Re: [IAC#RG] Definition of "Hindu"

Dear Air Commodore Pannu

When the IAC movement changed about 7-8 months back we were then focused on corruption as defined in law.  In fact when we were drafting IAC's Charter in January we specifically defined the corruption IAC was interested in as the corruption defined in the Prevention of Corruption Act.

After considerable discussion on this list, IAC has moved on from that position in our latest (and evolving) Manifesto. IAC now also looks at the personal aspect of its members and how "pure" / "Dharmic" they are. There is a strong moral aspect here which has to be in place, and this moral aspect is co-terminus with religion but is not religion.

The IAC movement went off the rails in 2011 when communal elements tried to take it over for political purposes. These forces are still trying hard to reinfiltrate the movement.

The one thing I shall say is that IAC will be BOLD in not shirking from discussing religion so long as it tends to UNIFY India.  IAC's mailing lists shall be used to discuss religion and matters arising out from religion. Religion is not anybody's personal property. Nobody can prevent anybody else from speaking on religion in a civilized manner. IAC will not concede the space for public discourse on religion to the bunch of fanatics present in every religion who seek to prevent their adherents from communicating with members of other faiths. By this means IAC now has enough experts, and I include you among them, as being able to counter and expose the inane propaganda and blatant lies being circulated in the name of religion.

With best wishes.

Sarbajit

On Thu, May 2, 2013 at 6:56 AM, T Pannu <tpannu@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,

 

   I agree with Col Ashok K Singh. About a month back, I had made a request that the discussion  on religion in these columns should be avoided because, in no way, it helps eradicate corruption and other evils. Unfortunately, it is still continuing without any effect and it appears that Mr Sarbjit Roy is responsible for not letting it stop because he should be the one to boldly say that we will not discuss this topic in IAC columns. I once again wish to renew my appeal by drawing the attention of the readers to the following:-

 

"                  Though well known and practiced by most of us, its meaning needs to be well understood, and never let be diluted. It is the strength of Dharma that it has withstood massive assaults from many fundamentalist religious bigots and survived in the most hostile environment                                                          

Religion Vs Dharma

   Are the two words synonymous and interchangeable? Religion literally means that which leads one to God. "Dharma" is derived from the root Sanskrit word "dhri" which means "to hold together". It has a wider meaning than the word "religion". There is no equivalent word for Dharma either in English or in any other language. In this sense, Hinduism is not a religion; it's a "Dharma". Those who profess the Hindu Dharma and seek to follow it, are guided by spiritual, social and moral rules, actions, knowledge and duties which are responsible for holding the human race together.

Hindu Dharma is also known by the names "Sanatana Dharma" and "Vaidik Dharma". "Sanatana" means eternal and all-pervading and "Vaidik Dharma" means the Dharma based on the Vedas. In simple terms, one can say that Dharma means code of conduct, i.e. doing the right thing, in thought, word and deed, having always in mind that behind all our deeds there is a Supreme Being. This is the teaching of the Vedas, which are the original source of our Dharma – "Vedo - Khilo Dharma Moolam."

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the great philosopher, statesman and former President of India has described what is Dharma in these words: "Dharma is that which binds society together. That which divides society, breaks it up into parts and makes people fight one another is Adharma (non-religion). Dharma is nothing more than the realization of the Supreme and acting in every small act of your life with that Supreme present in your mind. If you are able to do so, you are performing Dharma. If other interests pervade you, and you try to translate your mind into other regions, even though you may think you are a believer, you will not become a true believer. The real believer in God has his heart always lifted to Dharma".

According to Swami Sivananda, "Hinduism allows absolute freedom to the rational mind of man. It never demands any undue restraint upon the freedom of human reason, the freedom of thought, feeling and will of man. Hinduism is a religion of freedom, allowing the widest margin of freedom in matters of faith and worship. It allows absolute freedom of human reason and heart with regard to such questions as to the nature of God, soul, form of worship, creation, and the goal of life. It does not force anybody to accept particular dogmas or forms of worship. It allows everybody to reflect, investigate, enquire and cogitate."

Hence all manner of religious faiths, various forms of worship or spiritual practices, diverse rituals and customs have found their place, side by side, within Hinduism, and are cultured and developed in harmony with one another. Hinduism, unlike other religions, does not dogmatically assert that the final emancipation or liberation is possible only through its means and not through any other. It is only a means to an end, and all means that ultimately lead to the final goal are approved of.

The religious hospitality of Hinduism is proverbial. Hinduism is extremely liberal and catholic. This is its fundamental feature. It pays respect to all religious and does not revile any other religion, accepting and honoring truth from wherever it may come and in whatever garb it is presented.

"Yato Dhrmah Tato Jayah" - Where Dharma exists victory is guaranteed."

Regards

Air Commodore (Retd) Tanpat Pannu