Thursday Thoughts

Hari OM

Mentioned on Tuesday was Gurudev's goal of spreading ancient and previously protected knowledge as far and wide as he could. Having gained approval from those whom he respected (his own Gurus) he set out from the Himalayas to set up discourses in public spaces in the cities. 

He is quoted as saying that he wished to bring Hindus back to Hinduism. Not the ritualistic, superstitious and fractious form that had come to dominate, but the philosophical and intelligent living form that so many Indians themselves did not know existed. For a long time, the pundits and less generous swamis wished to keep their flocks in ignorance. This is the case with many religious institutions and not just Hinduism. "Don't tell them they can actually walk their own path!" As so often, this came down to power and wealth - as well as the unfortunate twisting and misuse of caste. 

Gurudev had been a fighter for independence, and once he'd overcome his atheistic period, a proud Hindu. However, his was the Hinduism that was inclusive, not exclusive. He believed that all peoples of the world had a right to the understanding of AV and when he was questioned as to why he would teach women, foreigners, Muslims, Christians or Sikhs, he was clear. All who are ready for the knowledge must receive that knowledge. Those who come to Vedanta are spiritually aware and ready for the unification that it provides. He also said, "Anyone learning Advaita gains the deepest insights to their own faith structure - they become better Muslims, Christians and Sikhs...and human beings."

He, along with another great Mahatma but also a statesman few could ever equal, one M K Gandhi, must be somewhat despairing of how India is currently shaping - how Hinduism is once again being twisted out of shape... and that is all I will say here on this subject.