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can easily maintain their universality, which is inherent in the
Hindu view, without putting their own tradition so much in the
background or being so quick to acknowledge the validity and
equality of other traditions that are not willing to reciprocate.
They can maintain a more distinctly Hindu identity without
compromising their tolerance or openness to all. The model of
Vivekananda, with his direct and fearless proclamation of truth,
could have been followed, rather than a progressively weaker attempt
to please everyone in the religious or spiritual field.
They can look at the example of the
Buddhists, who have not found it necessary to give up their Buddhist
identity, or their emphasis on Buddhist teachings, in developing
respect for all religions. Yet while Buddhist teachers don't hesitate
to proclaim that they are Buddhists or to ask their followers to
become Buddhists, Hindu teachers often keep their tradition hidden
and seldom give their followers any impression that they would
benefit from becoming Hindus!
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