Ishwa helper Reged: 03/03/02 Posts: 553

Re: Hinduvata is NOT Hinduism!!! [Re: vinaire] #14754 - 04/13/02 07:57 AM Edit Reply Quote

I agree with you, Vinaire, not to slam Hindutva totally or too hastily. First of all we have to define what Hindu-tva is. In my opinion it is a phenomenon of Renaissance of being a Hindu. Then we should recognize which forms of Hindu-tva we encounter: 1. passive: non-agressive form of being a Hindu. 2. assertive: discussing, active participating, etc. 3. defensive: defence as last resource when others fail. 4. agressive: militant form of Hindu-tva Not all of the Hindu-tva is militant. So generalizations both from within the Hindu-tva camp (to gain supporters:) as well as outside that camp (to isolate) are not justified. Nuances are needed. For instance in the history disciplines the researchers, who are unveiling the distortions made by historians of the older school, are being blamed as being of the Hindu-tva or Hindu nationalists in the same breath as national-socialists (of the second world war). Why, because the older school is losing influence which it doesn't want to give up. In playing down everything Hindu, they gained their importance (and financial support). These real researchers are getting the same label as the ones who are busy with colouring the history with too much pro-Hindu labels or the ones who are busy with militant activities. I do believe in non-violence. But I also believe in defence. With a thought (Manasika) and words (Vachika) you can defend yourself against certain agressors but not all. Therefore you need also actions (Karmika). But that's only the last resource, that's what the Gita is about. But we shouldn't run away to take action to defend! Ahimsa doesn't mean to be a coward. A-himsa means a proper himsa , a himsa which can be done according to the circumstances when everything else fails. It's defensive himsa. When dealing with mass violence you need a special body of trained people who can deal with this kind of agression. But who themselves can be checked by other bodies (legislation) when doing wrongs. Of course retalliation is bad himsa. That is to be avoided. Summarized, there is a danger when working with generalizations. Emotions are another factor to deal with. And last but not least the political factor. Some have sympathies for one faction others for another. This may colour the opinion on the adversaries. All not helping much to get a proper solution.