WILL HINDUISM OVERTAKE CHRISTIANITY? - Part II

by Dr. K N Bastola

Hinduism in the west

Hinduism did establish a root, following Vivekananda's presence, in the USA. Though the British were there in India, they did not care to try to understand the local philosophy. Those who did, did not look at it through the Indian eyes. The west remained ignorant, about the philosophy of Hinduism. It was only after Vivekananda, that the west started taking notice of Hinduism. Gradually the Gurus got accepted, even in the UN. In the process, Hinduism started accepting followers from the west as well. It is said that Hinduism is spreading substantially in the west, especially in the USA. However it has to be understood clearly that because of ignorance, many people in the west still regard Hinduism, as a culture, rather than a religion. Gradually books on Hinduism are put in the religion section of bookshop.

There are 3 types of people in the west.

1. The die hard spiritual seekers- they go to India and Sri Lanka and other places, far away from their country of origin, in search of spirituality. While some stick to the available Gurus in the west.

2. These are the academicians and lay people, who are interested in the Hindu philosophy and not necessarily, spirituality. While the Gurus are helping out the spiritual seekers, the second group have not got, the proper guidance, though slowly the Internet is giving them information, about Hinduism and of course the discussion forums like hinduunity.com does help.

3. These are the people of Indian origin in the west. This group is looking for some sort of identity in the west. Like Muslims.

Potential and future of Hinduism

Hinduism has a very good potential, in fact Hinduism is like Internet business, both of these are in the infant stage, with huge potential, because of the following reasons.

1. Present civilization respects knowledge and is in an accepting mood, despite some resistance. People in the west are proud to feel civilised, because for over the last 300 years they are the main contributors for the development of modern civilization. They do not easily want other cultures or races to overtake them (instinctively and intentionally). The force of acceptance as well as resistance goes hand in hand. But it has to bow, to the intellectual philosophy, like Hinduism. In fact many western intellectuals are already doing that. Unknowingly many are Hindus already, because many people in the west, believe in reincarnations and the theory of Karma, which is essentially Hindu. The Vedic cosmology has been studied and parallels are drawn between science and the Vedas. All they need, is a change of name of God, and formally call themselves Hindu. In this environment, Hindu philosophy can penetrate the minds of western people. In fact, in Europe, there is a religious vacuum, with people turning to paganism. This is a fertile ground for Hindus. Remember, they are educated people, they need answers (that's why they have gone away from organized religion) and Hinduism does have answers. Now the trend is towards, individual search and experience, of spirituality rather than going to an institution and finding out. Though the Hindus have to understand that there is a powerful lobby in the west who wants to see the whole world with one so called "Christian culture". They are perhaps interested in numbers, in the form of Christian community, rather than regular churchgoers. The other group, which includes secular people as well, is racist and wants to see the white man as givers (if it includes the 'unimportant' religion, so be it) to the enslaved colored humanity, controlling the world in the form of Church power. The leaders of these churches are almost all white males.

2. Vedic/Hindu astrology-

This is becoming more and more popular, day by day. If it becomes the gold standard in astrology, then its followers will increase dramatically showing a steep graph upwards. While, in the Semitic religions, people can only pray and go for pilgrimage for betterment of life, in Hinduism people can use astrology remedies, in their day to day life. The Hindu astrology remedy consists of precious stones, japas, yajnas, pujas(prayers), yoga , meditation, tantra and pilgrimage. Many people are having hard time in the west. The above said practical methods can be applied and if people feel they work, they will develop curiosity and become tempted to learn about Hinduism. This practical side of Hinduism has got a huge potential, to draw people to Hinduism. It can spread like wild fire, like the Chinese method of Feng Shui, because people need remedy, just praying is getting them nowhere. Semitic religions can only provide pray.

3. The Vedas-

What do these "heavily guarded" books contain? Either it is written by a bunch of primitive people (as some in the west think) or by people of high calibre (as the Hindus maintain). What is important is, books or knowledge continue in the form of editions. Each new edition deletes some part of the old edition and adds new things. Even the Bible has new editions, which makes subtle changes. This fact is based on the principle that every day we learn new things, so we add this knowledge to the book. It accepts the principle that we know better now than before. Putting this principle to the Vedas, it does not work. It is the opposite principle in the Vedas. There are no new editions of the Vedas. The Vedas has remained unchanged, since the beginning. Why did not the Hindus of ancient India change it? Why does almost every Hindu religious book regard the Vedas as the ultimate authority? Books written by primitive people cannot, by definition, be of high intellectual quality. We are far away, in time, but why did the writers of Mahabharata and the Ramayan and other books regard, the Vedas, as the authority? The only reason we can think of, assuming the Vedas were written by primitive people, is, people during the Mahavarat/Ramayan time, were stupid. The question now we can ask is, how can the writers of the longest poem in the world, Mahabharata, a drama, which in a TV serial form, caused a virtual standstill of life of people of whole of India and beyond, during its shows, be regarded as stupid? Only a bunch of genius can do that. The Hindus provide the scientists, ever voracious for knowledge, with Vedas. Scientists are especially interested in the astronomy in the Vedas. However there are several other fields in the Vedas, which will be of particular interest to the modern world. The Bible has been explored almost exhaustively. It is time for the scientist to explore the Hindu scriptures. The co-operation between various Gurus and the scientists will definitely contribute, to further understanding of the universe. This will of course tremendously increase the prestige of the Hindus. Some scientists are seeing similarities between the Hindu and the scientific concept of Universe. They are also the concept of equality among sexes in the Vedas, which goes along with the modern concept.

4. Identity-

When minority of people, live in a majority society, they tend to look for their own identity, because everybody wants to feel, intellectually and emotionally secure of what they have, which works as a shield against the majority. This is true for Islam as well. Hindus from various part of the world, converged in the west. They are trying to find their roots. They are trying to find something to be proud of. This force is helping the Hindus to learn, unite and go forward.

5. Finance-

Every civilization needs money to form, develop and propagate. Hindu civilization is no exception. For many years, Hindus were subjugated to external forces and hence were poor. Previously there was money with some Maharajas, but sadly they were not smart enough. Now things have changed. This is the first time, perhaps in the history of India, that commoner with brains, have amounts of billions of dollars. Now with the Indians rampaging, the NASDAQ share market, with their software company listing in it and earning a lot of money, does say something. Every month many Indian companies are listed in NASDAQ and London Stock Exchange. India is heading to be world superpower in software technology. Clinton's visit to India has changed things further, for the better. Indians have started talking about brain gain rather than brain drain. Hindus have always talked about western money and petro-dollar involved in India. Now I think, India can talk about software dollar. Important thing is however, these billions, has to be translated into the cause of Hinduism. I however was surprised to know that VHP India does not take money from the NRIs. With the money available, Hindus can propagate their philosophy and spirituality, by every means of communication available, to the needy. Money makes the religion rich and glamorous. It gives employment to its workers, who need it, for their livelihood. With the elevation of living standard and education in the subcontinent, I think, the process of conversion will be lessened and perhaps re-conversion will increase.

6. Mr A. B. Bajpai-

I have put this name because I think his personality is important to the overall progress of Hinduism. Mr Bajpai's roots with the RSS has given him a sense of Hindu ethos, which has molded him. On the other hand, he has also realized the change, which has, and is occurring throughout the world, of which he wants to be part of, for which he has to go beyond RSS. He shows that he is doing this. He also does not have any prodigy. All these features make him a good raja and I believe that this will contribute, to the overall progress of Hinduism. Without a developed India, there is no future for Hinduism.

7. The Paranormal-

People in the educated part of the world need further proof than the people in the third world, or the people of history, when there was little chance of comparing and contrasting any story. They believed in stories. Now people need more than stories. Hinduism is the only religions, which can give the paranormal evidence, in front of the people, through yoga, meditation and tantra.

8. God realization-

Hinduism is the only religion, which claims of God realization, in the present life. This gives great opportunity for people to come in touch with the cosmos directly in this life. Christianity talks of quite contemplation only. Yes some talk about Jesus coming into their dreams or even giving them the feel of him. This depends upon Jesus’ selection of person and the person cannot repeat it because it depends upon Jesus. Hinduism on the other hand provides techniques, which repeatedly allows the users of the technique to experience God.

9. Broad rules-

Hinduism gives broad rules- it gives importance to dharma according to circumstances. It does not give rigid rules to adhere to. Mahabharata is full of such examples. The world is full of exceptions. Rigid rules may fit one angle of view but it will look wrong form the other angle. Semitic religions are having problems with their rules, which at times are in conflict with the modern ways.

10. Pathways for salvation-

Hinduism provides several pathways for salvation, including Gnana , Karma, Bhakti etc. where as the Semitic religions provide only the path of Bhakti and possibly karma, which makes choices very limited. Hinduism gives option to stay with the family or become an ascetic. In Hinduism one can attain salvation even if he/she does Niskam Karma (Karma which is beneficial for the society at large) as a householder e.g. King Janak. One does not have to leave his/her family life. On the other hand if people want a quite life they can do that as well and become a hermit. Exhaustive literatures are written about each of these paths.

11. Ayurveda-

This is a branch of the Veda. In the UK alternative therapy is becoming ever so popular and the money spent on them is increasing every day. Recently big western companies have started producing ayurvedic scents. Other forms of ayurvedic remedies are appearing in the market and are becoming fashionable and trustworthy. This will work as a leaflet for further interest in Hinduism when the users start asking how and why of this new method.

12. Sanskrit-

This ancient language, which is used to chant mantras and perform puja, is gradually coming back, both in India as well as the west. While the vibration, hence the most beautiful part of the language, was completely missed by the American universities, though it was taught, it was taught like ancient Greek and Latin, making it difficult for pupils to learn, which only led to increase in dropout rate. New methods have been developed, as by Mr. Houston, who has a three-day course, which makes people, able to read the sutras at the completion of the course. This course is increasing in popularity, with virtually eliminating the dropout rate. Its importance in computer language is well known. Because people are looking for individual spirituality this language gives them the desired effect. While we all know that this language has a huge potential, if it is made easier, people are talking about its future as a major world language, if not the lingua franca.

13. Diwali (Deepawali)-

In the west, people love to celebrate. They need a cause to have a party. Lights attract everybody. Christmas, which was taken from the Pagans in Europe, has lost its original message. Many people, who celebrate Christmas, do not know what they are celebrating for. What ever the southern Baptist church in the USA may say, the central massage of Deepawali is victory of good over evil; the victory of light over darkness. This message of victory will always resound and be remembered. Since it has victory associated with it, brilliant lights at display as well as exciting firecrackers in play, it has the potential to be very popular celebration in the west. Tony Blair came to the Deepawali party last year, while Bill Clinton gave a message of felicitation this year. If this progresses Deepawali may become mainstream in the west in the not so distant future.

14. Individual quest for spirituality-

Now, particularly in the west, people are turning away from gatherings and are looking for individual spirituality. While 60% of people believe in God in the UK only 3% visit the church regularly. This clearly shows that the people who believe in God are not going to the church for spiritual quest. They are looking towards their own ways of communication with the spirit. Hinduism gives them a God, it gives them the technique of yoga and meditation, it gives them the vibrating language of Sanskrit to chant Mantras, which gives them the opportunity of feeling the inner rhythm of life. On top of these it gives them a sense of divine bond through astrology. It also gives them ways and means to get rid of the problems in life. In other words Hinduism gives them a 'complete package', for their social and individual spiritual quest.

15. The Internet-

During the British Raj, Hinduism was battered and bruised intentionally by the education system of Macaulay. Post independence, it was battered again, further silencing the voice of pro-Hindu intellectuals. The Hindus did not have a popular communication outlet. Internet has given not only the Hindus, but other religions as well, a chance to explain themselves. This is because there is no censorship, controlled by a group of individuals, with certain agendas. It is free to all and gives them a chance to express their opinions. Because of its history of being battered and bruised and censored, Internet has given an excellent opportunity for the demoralized Hindu, to express his/her side of the story. Since the readership of the web page is virtually unlimited, the message goes right across the world.

Conversion

It is amazing how some Hindus (10%) do not allow others to join Hinduism, and say that they have to be born as Hindu in next life. This is simply not right. If a person wants to worship Permeshowr, then it is his/her right to do that. Hinduism does not teach that they should not allow others to pray. In modern terms it is a form of religious apartheid.

Effect of conversion.-

Anywhere in the world, except some countries, it is difficult to live as a minority. This is especially in the Islamic countries. To go from the majority to the minority group and have a very hard life makes the decision to convert a very difficult one. It is difficult to understand, why people so easily convert religion, without understanding its effects. Conversion after good understanding of the new religion, with valid reasons to convert, as happens in the west, is one thing; conversion because of accepting materialistic gain, rather than spiritual gain, as happens in the third world, is quite another. Once you are on the other side of the river, you start wondering, what you have done. It needs a firm determination to go away from the belief of ancestors. One has to say the ancestors were wrong in believing in what they believed. With conversion one gets detached from the practices of the family. This could be painful and could have an element of guilt. If one intellectually compares and contrasts the two religions and accepts the new faith then the guilt is negligible. Every culture in the world is accepting the new culture given by the technology because of its obvious superiority. Recently in India there was a Christian priest who was a missionary for twenty years and then converted back to Hinduism. He said that he felt very good to come back to his ancestor’s faith. All these years he was going against his ancestors, which he subconsciously felt guilty of.

The process of conversion done by heart requires quite some time. It requires study of this new religion, understanding it, comparing with the existing religion, and then finally deciding to change the religion. In the 3rd world countries conversion is very quick- within days. The emphasis laid upon is firstly, if you change to Christianity you will straight away go to heaven, whatever sins you have committed. Secondly various tricks are shown as miracles (villagers are shown that the idols of Hindu gods do dip down in the water but specially made wax and paper idol of Jesus does not sink in the water). Thirdly there is immediate financial gain- this is in the form of cash or help in education and marriage of daughters etc. In a cash starved society this is a very powerful incentive. Since this is a materialistic incentive, one material attraction will lead to another materialistic attraction. While the Christians in the west, may be happy to learn the increase in numbers, the question however is, how long will the new converts follow the rules and the stories of this new religion? This is especially true when we consider the very powerful effect of modern coco cola culture, which has the attraction of dance (party), sex, idolizing actors and singers etc. If Christians are aiming for regular church goers- that may not be possible in the medium to long term. It is because, firstly Christianity does not have a method of realization of God while living, which would have acted as a powerful effect on their belief. Secondly the coca-cola culture is very strong and thirdly people's taste has changed- they want to explore their own spirituality -as is happening in the west. Fourthly the free people simply don’t want to follow set rules.

This conversion process will create a community of Christians, who will have to start saying other gods are false, creating a kind of religious tension in the locality. If Christianity is only interested in the number (not practicing) of people in their community then sure I must say they are successful and this success will continue in the future till people become able to manage their own affairs, without other peoples material help. While we see the Christian organizations going to non-Christian countries to serve humanity, the poverty stricken and hungry Christians in places like South America or the black ghettos of America are left to defend themselves without help.

Is conversion to Hinduism necessary?

When Hinduism believes all religions are attempting to reach God then why do Hindus frown conversion from Hinduism to other religions? Why do Hindus convert people from other faiths to their group? The answer to these questions is simple. Firstly Hinduism does not say that all religions are the same. What is says is, all religions are attempting to reach the omnipotent God. As far as method is concerned, some methods used by some religions are simply abhorrent. Secondly, we all want peace in this world. Imagine a world of religious strife with atomic power. We want a catholic philosophy, like Hinduism, which respects all religions. This is fundamental to peaceful coexistence. Christianity says that apart from their one, other religions are false. Not only that, one sect says that other sect is wrong. While Islam says the same. These beliefs do not lead to peaceful coexistence because, if a Christian says you are wrong to a Muslim, he (Muslim) becomes angry. Same thing applies to Muslims as well. This world is never going to be either totally Christian or totally Islamic. There will always be conflict in the world. That is why in some places religious discussions are not intertained. At the moment, modern civilization is creating a balance between them, pressing them to respect one another. Hinduism is the only catholic philosophy, encompassing all, which if dominant in the world, will be a better philosophy, to check and balance the minority communities. This is the reason why people should convert to Hinduism and make the world a safer place. Other religion will always get respect from the followers of Hinduism.

Why not then, simply follow the modern civilization?

Civilization is well developed, only if it allows the development of all branches of knowledge. Modern civilization becomes well developed only if it follows suit, including, the development of spirituality. This is because civilization, by definition does allow the development of every branch of knowledge. Spirituality makes us look at the universe from a different angle. It complements science. If science and spirituality go hand in hand, with one complimenting the other, we will be able to understand the cosmos much quicker. Different approach/angles are very important in scientific inventions. We need every bit of evidence, to come to a scientific conclusion. If we close the door of spirituality, then we close a big branch of knowledge and hence retard the progress of development of a civilization. Sadly spirituality is lacking in the modern civilization, which makes it rather incomplete. Hence the need for Hindu/Vedic civilization.

Suggested Further Reading