Hinduism valid today

Sir, - Swami Agnivesh and Rev. Valson Thampu in their article (Sept. 19) aptly described the present confrontation between the Taliban and America as a `clash of terrors'. Whether the Huntington hypothesis of a clash of civilisations is acceptable in toto or not, we are indeed witnessing a clash between two groups of Semitic civilisation. This clash is the inevitable result of the failure of Semitic religions in blending with a universal philosophy, which alone will help individuals in realising the truth of the divine unity behind the diversity of the world. Violent clashes are inherent in the aggressive, exclusive dogmas of the Semitic religions.

It is surprising in this context that the Swami has nothing to speak about the universality, love, adaptability and limitless tolerance of Hinduism, which is not a dogmatic religion.

The Hindu view that religion for the modern, educated man must not be a mere matter of faith, but of personal experience and realisation, has tremendous relevance today. The non-dogmatic philosophy of Hinduism alone holds the hope for humankind today.

B.J.K. Thampi,

Kollam, Kerala

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