For those who have doubts about the relevance of Hinduism and the Hindu culture in the present context, when the world is facing an onslaught from all things western, Dr Shaunaka Rishi Das of the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies, has an answer. “It is very much alive”.
Das, an Irish who is said to have got interested in Hindusim due to his father’s encouragement to study all religions, was speaking at the Indian Institute of Science on Sunday on the long philosophical traditions of Hinduism, its contemporary relevance and the challenges it is facing.
Quoting from the Rig Veda and the Upanishads, Das spoke about certain profound questions relating to Kama (desire), Sattva (goodness) and Atma (soul) that have been asked in these texts and hold an universal and contemporary appeal.
“Mahatma Gandhi used the concepts of Sattva and Ahimsa (non-violence) and packaged them in such a way that they could be used in the political field. A number of leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela draw inspiration from him and his principles. Even at the Oval office in the White House, Obama pays his tribute to Gandhi every day,” said Das.
These ideas have also recently seen their influence in the Middle East in the form of the Arab Spring. One cannot, however, characterise these essentially as Hindu or of Hinduism due to its universal nature which was the beauty of the religion. “Even Voltaire, during the foundational days of enlightenment spoke about the need to look at India and its ideas on pluralism, non violence,” said Das.
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