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Hinduism is the largest pluralistic religion in the world. It teaches that
there are many paths, many sages, and many holy books and that no religion can claim any
exclusive or final representation of truth. This does not mean that Hinduism does not
recognize a unity to truth. On the contrary, Hinduism recognizes a total and profound
unity but one that is broad enough to allow for diversity and to integrate multiplicity,
like the many leaves on a great Banyan tree.
This
Hindu pluralism has confused people coming from singularistic religious traditions, such
as have dominated the Western world, who are baffled by the great diversity within
Hinduism. It has caused them to look upon Hinduism as a collection of cults or sects
rather than any consistent religious heritage. However if we look deeply into the
many-sided vision of Hinduism we will discover that it has much wisdom to teach everyone.
Today in the emerging global era we must learn to handle the great diversity of human
beings and their often very different cultures. This requires a pluralistic vision in all
aspects of life, from which religion, often the most important aspect of human culture,
cannot be excluded.
Hinduism is built upon diversity and holds within itself an
amazing, even bewildering, variety of teachers and teachings from what appear to be the
most primitive forms to the most abstract spiritual philosophies and yogic practices. One
could say that there are more religions inside of Hinduism than outside of it. Hinduism
has more Gods and Goddesses, more scriptures, more saints, sages and avatars, than any
other religion in the world, perhaps more than all the other major religions put together.
Author : David Frawley
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