons would answer the identity crises of the Hindus. The

broadmindedness of Hinduism, its inherent inclusiveness and

secularism, makes Hindus feel guilty about claiming their identity,

as

it is embedded in their philosophy that it is wrong to exclude

others.

Claiming a religious identity makes them feel they are excluding

others and so they shy away from doing so.

 

 

 

Hindus have been traditionally groomed by the Vedanta to drop all

identities. This has deeply influenced the Hindu psyche. Hindu

philosophy is woven around egolessness. Let alone their religion,

some

sadhus don't even say their name; they would say, "What's in a name?"

Sanyasis are even shy to talk about their parentage. A renowned

ascetic in Rishikesh would meet with everybody, but not his own

mother

and family. When asked, he would say, "I am Vedanti; once I have

taken

sanyasa, I have dropped all my identities."

 

This is an erroneous understanding of Vedanta. Why do we fear the

identity so much? Seeing identity as stumbling blocks for one's

growth

is ignorance. Sanyasa is transcending identity; it is being in that

centredness from where you have equal love and compassion for all. It

is the unshakable light and richness that one has found in one's

Being

which is universal. Transcending identity is different from denying

identity. When religious leaders themselves denounce their identity,

the community follows suit. This is akin to the thought that

secularism is anti-religion.

 

Caste identity is in some places much stronger than religious

identity. The normal tendency is to go for one single identity than

for a dual one. So, between caste and religion, many Hindus seem to

go

for caste. Hindus feel ashamed of the ills of Hinduism â€" its

superstition, untouchability, and practices like sati are usually

highlighted in the media, rather than its unparalleled philosophy and

scientific temperament. Thus, for several centuries Hindu bashing has

been a fashion.

 

The media seems to have given the prerogative of Hindu identity to

the

RSS and VHP and secular-minded Hindus would not like to associate

with

these two organisations. As a result they shy away from their own

identity.

 

Within India itself, we witness a great deal of ignorance about the

Hindu religion and its scriptures. Although Hindus form 80 per cent

population of India, there is still only one university which teaches

Hinduism â€" whereas there are five which teach Islam, five which

teach

Christianity, two which teach Sikhism and one that teaches Jainism.

You would find every Muslim would know a couple of verses from the

Quran; you can hardly find a Christian who has not read the Bible.

 

But Hindus who know Sanskrit or a few shlokas are rare. Most educated

Hindus know the Bible; they know Christmas carols. When they know

nothing about their religion, how can they take pride in it?

 

There are 1.25 billion Hindus in the world, a little over one-sixth

of

the world's population, but you hardly find a single Hindu lobby at

international forums. You will find a Christian lobby, a Muslim lobby

or a Jewish lobby, but you can't find a Hindu lobby. Just 12 million

Jews in the world are such a powerful voice. Buddhists also have a

voice and make their presence felt at world forums.

 

In countries of south and central America and in Europe, although

they

are secular democracies, they are not shy to proclaim their

allegiance

to Christianity. You will find the religious symbol of the Cross

placed in their parliaments; chaplains offer prayer before every

official dinner. While associations like YMCA (Young Men's Christian

Association) have gained wide acceptance. Why then is it that Hindu

associations are viewed with scepticism?

 

A strong community is an asset to any nation. A weak community will

always be in fear and because of insecurity will become aggressive.

It

is the pride in one's identity which strengthens the community.

Identity is in no way contradictory to universality.

 

People often ask, "Will not the concept of global family, Vasudhaiva

Kutambakam, contradict patriotism? Similarly, will your religious

identity not conflict with your universality?'' The answer is "No".

Your duty as a family man is not a hindrance for your realisation

that

you are Brahman. You don't need to run away to the forest to realise

"All this is Brahman". Your being spiritual in no way contradicts

your

being a socially responsible citizen. In fact, it enhances your

ability to care and share.

 

The conflict in the world is because people are either stuck in their

identity, and die for it, or shy away from their identity and lose

their roots. One has to opt for a middle path. The ideal situation

will be when every religion transcends its identity. Until that time,

it is unwise for the Hindus to let go of their identity. We cannot,

and should not, eliminate differences on this planet. We need to

celebrate the differences. And this is the uniqueness of Bharat â€"

from

the atheism of Charvaka to Bhakthi Panth and Sufism, it's one

beautiful bouquet.

 

An identity is related to an action. Denial of identity will dump you

in inaction, sloth and lethargy and hence Krishna reminds Arjuna of

his Kshatriya identity even while giving "Brahma gyan" to remind him

of his duties and responsibilities. Otherwise while giving this High

knowledge of the Self, why would Krishna remind him again and again

of

his limited identity. The limited identity in no way contradicts the

universal one. A policeman cannot perform his duties â€" steer the

traffic â€" if he fails to acknowledge his identity. Similarly, if a

businessman shies away from his identity, he cannot function. The

same

is the story of Hindu identity. India cannot make a distinct mark on

the world if it ignores its religious and spiritual heritage.

 

 

 

 

--

"I have nothing to lose, nothing left to win, nothing more to prove"

- Michael Schumacher, Shanghai Grand Prix

 

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Adheet Gogate

+91 98201 49436

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