Prejudice & Hindu Texts

ASHOK VOHRA





Is there a philosophical justification in the tradition followed by some Hindu temples of banning the entry of women and those belonging to religions other than Hinduism? In Hinduism, as in other religions, it is important to talk of scriptural sanction because even the Gita says that “scripture is your authority as regards the determination of what is to be done and what is not to be done“.Vedic literature comprising Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas forms the source of Hindu philosophy and religion. In the texts, the question “Is spirituality the prerogative of a few, gifted individuals, or is it for everyone?“ is raised and discussed time and again. They univocally declare that all -regardless of gender, caste or origin -have the right to liberation.
The Mahabharata recommends obedience to parents, preceptors, kings and hermits; performance of Vedic rites; digging wells; making of presents to the dvijas; abstention from violence; absence of wrath; truthfulness, adhering to purity and peacefulness; maintenance of family; and performance of sacrifices in honour of pitras, or ancestors; and performance of paka yajnas.
All Hindu scriptures state that ahamkara is the chief obstacle in the path leading to attainment of moksha. For an atman to become Brahmn, it has to discard ahamkara and treat everyone as equal, as an extension of oneself. There is no place for xenophobia in Hinduism. The word atman as used in the metaphysical sense does not denote number or gender. Atman is neutral.