Book Title: Hindu Catholic Dialogue Commemorative Brochure 20150523
Author(s): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Publisher: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Hinduism offers practitioners a variety of ways to transform their minds so that they become aware of the Divine's presence everywhere, at all times, in themselves, in every other human being, in the whole of creation. Such a person rises above sorrows, awakens an innate sense of love, compassion and service towards all, and spreads peace and joy in all that they do.
Hinduism is not about adherence to a dogma or following a Prophet. It is about connecting with the Divine Truth that is within everyone: Hidden in all individuals there is only one Deva-the Divine Being. He is all pervading and the soul of all living beings. (Svetashvatara Upanishad 6.11).
Since this Truth is beyond the mind's grasp, Hinduism inherently promotes respect for the viewpoints of others: Truth is One although wise persons speak of It in various ways. (Rig Veda 1.164.46).
Hinduism emphasizes Dharma (right conduct) rather than doctrine, and points the way to a meaningful life. The supreme dharma for all humanity is that by which they can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the Self. (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6).
The all-pervasiveness of the Divine and the principles of Dharma and Karma inspire Hindus to respect the earth, minimize violence, and be concerned with the welfare of all. These core teachings are beautifully relayed in a song by Narsin Mehta, the great poet saint of the 15th CE -- a song later popularized by Mahatma Gandhi-- where a devoted Hindu is described: One who is a true devotee knows the pain of others, does good to others, without letting pride enter his mind. A devotee tolerates and praises the entire world, does not speak ill of others, keeps his/her promises, action, and thoughts pure....A devotee sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice, respects women as he respects his own mother. Though his tongue may tire, he will utter no untruth....
In the words of Swami Vivekananda: "I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.... As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.... Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal." (Swami Vivekananda, World Parliament of Religions, 1893)
