eriko
12 April 2010, 09:47 AM
Here I am going to specifically talk about the people who live in Delhi. I am student and my classroom comprises of around 50 students. Actually, there are 400 students per standard, and I have never come across anyone other than myself interested in Hindu Dharma.
Of course people at the present are very career focused, but still. There are a few things that I have observed in my peers that I would like all the learned men and women to comment on.
First of all, there is ignorance and disinterest. My personal opinion is that many students are not intellectual enough to grasp the finer points of Hindu Dharma, and while others who are intellectual enough do not take interest. I mean Dharma has become some kind of hobby, you like it, you opt for it. Like that.
Secondly, Hindu Dharma holds an extremely special place in my heart (of course its the same with you people, thats why we are all here), but its irritating when people say that All Religions Are One. The point is tolerance for me is, and I assume also for many here, "letting people of different faith existing peacefully without discrimination." Plainly, being content with your own beliefs and accepting others people's as well reserving your opinion. Logically speaking, you accept other beliefs not because they are correct, but because people have the right to form their own beliefs. You respect the other person's religion because you respect his individuality.
Next, there are just too many misconceptions. For example, our class teacher asked us, "Who all believe in reincarnation?" Prior to this question everyone had been quoting various instances of reincarnation, and stuff like that. But when this question was raised, I was the only one who raised my hand. So you see. They take reincarnation to be a religious notion than something that explains the Universe. I mean there isn't anything else that explains it in a better way than reincarnation, and that is why you accept this.
Next, Hindu Dharma is extremely complex, a way of life as many say. So, what most fail to see is that Hindu Dharma is not just a religion (personally, I don't think its a religion at all, but still), but also a science, culture and philosophy. the point is almost everyone is unable to differentiate between the different aspects of Hindu Dharma. Of course I myself am not experienced or learned enough to fully comprehend the above. But at least I know what is that I am talking about and hence I have direction. And you do need a direction in Hindu Dharma to start from because there are just too many different wasy of achieving the same goal.
Then, parents don't take interest. I don't think that I would be jumping onto conclusions if I say that parents are same as there kids.
So overall, its a very radical secularist environment. I think that I have forgotten the exact words for it. Its the same that is happening in the news, in politics and everywhere else, and my point is here is where the problem starts. And since most Hindu organisations I feel ignore the young people of this country, dunno why? Personally, I feel that I have never been taken seriously by adults especially in the matters of religion. I am not complaining, but this means that young people are rarely encouraged to learn about their roots, especially Hindus.
I am not asking for anything specific, but please write your comments or whatever that comes to your mind after reading it. Like are you sad, or happy (of course nobody would be happy)? Or do you think that young minds should be taken seriously, or there are ways to involve young people into Hindu Dharma? Are there any organisations that you know have come up with some novel ideas to involve youngsters? Or you persona; experience with some young people, you kids or someone in the neighbourhood. Just write all that you think can be done, or just share your views.
And one more thing, a few days back I was reading the thread something to do with Universalism of Hindu Dharma, but I have lost it. So anybody, kind enough please give me the link.
Of course people at the present are very career focused, but still. There are a few things that I have observed in my peers that I would like all the learned men and women to comment on.
First of all, there is ignorance and disinterest. My personal opinion is that many students are not intellectual enough to grasp the finer points of Hindu Dharma, and while others who are intellectual enough do not take interest. I mean Dharma has become some kind of hobby, you like it, you opt for it. Like that.
Secondly, Hindu Dharma holds an extremely special place in my heart (of course its the same with you people, thats why we are all here), but its irritating when people say that All Religions Are One. The point is tolerance for me is, and I assume also for many here, "letting people of different faith existing peacefully without discrimination." Plainly, being content with your own beliefs and accepting others people's as well reserving your opinion. Logically speaking, you accept other beliefs not because they are correct, but because people have the right to form their own beliefs. You respect the other person's religion because you respect his individuality.
Next, there are just too many misconceptions. For example, our class teacher asked us, "Who all believe in reincarnation?" Prior to this question everyone had been quoting various instances of reincarnation, and stuff like that. But when this question was raised, I was the only one who raised my hand. So you see. They take reincarnation to be a religious notion than something that explains the Universe. I mean there isn't anything else that explains it in a better way than reincarnation, and that is why you accept this.
Next, Hindu Dharma is extremely complex, a way of life as many say. So, what most fail to see is that Hindu Dharma is not just a religion (personally, I don't think its a religion at all, but still), but also a science, culture and philosophy. the point is almost everyone is unable to differentiate between the different aspects of Hindu Dharma. Of course I myself am not experienced or learned enough to fully comprehend the above. But at least I know what is that I am talking about and hence I have direction. And you do need a direction in Hindu Dharma to start from because there are just too many different wasy of achieving the same goal.
Then, parents don't take interest. I don't think that I would be jumping onto conclusions if I say that parents are same as there kids.
So overall, its a very radical secularist environment. I think that I have forgotten the exact words for it. Its the same that is happening in the news, in politics and everywhere else, and my point is here is where the problem starts. And since most Hindu organisations I feel ignore the young people of this country, dunno why? Personally, I feel that I have never been taken seriously by adults especially in the matters of religion. I am not complaining, but this means that young people are rarely encouraged to learn about their roots, especially Hindus.
I am not asking for anything specific, but please write your comments or whatever that comes to your mind after reading it. Like are you sad, or happy (of course nobody would be happy)? Or do you think that young minds should be taken seriously, or there are ways to involve young people into Hindu Dharma? Are there any organisations that you know have come up with some novel ideas to involve youngsters? Or you persona; experience with some young people, you kids or someone in the neighbourhood. Just write all that you think can be done, or just share your views.
And one more thing, a few days back I was reading the thread something to do with Universalism of Hindu Dharma, but I have lost it. So anybody, kind enough please give me the link.