India's Eternal Secular Dharma: Distinguishing Sanatan-Hinduism from Political Hindutva

"India is secular because 82% of its populace is Hindus. It is the thought process and philosophy of Hindus that make this country secular. Hindus are not bound by a single book, or a single prophet. Even an atheist is a Hindu. Hinduism embraces all.”

– former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

There is profound truth in these words spoken by the former Indian leader during an interview in 1998 with noted screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar, alongside renowned journalist and media personality Pritish Nandy.

India has been a land of diverse cultures, religions, and philosophies for millennia. At the heart of this pluralistic ethos lies Hinduism, or Sanatan Dharma (literally, the Eternal Law/Duty or the Eternal Way of Life), an idea that transcends the confined definition of religion. Often misunderstood as a monolithic faith, Hinduism actually embraces a multitude of beliefs, practices, and paths to spiritual enlightenment.

However, it is important to differentiate between the inclusive principles of the five-millennia old Sanatan Dharma, or Hinduism, and the agenda of relatively nascent political Hindutva, which aims to advance a narrow, exclusive interpretation of Hindu nationalism. The latter was formulated as a political movement by its ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1922, and associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS-founded in 1925), the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP-founded in 1964), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP-founded in 1980).

Embracing diversity: The "Joto Mot, Toto Poth" principle

Central to the Hindu or Sanatani perspective is the principle epitomized by the Hindu mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's famous words: “Joto Mot, Toto Poth” (as many faiths, so many paths), which is intrinsically liberal and secular in nature. It encapsulates the essence of Hinduism, which recognizes that individuals have varied spiritual inclinations and can find their own unique ways to connect with the divine. Emphasizing the inclusivity of spiritual paths, it acknowledges that people from diverse cultural backgrounds and belief systems can attain spiritual realization through their respective faiths.

It suggests that the spiritual journey is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. There are myriad faiths and belief systems in the world, and there are equally diverse ways to connect with the divine. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa believed that every religion is a unique path to the same ultimate truth. He advocated for honoring and respecting the beliefs of others, promoting tolerance and understanding among different faith communities.

The "Joto Mot, Toto Poth" principle also highlights the importance of personal choice in one's spiritual journey, recognizing that each individual may resonate with a particular spiritual path or tradition. It reminds us of the underlying unity that transcends religious and cultural differences, encouraging us to look beyond superficial distinctions and recognize the common thread of spirituality that runs through all faiths.

This concept was further popularized by Ramakrishna's disciple and the famous Hindu monk-philosopher Swami Vivekananda, who is still remembered for his historic speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, where he preached "universal brotherhood and religious tolerance." Vivekananda spoke against sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism, advocating for a world where all religions coexist peacefully and contribute to the common good of humanity.

The wisdom of "Joto Mot Toto Poth" principle remains relevant today, especially in a globalized world where understanding and respecting diverse spiritual paths is essential for promoting harmony and peace.

Inclusive attitude in everyday religious practices

Unlike other religions that assert a singular path to salvation, Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma accommodates a plethora of spiritual practices, including meditation, devotion, service, and intellectual inquiry. The concept of "ekam sat vipraha bahudha vadanti" (truth is one, the wise call it by many names) emphasizes the underlying unity of all religious traditions, recognizing that different paths may lead to the same ultimate truth.

This inclusive attitude is evident not only in philosophical teachings but also in everyday religious practices. It's common to find Hindu households adorned with sacred symbols of other faiths, such as the Sikh Khanda or the Christian cross, alongside images of Hindu deities. Moreover, Hindu temples often depict revered figures from various traditions, including Guru Nanak, Sai Baba, and even Jesus Christ, in harmony with the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses like Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, Kali, and Saraswati.

This syncretic approach to spirituality reflects the openness and acceptance ingrained in Hindu culture. Rather than viewing diversity as a source of division, Hinduism celebrates it as a manifestation of the divine. This pluralism extends beyond religious boundaries to encompass social, cultural, and ideological differences, fostering a society where individuals are free to explore their beliefs and identities without fear of persecution or exclusion.

A sanctuary of religious minorities, persecuted communities

The secular nature of Hinduism has not only fostered an environment of religious tolerance/acceptance but has also provided refuge to persecuted communities from various parts of the world. Throughout history, India has been a sanctuary for religious minorities fleeing persecution in their homelands.

For instance, the Parsis, followers of Zoroastrianism, sought refuge in India to escape religious persecution in Persia (modern-day Iran). Similarly, the Bahá'í Faith found a welcoming home in India, away from oppression in Iran. Even a small group of Jews, escaping persecution elsewhere, found safety and acceptance in India.

Christianity's presence in India predates its spread in Europe, dating back to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century CE. The Christian community in India has thrived for centuries, contributing to the rich fabric of religious diversity in the country.

The arrival of Islam in India has been a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While it initially came through trade routes via the Arabian Sea, it also arrived through Turkish and Afghan conquests and invasions via the Hindu Kush mountain range, leading to mixed sentiments among Hindus. However, it's important to note that even before the Mughal Empire was established, Islam had gradually become an integral part of the Indian cultural landscape. The synthesis of Islamic and indigenous Indian cultures gave rise to the Ganga-Jamuni tehzib (the confluence of Hindu and Muslim cultures), characterized by mutual respect and cultural exchange.

Sufism, with its emphasis on spirituality and mysticism, played a significant role in bridging the gap between Hinduism and Islam. Sufi saints like Nizamuddin Auliya and Chishti emphasized love, tolerance, and inclusivity, attracting followers from both Hindu and Muslim communities. Their dargahs (shrines) became centers of communal harmony, where people from diverse backgrounds came together to seek spiritual solace and guidance.

The acceptance and integration of different religious traditions into the fabric of Hindu society exemplify the secular ethos that has permeated Indian civilization for millennia. Despite occasional conflicts and tensions, India's pluralistic heritage continues to serve as a beacon of hope for religious coexistence and harmony in an increasingly polarized world.

Hindus shall rise to safeguard religious and cultural pluralism  

However, it's important to distinguish between the inclusive ethos of Hinduism and the politicized agenda of Hindutva, which seeks to promote a narrow, exclusivist version of Hindu nationalism. Hindutva's rise represents a departure from the pluralistic traditions of Hinduism, as it seeks to impose a singular ideology and marginalize religious and cultural minorities.

In essence, the Hindu-Sanatani perspective asserts that Hinduism has always been inherently secular, embracing diversity and plurality as essential aspects of its identity. By recognizing and celebrating the myriad paths to spiritual realization, Hinduism offers a powerful antidote to the divisive forces of religious extremism and bigotry, embodying the timeless wisdom of "unity in diversity" that has defined India's spiritual and cultural heritage for millennia.

Once the dust settles on the momentary rise of radical-political Hindutva, the innate secularism and inclusivity of Hinduism shall once again come to the forefront, guiding the Hindu majority in ensuring that India remains pluralistic and secular; and a beacon of religious tolerance and acceptance. Throughout millennia, Hinduism has demonstrated its ability to embrace diversity and accommodate various beliefs and practices. This deep-rooted tradition of pluralism shall serve as a bulwark against any attempts to undermine India's secular fabric.

The Hindu majority, imbued with the values of tolerance and respect for all faiths, shall continue to uphold the principles of coexistence and harmony, welcoming individuals of all religions without discrimination. Just as in the past, when persecuted communities found refuge in India, the Hindu majority shall stand firm in preserving the nation's secular identity, fostering an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the country's cultural tapestry. As guardians of this millennia-old civilzation, Hindus shall ensure that India remains a shining example of pluralism and unity in diversity, inspiring generations to come.