Hinduism and tolerance

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

A quality universally attributed to Hinduism is tolerance. Tolerance is one definite reason for Hinduism to be amongst the longest surviving religions in world. In fact tolerance is referred to as the prime factor behind “greatness” of Hinduism. However whether tolerance is a virtue or not, is highly debatable.

Survival relies on adaptability i.e. flexibility. Flexibility breeds tolerance. If a “great” virtue like tolerance can be credited for survival, then surely it can also be held responsible for vices like corruption, unaccountability, irresponsibility etc. We turn a blind’s eye to all these vices because we are tolerant accepting these as fact of life. In fact the person, who is corrupt, is so because he is flexible. We tolerate mediocrity in every sphere of life because we are too flexible to stand firm for achieving higher standards. We are willing to bend rules to benefit our dear ones. We tolerate, actually worship, our mediocre cricketers, film stars, media etc. We are good in politics because we are flexible. Since flexibility defies standing firm politics should mean, “not standing for anything” and hence politics in its practice is itself a vice.

For exactly the same reasons we, the Hindus, are at peace with ourselves. One may appreciate this quality but then this prevents us from striving for excellence. We are under-achievers because we too tolerant of ourselves easily indulging in self-pity.

In the relationship between different communities, tolerance again has negative connotations i.e. merely noting other’s presence. In that context it has to be acceptance because then only real assimilation of cultures is possible. A culture can claim to be great only when it accepts others and not merely tolerates them.

12:35:44 PM
Posted By ashish mishra Comments (1) Society
Comments
K.Venugopal Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:41:03 PM
Dear Ashish, You rightly said, "A culture can claim to be great only when it accepts others and not merely tolerates them." This is quite so of Hinduism. It accepts others and other ways of living because it believes that divinity underlies all life. But this acceptance is only on the principle of Dharma or harmony. If any force seeks to undermine harmony, it inherently and unfailingly undertakes a forceful corrective course. Thus, Hindu culture and civilization is dynamic and it is upto our generation to benefit from its teachings and move to excellence.