prasad1
Active member
One of the strongest qualities of Hinduism is that, despite its diverse approaches to the Divine, there has been a rich tradition of debate and discourse that has nourished and revitalized Hindu thought and practice. Hindu scriptures and spiritual leaders have for thousands of years extolled the virtue of learning and knowledge creation, commonly referred to among Hindus as jnana yoga. In fact, my own inspiration as a critical scholar -- questioning everything and the exhilaration of academic debate -- comes from the 17th century Hindu saint Raghavendra, who excelled in debating and successfully questioned long assumed orthodoxies within the Vaishnavite tradition in which he was raised.
With the spiritual wealth accumulated through centuries of discourse within India, Diasporic Hindu communities have been able to use that capital in helping to evolve the spiritual traditions and acclimate within diverse settings across the globe, while those who have found Hinduism from other walks of life have added their own rich contributions.
Hinduism has always been a knowledge-driven way of life, as its adherents engage in a lifelong quest for greater truths. It espouses the rational and yet is teeming with emotion, as exhibited by various displays of bhakti worship. In other words, Hinduism is a faith tradition that inherently connects the head and heart. While gurus and spiritual leaders have held these roles, intellectual discussions introduced by academics -- including the ones whose research is critical of aspects of Hindu practice -- are also necessary for meaningful growth and dialogue. They sharpen our understanding of the expanse of the religion's philosophies and practices, open avenues of conversation between generations, and allow practitioners to engage in rigorous defense of certain traditions.
Critiquing the 'Sacred:' Promoting the Idea of Discourse Within the Hindu American Community | Murali Balaji
With the spiritual wealth accumulated through centuries of discourse within India, Diasporic Hindu communities have been able to use that capital in helping to evolve the spiritual traditions and acclimate within diverse settings across the globe, while those who have found Hinduism from other walks of life have added their own rich contributions.
Hinduism has always been a knowledge-driven way of life, as its adherents engage in a lifelong quest for greater truths. It espouses the rational and yet is teeming with emotion, as exhibited by various displays of bhakti worship. In other words, Hinduism is a faith tradition that inherently connects the head and heart. While gurus and spiritual leaders have held these roles, intellectual discussions introduced by academics -- including the ones whose research is critical of aspects of Hindu practice -- are also necessary for meaningful growth and dialogue. They sharpen our understanding of the expanse of the religion's philosophies and practices, open avenues of conversation between generations, and allow practitioners to engage in rigorous defense of certain traditions.
Critiquing the 'Sacred:' Promoting the Idea of Discourse Within the Hindu American Community | Murali Balaji
