We understand your pain: Sadhana, #HindusAgainstHindutva

Over five hundred years ago, the Gujarati poet-saint Narsi Mehta penned these immortal words: Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je peed paraayi jaane re. ‘Call that person a Vaishnava, who understands the pain of others.’

The results of the recent Indian elections may be a great disappointment for Hindus who believe in an India that celebrates diversity and that is welcoming to all. But it is important for us to consider our non-Hindu sisters and brothers first, many of whom may be terrified by the outcome of this election.

Be they Muslims or Christians, Dalits or Adivasis, atheists or believers, it is the duty of every Hindu to stand up for the rights of their fellow human beings. For too long, we have allowed the voices of intolerance to carry the mantle of our faith. But this election should send a message that is loud and clear to every Hindu of conscience.

This is our struggle.

It’s time we summon the courage and imagination necessary to provide a vision of Hindu identity and faith that honors the values of truth, nonviolence, oneness, and that embraces and celebrates the diversity and dignity of democratic life for all.

Sadhana is one of the only Hindu organizations in the world to publicly stand against Hindu nationalism: in the United States and in India. As Hindus who firmly believe in the values of ekatva (oneness), ahimsa (nonviolence), and seva (service), it is our dharma to oppose bigotry and injustice, especially if it comes from our own communities. We must try our best, as Narsi Mehta reminds us, to ‘understand the pain of others.’
www. sadhana.org