Dr. Sudhakar Rao

Hinduism believes that it is not necessary to see eye to eye to be able to walk hand in hand. To a Hindu, the whole world is one family with differences to be accommodated and tolerated (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). This is because Hinduism is a way of life called Sanatana dharma or eternal law. Hinduism emphasizes that Dharma should not be equated with religion as is done in the modern world. There is a difference. History has shown that religion has been one of the most potent divisive forces, while dharma has been a uniting force. Organized religion is based on : a founder, a holy book, a unified method of worship, and a centralized hierarchy. It demands adherence of the followers to the book and the Prophet. Anything outside the faith is considered irreligious, or sinful. Salvation is possible only through the body of the Prophet or His words. Dharma on the other hand is a uniting force. There are no divisions in Dharma. Every interpretation is valid and welcome. No authority is too great to be questioned or too sacred to be touched. Unlimited interpretative freedom through free will is the quintessence of Dharma, because Dharma is as limitless as Truth itself. Hinduism has no known founder, not one, but many Holy Scriptures, individual methods of worship, and no centralized hierarchy. Mutual respect, understanding, love and coexistence form the basis of Sanathana dharma, eternal law, a way of life. Even atheists (called Charvakas) enjoyed a status in Vedic times. Hinduism realizes that all genuine religions are facets of God’s pure love and light, deserving tolerance and understanding. No one particular religion holds monopoly to salvation. All souls are entitled for salvation and there is no eternal damnation. Hindus always recognized and respected the infinite multiplicity of approaches to the Truth (Ekam Sat, Vipraa bahudha vadanti: Truth is one, but the wise call it by different names.)