35.
When we observe the evolution of Hinduism through the ages and
recognize that it is still a powerful living faith in spite of the
various vicissitudes it had to pass through, we are obliged to
concede that there must be some basic enduring quality. Do the
various reform movements in Hinduism have a hand in shaping it?
Undoubtedly. Hinduism has an enduring trait which has been shaped.
sustained and strengthened by the various reform movements over the
ages. Otherwise it would not have shown such resilience, like the
centre of gravitydoll. People of alien faiths and
cultures in spite of their barbaric invasions spread over centuries,
did not succeed in uprooting Hindu religion and culture from its
native soil.
On the other hand, once the shock waves
passed off, these aliens were quietly absorbed into the general.
fabric of our society. The basic reason for this trait is the
appearance of great religion cultural leaders at such critical
periods of our history, who imparted the necessary light,
wisdom and dynamism to the Hindu society. Any society
worth the name, if it is interested in being healthy and
strong, should give ample scope and opportunity to its members for
self introspection and constructive criticism.
This will enable it to spot out its weak
spots and eliminate them. It will also help it to recognize its
strong points, to strengthen them further. There is no gainsaying
the fact that for centuries, Hindu society has given such freedom
and opportunity for dissent and constructive criticism to its
constituent groups as also individuals. This is the greatest single
factor that has kept it alive and dynamic. However, this freedom
should not be abused, creating internal enemies, as it has,
sometimes, been happening.
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