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Why comment on her religion, when you don't know yours? || Acharya Prashant, at LIT-Nagpur (2022)
Bharat
313 views
1 year ago
Vedant
Sanatan Dharma
Upanishads
Spirituality
Srimad Bhagavad Gita
Indian Constitution
Shri Krishna
Dharma
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses a student's concern regarding religious bias and harassment in corporate and educational settings. He explains that such behavior stems from a fundamental ignorance of both India's foundations and the true nature of Hinduism. He clarifies that India is not a theocratic state like its neighbors; rather, its Constitution is built on spiritual and Vedantic values that transcend mere secularism or religious identity. He emphasizes that true Hinduism is rooted in core spirituality and the study of scriptures like the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras, rather than in aggressive sloganeering, cultural traditions, or the targeting of minorities. Acharya Prashant distinguishes between being a 'Hindu' by birth and being a 'Sanatani' by merit. He describes a Sanatani as someone who has rigorously studied the scriptures, lives by Vedantic principles, and possesses the bravery to protect others rather than oppress them. He argues that those who harass others based on their religion or surname are not practicing true Hinduism, as they often lack knowledge of their own central scriptures. He asserts that targeting innocent fellow citizens is neither dharmic nor spiritual, and it contradicts the message of Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, which advocates for fairness and responding to others based on their conduct. He advises the student not to internalize the ignorance of others, noting that their biased comments reflect their own low intellectual and spiritual levels. He encourages her to remain detached from such negativity, recognizing it as the other person's problem rather than her own. He concludes by stating that while the current times may be characterized by such narrow-mindedness, one should maintain their own dignity and pray for the intellectual elevation of those who harbor such prejudices.