OUR RENAISSANCE HEROES
Ram Swarup's Anti-Hindu Hindus: The problem of Self-Alienation[June '96 issue] is an excellent article, which I hope many Indians, particularly Marxist Indians, will read and benefit from. Hindus should have a clear understanding that their real problem is not Muslims or Christians but their own Marxist and castist brothers. The British kingdom has gone away, but not the indology of Macaulayism and Eurocentrism, which has been flourishing, and the brain washing goes on and on. We are fortunate to have brilliant scholars and authors such as Ram Swarup, Georg Feuerstein, Subash Kak and David Frawley (the last three the authors of In Search of the Cradle of Civilization)who are bringing out the truth about our history and civilization. The article by Vamadeva Sastry (Dr. David Frawley), To Him India's Problems are History[June '96 issue], resonates with Ram Swarup's. The 18 volume History of India Seriespublished by BHISMA (General editor Dr. S.D. Kulkarni) will shine the light of truth on the ignorant minds of Macaulayists and Marxists of India. These authors are some of our heroes leading us along our Hindu renaissance.
Dr. T.R.N. Rao, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
INCORRECTLY PRACTISED
I found your June '96 article, Anti-Hindu Hindus: The problem of Self-Alienation,quite interesting. There is no doubt in my mind that Hinduism is the greatest religion in the world. But, I am not quite convinced if the Hindus have practiced their religion the way it was intended. For example, when invaded by foreigners, instead of mobilizing their resources to fight the enemy, they were too busy fighting among themselves or they simply refused to fight, writing everything off to destiny. This made it so easy for the foreigners to simply divide us and rule. If Hindus acted cowardly and unwisely in the past, it was not because of their religion but because of their misinterpretation of it.
Pradeep K. Srivastava, Detroit, Michigan, USA
UNACCEPTABLE
I am shocked to read the article, "How wine can help the heart"[Dr. Tandavan's column, June '96 issue] and upset to say that your highly respected magazine, which especially depicts the cause of the Hindu religion, has chosen to publish the above highly objectionable article. It encourages consumption of alcohol which is strictly prohibited in Hinduism.
Udaychand Malani ,San Ramon, California, USA
PLEASING DISCOVERY
I had just a generalized and diffused sort of awareness about the all-too-variegated activities being carried out by the different denominations and institutional or sectarian provenances. These are the much-too-publicized ones like Swami Vivekananda's, Swami Yogananda's, Swami Sivananda's, Swami Baktivedanta's and those others not so widely publicized. I am now delighted to learn that every establishment is contributing according to its might. Each is one working in a spirit ebullient with dedication, devotion and commitment, each one mustering its own strength of votaries, each one having its sanctuaries or premises, each one marking its own identity and individuality, and all of them aiming at the same cause that is giving a fillip to a silent revolution among the Hindu settlers, ushering in a Hindu renaissance overseas. I find it so very gratifying, indeed, that efforts are afoot to reach the knowledge and wisdom of our sages and seers of yore so far and wide around the globe.
Dr. Samarendra Saraf, Saugor, Madya Pradesh, India
ONE GOD, ONE WORLD
I have been especially moved and brought to a new realization by your articles on the effects of Christian missions on the indigenous Hindu communities. It is a shame that we can't realize we're all worshipping the same God, just with different forms. In the US, the Christians are staunch (if a little hidebound) defenders of the Universal Dharma–strong family values, moral decency, respect for life, etc. It pains me that they don't recognize that the Hindus are standing for exactly the same thing. I'm afraid it's the lack of the direct experience of God or the expansion of the intuitive link with divine wisdom which makes people of different religions unable to see their brotherhood. My heart longs for a unity of all religions and a loosening of the constraints of religious bigotry and petty-mindedness. The Hindu's maturity on this issue reveals the luminosity of their lineages and the power of their practices–I'm truly indebted to your tradition for all I've learned.
Cameron D. McIntosh , Yateendra@aol.com
NEVER AGAIN!
This letter is addressed to those members of The Southern Baptist Leadership who feel they must convert members of the Jewish faith to the Baptist faith. I am not addressing all Southern Baptists, but this letter is aimed directly to the religious fundamentalists who feel that their path is the only true path to God. Let me tell you what Hinduism, and Judaism have in common. We place no limit on the power of God. We have a faith so intense in God that it would amaze you. Many Eastern religions preach respect for the beliefs of others. We feel that God is so powerful and so compassionate, that God has manifested into many names to accommodate many people. God does this in order to shed God's grace on every being, not just Southern Baptists.
Shakti Ganapati Subramaniam, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
ADMIRERS
My heartfelt thanks for providing my sense of connection to our Hindu world through your wonderful publication. I count Hinduism Today as another blessing for my life, by the grace of Shiva and Shakti.
Thomas Traettino, Salem, Massachusetts, USA
I am a recent subscriber to Hinduism Today, which is extremely interesting and would prove a great bonus for those who want to explore Hinduism further. Although the Hindu community in Singapore is small, I must say we are, to a certain extent, well informed about Hinduism through temple programs and our local radio.
Nishanti Pillay, Singapore
Hinduism Today offers a ray of hope and light in this bleak material existence. As a Hare Krishna, we always appreciate others who are trying to expand Sanatana Dharma. Magazines like yours keep us informed of happenings in the expansion of this Vedic philosophy. The feature on the exalted Vaishnavas of Sri Vrindhavan Dham [Jan. '96 issue] was simply nectar. I read this over and over, relishing the mercy of such nice Vaishnavas.
Yashik Nanan, Umzinto, Durban, South Africa, s9601945@dixie.udw.ac.az
NO DOUBLE STANDARDS!
I was born into a religion which is the only religion in the world in which so many forms of Goddesses are worshiped. Then why do I hear so many parents giving me excuses such as, "she need not go to college, she cannot take up engineering, she must learn to cook, clean, learn to take care of the house, laundry etc…" because she is a girl. I feel that parents should encourage and involve both boys and girls in doing house chores. Why should there be double standards? Is it not necessary for both boys and girls to have manners, good moral conduct, good character, sharing and a giving quality? I understand there should be some different rules for safety purposes but not double standards. God gave both boys and girls a mind because they both are equally capable of thinking. Let's educate ourselves and others on what Bharat Mata really has to offer to the world; which is humanity, spirituality and eternal knowledge.
Pallavi Pandya, Astoria, New York, USA
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