Reforming Hinduism
Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 12:39 pm
Hinduism and Judaism are among the oldest religions in the world, with some common denominators; but the qualities they have bred in their people are a study in contrast. When they perceive any threat, big or small, real or imagined to their religion or the Jewish State, the Israelis react with a ferocity that belies their small size as a nation. Hindus, on the other hand have to be among the most placid of people.
But no longer can we stand by and let things happen to us; times have changed, and sadly, our religion is not in step with today?s world, and unless we make some significant changes, Hinduism will decay and die a natural death. Should we let that happen?
Most Hindus will express dismay and sorrow at the state of our religion. Although it is a religion of profound thoughts, we are not able to communicate it well to our own as well as others.
Can we do something about this? I think that all of us who feel this pain and frustration about our religion should come together and do something about it. We need to launch a reformative movement of our religion. Like in Protestantism, lay people rather than religious Swamis and Acharyas should lead this movement.
I am suggesting the following as core elements of reforming Hinduism:
1 Key to the Reformation of Hinduism is the concept of congregation. Such a congregation will meet once a week perhaps on a Saturday or Sunday morning, with an invocation by a Preacher/Teacher and follow up with a sermon to last no more than an hour- there should be the thread of religion and its application to day to day issues.
2. The concept of a preacher is new to Hinduism- at the moment, the priest for the most part is more of a person of rote learning, more like a technician who has learned all the right prayers to chant for the right occasion. In contrast, the preacher/teacher has to have the ability to communicate, passionate, sincere, with some knowledge of our scriptures, but also cognizant of social issues- we may have to train such preachers.
3. While Hinduism is multi faceted, we need to agree and establish the core beliefs and fundamentals of Hinduism - create simple books, tapes and other communication tools to teach these ideas to Hindus. We need to know our religion.
4. The barrier of caste has had a stranglehold on Hinduism- we MUST break it. I am not sure we can eradicate castes immediately. We can certainly ensure that one?s caste is not a barrier to his or her participating in a common congregation. All participants must be fully accepted and respected.
5. Concept of conversion without proselytism. While Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj have vehicles available for conversion, we can adopt their practices for anybody who chooses to convert. We may need to come up with a process for conversion along lines of Judaism. All converts should be welcomed and made to feel a part of the congregation. Converts should be assisted in establishing themselves in our faith.
6. Protection of Dharma. This is what the reformation is all about. It is to ensure the protection, sustenance and continuity of the religion of our forefathers.
7. Social Service. Social services must be a big part of the movement. First we must serve all of our own people. Educating our children, providing social services wherever needed to take care of the needy should be our agenda.
8. Social decrees: Discussion and decrees on social issues such as abortion, gays rights, human rights, death penalty, divorce, widows, etc.
9. Our name, at least for the time being can be ?Hindus without Barriers?
If anything I have said strikes a chord with you, let us start this movement together.
We owe that much to our progeny. If you support such a movement, please send an email to [email][email protected][/email].
Ram Ramaswamy
But no longer can we stand by and let things happen to us; times have changed, and sadly, our religion is not in step with today?s world, and unless we make some significant changes, Hinduism will decay and die a natural death. Should we let that happen?
Most Hindus will express dismay and sorrow at the state of our religion. Although it is a religion of profound thoughts, we are not able to communicate it well to our own as well as others.
Can we do something about this? I think that all of us who feel this pain and frustration about our religion should come together and do something about it. We need to launch a reformative movement of our religion. Like in Protestantism, lay people rather than religious Swamis and Acharyas should lead this movement.
I am suggesting the following as core elements of reforming Hinduism:
1 Key to the Reformation of Hinduism is the concept of congregation. Such a congregation will meet once a week perhaps on a Saturday or Sunday morning, with an invocation by a Preacher/Teacher and follow up with a sermon to last no more than an hour- there should be the thread of religion and its application to day to day issues.
2. The concept of a preacher is new to Hinduism- at the moment, the priest for the most part is more of a person of rote learning, more like a technician who has learned all the right prayers to chant for the right occasion. In contrast, the preacher/teacher has to have the ability to communicate, passionate, sincere, with some knowledge of our scriptures, but also cognizant of social issues- we may have to train such preachers.
3. While Hinduism is multi faceted, we need to agree and establish the core beliefs and fundamentals of Hinduism - create simple books, tapes and other communication tools to teach these ideas to Hindus. We need to know our religion.
4. The barrier of caste has had a stranglehold on Hinduism- we MUST break it. I am not sure we can eradicate castes immediately. We can certainly ensure that one?s caste is not a barrier to his or her participating in a common congregation. All participants must be fully accepted and respected.
5. Concept of conversion without proselytism. While Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj have vehicles available for conversion, we can adopt their practices for anybody who chooses to convert. We may need to come up with a process for conversion along lines of Judaism. All converts should be welcomed and made to feel a part of the congregation. Converts should be assisted in establishing themselves in our faith.
6. Protection of Dharma. This is what the reformation is all about. It is to ensure the protection, sustenance and continuity of the religion of our forefathers.
7. Social Service. Social services must be a big part of the movement. First we must serve all of our own people. Educating our children, providing social services wherever needed to take care of the needy should be our agenda.
8. Social decrees: Discussion and decrees on social issues such as abortion, gays rights, human rights, death penalty, divorce, widows, etc.
9. Our name, at least for the time being can be ?Hindus without Barriers?
If anything I have said strikes a chord with you, let us start this movement together.
We owe that much to our progeny. If you support such a movement, please send an email to [email][email protected][/email].
Ram Ramaswamy