 |
| The Hindu Phenomenon |
|
A UNIQUE PHENOMENON |
|
|
|
|
| Nazism,
fascism and communism have been expressions of the same Semitic
spirit in the secular realm. They too divided human beings into
friends and foes and looked for dissidents in their own
ranks. Indeed, it would not be too wide off the mark to say that the
Christian passion for proselytization got diverted into these ideological
channels in our century leading to one tragedy after another,
ironically for Christians. While it is terrible that six million
Jews should have died in Nazi gas chambers, it should be remembered
that something like 100 million Christians perished as a result of
Nazism and communism in concentration camps and during the Second
World War.
While other people have, in the past, shared a similar catholicity of outlook, Hindus can claim two unique achievements which set them apart. Hindus alone developed yogic techniques on a regular scientific basis which any interested person can study and practice, preferably under the guidance of a guru (preceptor), according to his capacity and commitment. This fact is recognized by leading authorities on yoga the world over. Shamanism is not yoga, as Mircea Eliade, a leading authority on comparative religion, recognizes. And it might be added that yoga is the basis of Hindu spirituality. Equally important, Hindus alone have been able to preserve an unbroken link with the past and a comprehensive corpus of ancient knowledge in all branches of human activity.
|
|
|
|
