IDOLATRY AND DOGMATISM: THE VEILS OF MAYA

Those who make the charge of idolatry against such use of images only demonstrate their ignorance of symbolic language and mythology. Not surprisingly, strongly aniconic traditions are usually opposed to mysticism altogether, and have stifled art as well.

Such a worshipper of images was Paramahansa Ramakrishna, whom many Westerners have been inspired by. Ramakrishna was a priest at a Hindu temple and worshipped the Divine Mother in the form of Kali, who has a terrible form replete with fangs and a garland of skulls. Let those who are opposed to the use of images show among their members a being of such spiritual realization of Ramakrishna.

We should note that religions that use images have not historically been more violent or sensual than those who deny them. Hindu and Buddhist communities contain a strong ascetic tradition, as well as an emphasis on non-violence, even though these traditions use images.

Image-denying religions, on the other hand, have been guilty of violence and destruction perpetuated in the name of destroying idols and converting heathens and infidels through various crusades and holy wars. The non-use of images has obviously not increased our human sensitivity or respect for other cultures.

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