Dear Sir,
In my observation, generally presentation of any particular sub-set of Hinduism
like Vaishnavism, Srivaishnavism, Veerashaivism etc receive a much better
treatment.
However, generic Hinduism/India receives a very shabby treatment, just like
you hav ementioned. Even academic scholars of Indian/Hindu up bringing
typically,
start their Hinduism chapter with Gandhi, untouchability,and Babri Masjid- as
if these
are some great aspects! This will be like starting a chapter on islam with 9/11
or chapter
on christianity with slavery, colonialism, Hitler or inquisition.
This is very similar to India(ns) as a whole as well- great individuals
poor community!
I think the need of the hour is how to present/protect Hinduism as a whole in
the right spirit,
and not worry about countless sects, which only present partial truths with
partiality, however
dear it may be to us!
I use the attached article while presenting generic Hinduism, and is very well
received.
When they ask me is cow holy?
I ask them, tell me which animal is not holy.
When they ask why Hindus are against cow slaughter or consuming beef?
I tell them it is more to do with culture than religion.
Just like Americans do not eat dog, whereas in parts of Russia, Nagaland-
Christians do eat dog.
dAsan,
K.S. tAtAchAr
-----Original Message-----
From: Rajaram Venkataramani <v_raja_ram@xxxxxxxxx>
To: srirangasri@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:01:07 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [SriRangaSri] Presenting Sri Vaishnavism in American Schools
I would like to present below a great opportunity to present Sri Vaishnavism in
schools across America and influence millions of school children. Please read
on
if interested.
American children are taught that vedas originated at a particular point in
time
as recent as 1500 BCE. They present it as such because it is the "scholarly"
opinion. But "scholarly" opinion is not presented with respect to Jesus
Mythology. Schools teach Vedic System as per western indological opinion and
Semitic Religions as per their internal faith system.
Varnashrama system is ridculed without even making the basic attempt to
understand it. Untouchability is a social practice and has nothing to with
Vedas
or varnashrama. But children are taught to identify social ills such as
untouchability with the Vedic System. But they are not taught that all semitic
religions support slavery.
The text books make fun of Vedic personalities including the incarnations of
the
lord himself. For example, Lord Rama is called a "monkey-god" in a demaning
manner. The god of vedas is written in small letter and the God of semitic
faiths is written in capital letter.
They make sweeping generalization about Vedanta as if it is atheistic. There is
absolutely no recognition of the fact that there are different schools of
interpretation.
I am part of a group working on correcting presentation of "Hinduism" as one
monolithic structure and ensuring that different vedic schools are presented as
per their respective internal faith system. This will ensure parity among all
faiths semitic and non-semitic on the American land.
Here is an opportunity for Sri Vaishnavas to present the this parama vaidhika
tradition great acharyas. The beliefs of Sri Vaishnavas in Sriman Narayana
Varnashrama System, Cyclical Time etc., can be presented. To do this, it needs
a
team of intelligent educated volunteers who can work on the presentation. If
they have the energy and the courage, they can contribute to the legal battle
also. But that is not mandatory. But I request that sri hnavas with a standing
are put together to present to present Sri Vaishnava tradition in an authentic
manner.
Please pass this information on to scholarly, renown Sri Vaishnavas and help in
putting to gether a team.
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