UNITED WE STAND,
SURVIVE AND FLOURISH
By
H.H. Shri Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India
Hinduism is, at its very core, a religion of unity, a religion of inclusion. Our
scriptures teach Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The Upanishads say, Ekam sat
viprah bahudha vadantiThe truth is one, but the paths are many. The scriptures
explain the differences between the various paths, but never hold one in higher
esteem than another. Thus, there is no place in our culture, tradition, faith or
religion for exclusion, for prejudice, or for an us versus them mentality. One of
the great pillars of Sanatan Dharma, and that which has helped it to withstand the
test of time, is its unity in diversity, its ability to embrace innumerable sects into
its arms.
Unfortunately, today we are seeing these very basic principles uprooted and
undermined. It is not only other religions and faiths against which our people seem
to be discriminating, but this discrimination is even taking place against members
of our own Sanatan Dharma! Today, as I travel the world, I hear people make
comments like Oh, we are not part of that katha. That is being done by the other
temple. Or, Our Janmashtami program is held here, and their program is held
over there. Or, I wont go listen to that saint speak. He is not from our
sampradaya. I hear complaints and criticisms from one group about the others.
Suddenly the foundation of our great tradition seems to be splitting and splintering
abroad. This is a great tragedy.
God is one ultimate, omniscient and omnipotent. He manifests at various times
throughout the history of the world when darkness is overpowering light, when
evil is vanquishing righteousness, when adharma wields its insidious hand over
dharma. Depending upon the time and the need of the people, God incarnates in
such a form as to be most beneficial to those whom He will teach.
The same is true in personal worship God appears to each of us in the form
which is most suited to our own, personal spiritual development. Bhagwan Shri
Krishna says Ye yatha maam prapadhyante, meaning, whichever form the
devotee worships, in that form I appear. This does make that particular form
inherently or objectively better than the others. It just means that is the form
which will be easiest for US to relate to and worship.
Additionally, as we talk about the various paths to God -- including Gyan, Bhakti
and Karma -- which manifest in todays world as various branches of teaching,
none is objectively superior to the other. Certain people are more inclined toward
scriptural study and philosophy. Others are more inclined toward selfless service
and humanitarian work. Still others are more inclined toward blissful love of God
and the devotional aspects. For each of these paths, there are numerous branches,
sects, and schools of teaching. In this way, everyone, whether they live in India or
abroad, can find a particular group with whom to relate, a particular temple in
which to worship, and particular practices which appeal most to their own,
inherent sensibilities.
However, it must be remembered that this flexibility of Sanatan Dharma is there
so that the maximum number of people can achieve the ultimate goal of God
realization. It is NOT there so that we can break ourselves off into isolated groups,
shunning others and disseminating only the teachings of our particular branch!
Hinduism is a great tree of life. We each live on a particular branch and eat the
leaves of that branch for our nourishment. But, we must not cultivate the belief
that our branch is superior in any way to the others. Nor must we mistake our
branch for the tree itself. No branch is the tree. Only the tree is the tree. Yet, all
branches are intricately connected to this tree and depend upon it for their very
survival. An isolated branch, split off from the Mother Tree, will quickly become
desiccated and perish. It is only by remaining closely connected to the Tree that
any branch can survive.
Therefore, let us all choose our personal method of worship. Fine. Let us have our
personal ishta devta. Wonderful. But, let us not forget that it is the Tree which
sustains us, not the branch. That tree is Sanatan Dharma. That tree is our Indian
Culture. Every branch stems from the same great trunk. Our roots are the same. It
is the same soil which nourishes us. Thus, let us remember that we are NOT
separate. Rather, we are one.
The Hindu groups must function like fingers on a hand. Sure one is longer, one is
shorter. One is closer to the left, one is closer to the right. One is narrower, one is
wider. But, they are part and parcel of the same hand. Only by working together,
as a united hand can any beneficial work be done. A finger, by itself is virtually
powerless. One, isolated finger, cannot do anything to benefit itself, nor anything
which benefits the hand, nor anything which benefits anything! It is only by
working in conjunction with the other fingers and with the rest of the hand that the
fingers potential is realized.
Similarly, all the Hindu groups are individual fingers separated slightly, different
in outward appearance. At times, they may stay apart. But, when necessary they
must come together. They are part of one divine Hand and they must work
together for the benefit of themselves, for the benefit of Hinduism and for the
benefit of the World.