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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ultimately left to individual conscience.
H3. Who is permitted to interpret the meaning of sacred texts? All spiritual seekers are encouraged to study and reflect on the scriptures directly to the best of their ability. Their understanding is aided by the guidance of commentators and teachers, but there is no stricture against individuals reaching their own interpretations of scripture. Vigorous questioning and independent inquiry are strongly recommended and doctrinal issues are generally left to the individual to decide in line with his or her own understanding of Dharma and personal conscience. The scriptures themselves state that direct experience of the Divine has more authority than the scriptures. 19
H4. Are women eligible to be clergy or religious leaders? Some of the most prominent religious leaders are women, but customarily priests are men.
H5. Is there a formal way to admit persons to this religion? Anyone who professes faith in the Vedas is a Hindu and traditionally there has been no formal rite for conversion.
ATTITUDE TOWARD THE “OTHER”
Il. How are other religions viewed in scripture or tradition? Hindus do not engage in proselytizing and have no hesitancy in accepting all religions as legitimate ways to God, as observed diversity is merely superficial, masking the one underlying Reality.20 This attitude is fostered by the scriptural emphasis on experience rather than doctrine; an ancient tradition of free debate among all philosophical schools, including atheism; and a long history of offering sanctuary to followers of religions that were being persecuted elsewhere, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, Zoroastrians and Baha'i. Hindus have close philosophical and cultural affinity to the three other major religions that were born in IndiaBuddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
12. Do followers of other religions merit salvation? Hindus do not claim that Hinduism is the exclusive path to salvation (see G3).
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HINDU - CATHOLIC DIALOGUE