Holier Than Thou Attitude of Monolithic Religions is Unbearable – A Hindu Perspective
The concept of religious exclusivism—the assertion that one’s own religion is the sole path to salvation—has long been a point of contention for many adherents of Sanatana Dharma, commonly referred to as Hinduism. Rooted in timeless teachings of universality, acceptance, and diversity, Hinduism finds the "holier-than-thou" attitude exhibited by some monolithic religions antithetical to the very essence of spiritual realization. This essay explores the Hindu perspective on such exclusivism, drawing upon scripture, teachings of revered sages, and stories from Hindu tradition.
Hinduism’s Embrace of Diversity
Hinduism is unique in its pluralistic approach to spirituality. The Rig Veda proclaims, "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti" (Rig Veda 1.164.46): "Truth is one; the wise call it by many names." This foundational teaching rejects the idea of a singular spiritual path and instead recognizes the multitude of ways through which individuals may approach the Divine. Unlike certain monolithic faiths that claim exclusivity, Hinduism celebrates diversity as a reflection of the infinite nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
The Bhagavad Gita’s Perspective on Paths
The Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into the universality of spiritual paths. In Chapter 4, Verse 11, Lord Krishna states, "Ye yatha mam prapadyante tamstathaiva bhajamyaham": "As people approach Me, so I accept them. All paths lead to Me." This teaching underscores the inclusive nature of Hinduism, recognizing that individuals, depending on their temperaments and inclinations, may worship the Divine in myriad forms and ways.
Krishna’s assurance that no path is superior to another stands in stark contrast to the "my way or the highway" stance often adopted by monolithic religions. It is this fundamental openness that many Hindus find lacking in faiths that promote exclusivity, leading to what can be perceived as an unbearable "holier-than-thou" attitude.
Wisdom from the Upanishads
The Upanishads, the philosophical core of Hinduism, further affirm the unity underlying spiritual diversity. The Isha Upanishad declares, "Isavasyam idam sarvam" (Isha Upanishad, Verse 1): "The Divine pervades everything in the universe." Such teachings highlight that divinity is not confined to a single form, place, or belief system but is omnipresent and immanent in all.
Similarly, the Chandogya Upanishad introduces the idea of "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That), revealing the essential oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal soul (Brahman). This realization leaves no room for exclusivist attitudes, as it recognizes the divinity inherent in all beings.
Stories from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana
The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is replete with stories that illustrate the inclusivity of Sanatana Dharma. One notable story is that of Prahlada, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu, who declares that the Lord resides everywhere, even in the seemingly inert pillar that his father, Hiranyakashipu, seeks to destroy. Prahlada’s unwavering faith in the omnipresence of the Divine underscores the universal accessibility of God, challenging the notion of exclusivity.
Another story is that of Sudama, a poor Brahmin and childhood friend of Lord Krishna. Despite his poverty and simple lifestyle, Sudama’s devotion to Krishna is unwavering, and Krishna’s love for him is unconditional. These narratives convey that devotion and spiritual realization are not bound by creed, caste, or material wealth.
Hindu Sages on Spiritual Universality
Hindu sages and modern thinkers have consistently echoed the message of universality and inclusivity. Swami Vivekananda famously declared at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893: “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.” His words reflect the Hindu ethos of respecting all spiritual paths as valid expressions of the quest for truth.
Sri Ramakrishna, who practiced and experienced multiple religious paths—including Christianity and Islam—affirmed that all lead to the same ultimate reality. He likened the Divine to a lake and the different religions to paths leading to it. “Some draw water in pitchers, some in cups, but it is all the same water.”
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a contemporary mystic, often emphasizes that the spiritual journey is unique to each individual and cannot be dictated by rigid doctrines. He warns against dogma, asserting that spiritual growth arises from inner experience rather than external imposition.
The Problem with Exclusivism
The "holier-than-thou" attitude of monolithic religions often stems from the belief that their doctrine alone represents the ultimate truth, leading to an implicit (or explicit) devaluation of other faiths. This exclusivism has historically fueled conflict, intolerance, and even violence. From a Hindu perspective, such attitudes are not only spiritually limiting but also deeply divisive.
Swami Sivananda observed, “Bigotry and fanaticism are the greatest enemies of spiritual progress. They breed hatred and destroy the unity of mankind.” Hinduism’s emphasis on seeing the Divine in all beings offers a stark contrast to the divisiveness engendered by exclusivist ideologies.
Ashtavakra Gita: The Wisdom of Non-Duality
The Ashtavakra Gita, a seminal text on Advaita Vedanta, takes the discussion further by emphasizing the oneness of existence. Ashtavakra teaches King Janaka that liberation lies in recognizing that the self is beyond all dualities, including religious distinctions. He declares, "You are not earth, water, fire, air, or space. You are the witness of all these, unattached and unborn." Such teachings render any claim of exclusivity absurd, as they affirm that all beings are already divine.
The Uddhava Gita’s Counsel
In the Uddhava Gita, Krishna imparts wisdom to His devotee Uddhava, emphasizing detachment from dogma and adherence to inner realization. Krishna advises, "He who sees Me in all beings and all beings in Me, is never separated from Me." This vision of unity is central to Hindu thought and stands in stark contrast to the sectarianism often associated with monolithic religions.
Modern Thinkers on Religious Exclusivism
Jiddu Krishnamurti, though not confined to any religious tradition, critiqued organized religion for its tendency to create divisions. He observed, “The moment you follow someone, you cease to follow truth.” His words resonate with the Hindu emphasis on direct experience of the Divine rather than adherence to external authority.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, a proponent of Advaita Vedanta, emphasized self-inquiry as the path to liberation. He rejected dogma, stating, “The seeker is he who is in search of himself. Give up all questions except one: 'Who am I?'” Such teachings highlight the futility of exclusivism, as they redirect focus to the universal essence of the self.
Hinduism’s Path Forward
Hinduism’s pluralistic ethos offers a model for harmonious coexistence in a world fractured by religious divisions. By recognizing the validity of all paths, Hinduism transcends the limitations of exclusivism and fosters a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.
This perspective is not mere idealism but a lived reality for countless Hindus. From the inclusive worship practices at temples to the acceptance of diverse philosophical schools, Hinduism exemplifies the principle that spirituality is a personal journey rather than a competitive enterprise.
The "holier-than-thou" attitude of certain monolithic religions stands in stark contrast to the inclusive, universal teachings of Hinduism. Rooted in the wisdom of its scriptures and the insights of its sages, Hinduism advocates for a spiritual approach that transcends dogma and embraces diversity. As Swami Chinmayananda aptly put it, “Religion is not a matter of dogmas and beliefs. It is an inner journey toward self-realization.”
In a world increasingly in need of unity and understanding, the Hindu perspective—grounded in acceptance and universality—offers a timeless antidote to the divisive tendencies of religious exclusivism. By honoring the infinite ways to approach the Divine, Hinduism serves as a beacon of hope for a harmonious and spiritually enriched future.