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Universalism in Hinduism
Author(s) -
Long Jeffery D
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
religion compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.113
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 1749-8171
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2011.00280.x
Subject(s) - hinduism , universalism , doctrine , religious studies , philosophy , harmony (color) , epistemology , theism , sociology , theology , law , political science , politics , art , visual arts
One of the distinctive features of Hinduism, especially modern Hinduism, is its emphasis on universalism . Also known as religious pluralism —and sometimes perennialism or the perennial philosophy —universalism can be defined maximally as the idea that all (and minimally as the idea that many) religions contain at least some measure of truth and lead their practitioners to God‐realization—that is, liberation or salvation as conceived in Hindu traditions. Known in contemporary Hindu thought as ‘the harmony of religions’ or ‘the equality of religions’ and prominently associated with the teachings of Ramakrishna and Mahatma Gandhi, universalism is controversial. This article will explore the following dimensions of this doctrine and the controversies associated with it: Its conceptual and social foundations in ancient Hindu scriptures, philosophies, and practices; the process by which its modern formulations both emerge from and influence liberal Christian thought in dialog with Hinduism; criticisms of this doctrine by both Christians and Hindus; and recent attempts to reformulate this doctrine taking these criticisms and into account.