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D. Patel: On Hinduism - Interfaith Youth Forum in London
Written by Dhanisha Patel
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Namaste — the divinity in me bows to the divinity inside of each and every one of you present today.I would like to begin by saying that I am very honored to be here representing the Hindu delegation at this landmark event. Before I begin, I would like to take a minute and say a prayer of Unity:
Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Maa Kaschit Dukha Bhagh Bhavet.
This means: May all be happy; may all be without disease; may all have well-being; may none have misery of any sort.
According to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
How can we use faith principles to encourage peace?
- There is one Supreme Being and many different but equally valid pathways to the same Supreme Being; therefore, all faiths are just as important and deserve equal respect.
- If all pathways are equally valid, then what is the need to convert? The Declaration of Human Rights says that all people have the right to practice what they believe; therefore, in accord with this Declaration, people should not have to undergo conversion.
I agree with the first point of "Ekam Sat Viprah Bahuda Vadanti." This is the concept within Hinduism that there are many contradictory paths to God and we recognize that just as each person or individual is unique, so also his or her efforts to reach the Almighty are unique.
Just as the clouds rain without discretion, the sun shines without discrimination, and the winds blow without distinction, so is service to humanity in Hinduism. Hinduism holds service to humanity as a great virtue. We say that "serving humanity is serving God" because we believe each being is an extension or representation of the Supreme God. Nonviolence is therefore the highest virtue of all. These concepts are applied regardless of one's religion, caste, or background.
It is, therefore, an instrinsic aspect of Hinduism to marvel at and appreciate the routes, methods, practices, and approaches one takes to pleasing and reaching God.
- Hindus believe in atman, that every person has God within them (soul). You should respect and try to help every single individual. This is a form of worship, as you are serving the God within them.
- The aim of life is ultimate happiness (being at one with oneself and at peace) according to Hinduism. You can only achieve this if everyone around you is happy and all realize that they are one with and part of the same God
- Karma means that you are responsible for your actions. All your actions have a consequence. Hinduism encourages you to think long and deep before carrying out any action or thought and to carefully consider its consequences. In particular, we believe actions should uphold the principle of ahimsa (nonviolence). This applies in every context — not just to how you act but also to how you think.
Conversions and the idea of supreme religion or one true faith should be counterbalanced with idea of Ekam Sat Viprah Bahuda Vadanti — Truth is one, although sages may call it by different names (pluralism).
How does religion and unity amongst religions shed light on the path to peace?
- In Hinduism we have a saying, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning that the world is one family (maybe this is similar to the concept of the caste system, highlighting different functions, but same principles)
- Here we should pick up on common principles: the "do nots" (thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not envy, or steal or lie) and the "dos," such as being a good neighbor.
Dhanisha Patel is from Bridgend, South Wales, and is currently living in East London. Her undergraduate degree was in Political Science, and she is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Law. She likes poetry and is a very keen volunteer. She is the vice-chair of the Student Volunteering Advisory Board in England and the Volunteer Co-ordinator of the National Hindu Students Forum.