Dear Jeyamohan,
I am listening to your discourses on Indian philosophy and Vedanta. I am also interested in it. But I have a doubt, maybe silly, but I am curious about this. Today Hindu religious fundamentalism is propagated vigorously by politicians, and it is slowly developing as fascism. Our religious personalities are silently supporting this tendency. By discussing Hindu philosophy, are we also supporting this trend?
M. Mahendran
Dear Mahendran,
So, what can we do? Can we hand over the entire Indian philosophy and spirituality to these politicians? Can we entrust them with the magnificent Hindu civilization? And what are we going to do? We have to learn only Western philosophy and Western science, right? We need to transform ourselves into simple Western liberals, correct? Is this the correct way to oppose religious fundamentalism?
Do you know what you are actually implying? You are suggesting that we must become the very enemies of Hinduism, as these Hindu fundamentalists believe. That will definitely make their work easier. Actually, the majority of our free thinkers are doing the same thing now. They are vilifying Hinduism and thus opening a royal pathway to religious fundamentalism. I don’t believe in this nonsense.
I believe that Hinduism and philosophy have a humanistic core, and only real scholars and spiritual leaders can put it forth for the common man. Presenting the real face of Hindu vision is the only way to counter the political forces who are trying to convert Hinduism as a simple political idea. I am trying to do this within my limits.
Jeyamohan
