| They
should know that Hindus have their own views of truth and cannot
accept the missionary approach, exclusive monotheism, or any final
savior or prophet as spiritually valid. They should know that in the
intellectual and religious spheres Hindus will promote what they
regard as truth and will not bow down to religious beliefs that are
not acceptable to the principles of Sanatana Dharma. Other religious
groups must learn that there is a Hindu voice, a Hindu conscience
and a Hindu critique of religion that they cannot ignore.
They must learn that Hindu tolerance is
a form of strength and broad mindedness, not a form of weakness,
placation or appeasement.
While a government should not
criticize religions, it should not prevent their critical
examination in society, banning books in the name of Sarva Dharma
Samabhava. True religion should be like science, a seeking of truth,
not an attempt to impose a belief without any examination. This
requires that we do not accept the boundaries of religion but open
the field of religion, all religious, to deep examination. An honest
Hindu examination of other religions is essential to bring out a
genuine inquiry today. |
