Thread by @shrikanth_krish

This is the kind of attitude that is very frustrating

Cultural appropriation is one thing, and yes, it can be problematic

But Hindus cannot remain aloof to the point of discouraging other cultures from taking an interest in them

campusreform.org/?ID=11621

This is the diametric opposite of the Christian or Islamic way of looking at things.

If a Tamilian were to indianize Jesus and sing paens to him, the missionary from US would be pleased

In India it is the exact opposite.

We look down upon ISKCON. We look down upon even very well intentioned indologists who may be doing sterling work - assuming "bad intent" even without reading them

It is an inward looking mindset for better or worse.

I am not suggesting that Hindus should develop an imperialistic mindset, looking to expand as though the religion is an enterprise wanting to gain "market share"

That would be a case of Hinduism losing its essential character

But extreme insularity does not help in this hyper connected world

It helps to have a base beyond India

To think of Hinduism primarily as a "national religion" is to not do justice to its many characteristics that transcend ethnicity, time and geography

Also a more outward looking mindset is not alien to Hindus.

Our cultural triumphs in SE Asia are a case in point.

Even going back in time, let's not forget how the bhAgavata religion gained adherents among the Indo-Greeks. (men like Heliodorus who was a bhakta of vAsudeva)

There is definitely a balance to be struck between a more outward looking mindset and downright imperialism.

I don't think we have the balance right at the moment.

Many may object to this saying -

"Oh..you dont know how these distortions happen" - and then go on a litany of distortions in each case involving a Mleccha's engagement with Hinduism

But my point is - this is a risk-return game...

If you are in the middle of a test match and scoring at 2 an over. And then you try to force the pace and increase RR to 3 r.p.o to win the game, then you will lose some wickets in the process, more often than not

Sure...Losing wickets is terrible.

But if you never force the pace, then you will not win any games at all.

Would you like a 1-1 tally at the end of 10 games? Or a 6-4 tally?

Sure...in the process of engaging with other cultures, there will be distortions. There will be appropriations.

BUt you will also gain many genuine adherents who will enrich your culture even more, and will be a credit to it