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misrepresenting Dalit interests. In addition, they are also arguing that those

Indians opposing this version of edits are anti-Hindus, Marxists, who are

interested in the downfall of Hinduism. But I, a Hindu, oppose these edits.

I am proud of the depth of Hindu philosophies. I have learnt much from the

extensive philosophies developed by thinkers over centuries ¡V proud without

having to argue that Hinduism existed a million years ago or that Hindu texts

describe how to make a nuclear bomb. It is significant to me that there have

been a wide variety of philosophies presented and debated within the Hindu

traditions ¡V all of which help define Hindu worldviews. The plurality is

not only important, it is critical. It is significant that one of earliest

philosophies ¡V Charvaka ¡V was based on a materialist worldview. It is

significant that one of the schools of Mimamsa, another very early philosophy

within Hinduism, argued that the concept of God was redundant since the Vedas

were eternal. It is significant that other philosophies such as Nyaya,

Vaisesika, as well as the Advaita included schools that were atheistic. I am

amazed that atheistic schools abound within Hinduism, and humbly respect these

schools as well as other schools who continued to debate with atheism and yet

in these debates saw it as an important worldview. It is also significant

that Advaita, Visistadvaita and Dvaita were philosophies that evolved within

three centuries based on assumptions that countered one another. Their belief

systems and worldviews were completely different ¡V and yet they coexisted and

grew because of each other. There is much

for me to learn from these. While my own leanings are towards the advaits,

the plurality of these philosophies and their social manifestation offer much

to learn and be proud of. Thus, a rendition of history that says that the

Hindu worldview is based on a belief of one Bhagwan or that it is monotheistic

is not only incorrect, it is insulting to the breadth of philosophies and

worldview that existed within Hinduism. I oppose it. The concept of nirguna

Brahman ¡V described most closely as a universal consciousness that cannot be

defined ¡V repeats itself in various Upanishads. Numerous Hindu philosophers

have argued that it directly counters a single godhead of any sort and in fact

questions the entity called god as well. And yet, there is much in the

social and religious derivation of Hinduism that leaves us ashamed ¡V and we

cannot forget it. The caste system is one. Dalits ¡V treated as untouchables in

Hindu past, even before the coming of the British ¡V and continued to be ill

treated in various parts of India today, remind us of this shame. While legally

untouchability may be abolished in India, socially, it still exists. It exists

in rapes of Dalit women, lynching of men for touching someone, beating children

for drinking water ¡V they all exist today. It would be inappropriate to

forget that and we should not, if truly, we want to change these aspects of our

society. For these reasons, I support Dalit claims that the edits in the

textbooks misrepresent their condition. Hinduism is a complex and extensive

entity including a variety of worldviews, traditions,

and histories. As a religion it is beyond one definition. It is important to

recognize and include this aspect at least in spirit, as we suggest these

edits, for in practice we will never be completely inclusive. One definition

based on one tradition and one worldview is not only incorrect, it is also

arrogant. I cannot but oppose it as a Hindu. In opposing these edits,

however, I do not for a moment believe that Hinduism will die out, that it will

fail. For I think it is too rich to die out. In fact, in opposing them, I

clearly see that the richness of Hinduism, despite our failings as Hindus, will

present it self. -Sanat Mohanty Related Links

Fundamentalists Misrepresenting Dalits on the Web? Editions of Hinduism and

Textbooks in California The Edits to the TextbooksProf Michael Witzel on the

EditsIndia Abroad Coverage Posted by collective at February

04, 2006 03:57 PM Comments Nice article sanat. But how do we get a consensus

on how hinduism is defined? The flexibility to the definition of what is one's

dharma that hinduism accepts is also the reason that makes it undefinable.

Sanat's response: The point is not whether we get a consensus. The point is to

ensure that the plurality, and the seemingly conflicting philosophies are

presented. As the article says, I dont think we can ever include every

philosophy. Also, it is important we recognize where we have gone

wrong.Posted by: badri narayanan on February 6, 2006 08:57 PM Excellent

article! Very insightful even if brief account of the sheer diversity and

complexity of Hinduism through history. Sanat Mohanty has provided a clear,

critical and insightful Hindu counterpoint to the shrill assertions of the

Hindutvadis. Posted by: Raja Swamy on February 9, 2006 03:20 AM An

excellent article. Captures in its very essence the perils of sectarian

intervention in determining what is taught

in schools. Kudos to Sanat Mohanty.Posted by: Maharaaj Kak on February 9, 2006

04:11 AM Superb article. The very idea that Hinduism is monotheistic is

inspired by reformist movements developed under the inferiority complex of the

British Raj where proving Hinduism to be monotheistic was felt as required for

the redemption of Hinduism's dignity. Teaching Hindu kids that Hinduism is

monotheistic is one sure way of converting them all to Christianity.Posted by:

Smita

Bhatt on February 9, 2006 04:17 AM Great article Sanat - a very balanced

perspective - especially in comparison to the mono-acoustic chorus of the

Sangh's smear campaigns. Hope you will not be similarly targeted by the rabid

Hindutva brigade.Posted by: Nilesh Patel on February 9, 2006 04:25 AM

Sanath obviously does not know the details of the edits. The main question to

ask is why are Islam/Christianity/Judaism portrayed positively and Hinduism is

shown negatively. This is the crux of the issue which Sanath has ignored.

Venkitesh (Viji)Posted by: A.H. Venkitesh on February 13, 2006 08:56 PM

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