UNITED INTEGRAL LIVING IN INDIA WITHIN RELIGIO-SPIRITUAL PLURALITY

 

India is a country of diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. It is also a country that has faced many challenges and conflicts due to its diversity. However, India has also shown remarkable resilience and creativity in finding ways to live in harmony and mutual respect among its different communities. One of the concepts that can help us understand this phenomenon is united integral living, which refers to a holistic and inclusive approach to life that transcends narrow identities and boundaries. Now, this same India, that is Bharat,– influenced by the majoritarian RSS-BJP politics that emboldens its Right-Wings affiliations to persecu­te and oppress the minorities– is living through a phenomenon of Hindutva nationalism, and in the words of Arundhuti Roy, the “collective, psychological capture” leading to the “centralization of Hinduism”. In this present situation, how can then India achieve a united integral living within its religious spiritual plurality? This article aims to explore this question by examining the concept of united integral living, the factors that promote or hinder it, and the possible ways to foster it in the Indian context.

Integral living is a holistic approach to life that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. It is based on the recognition that all aspects of life are interconnected and interdependent, and that one's well-being depends on the well-being of others and the environment. Living in unity within Indian religio-spiritual plurality means that people of different faiths and backgrounds can coexist peacefully and cooperatively, while also respecting and celebrating their differences. It also means that people can integrate their spiritual values and practices into their daily lives, without compromising their integrity or authenticity. A united integral living in India is not a utopian ideal, but a realistic and achievable goal that has been demonstrated by many examples throughout history and in the present. It also implies a respect for diversity and a willingness to learn from different perspectives and traditions.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to united living within religio-spiritual plurality:

One of the factors that can promote united integral living in India is the common heritage of spirituality that underlies all religions. The ancient and rich philosophical traditions of India, such as Vedanta, Yoga, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others, that offer various paths and perspectives to attain the ultimate reality, which is often seen as one and the same by different names. India has been a cradle of such various spiritual traditions living in harmony, including  Islam, Christianity, and others. These traditions share some core values and principles, such as compassion, non-violence, service, harmony, and transcendence. They also offer different paths and practices to realize one's true nature and connect with the divine. By acknowledging and appreciating this common spiritual heritage, Indians can foster a sense of unity in diversity and a mutual respect for each other's beliefs and practices.

Another factor that can promote unity in religio-spiritual and cultural diversity in India is the culture of dialogue and pluralism that has been nurtured by its history and constitution. India has been a land of dialogue and exchange among different civilizations, cultures, and religions for centuries. The syncretic and pluralistic nature of Indian culture, which has absorbed and assimilated influences from various regions, civilizations, and eras, resulting in a mosaic of diverse expressions and manifestations of art, literature, music, architecture, cuisine, and more. The constitutional and legal framework of India, adopted a secular and democratic constitution that guarantees freedom of religion and expression, as well as equal rights, opportunities  and protection for all citizens regardless of their faith or background. By engaging in dialogue and pluralism, Indians of the Democratic Secular Socialist Federal Republic can enhance their understanding and appreciation of each other's views and values, as well as their common interests and challenges. They can also resolve their differences peacefully and constructively, without resorting to violence or extremism. The social and civic movements and initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue, harmony, and cooperation among different communities, such as the Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions), the Interfaith Harmony Foundation of India, the United Religions Initiative, and others.

The personal and collective examples of leaders and role models who have embodied and advocated for unity in diversity, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Mother Teresa, Abdul Kalam, Dalai Lama, and many more.

However, there are also some factors that can hinder harmonious living in Indian religious plurality. One of them is the rise of communalism and fundamentalism that threatens the secular fabric of the nation. Communalism is the tendency to emphasize one's religious identity over one's national identity, and to view other religions as enemies or rivals. Fundamentalism is the tendency to adhere to a rigid and literal interpretation of one's religion, and to reject any form of diversity or dialogue. Both communalism and fundamentalism can lead to intolerance, hatred, violence, and discrimination against those who belong to different religions or sects.

Another factor that can hinder unity is the lack of education and awareness about the richness and diversity of India's religious spiritual plurality. Many Indians are ignorant or misinformed about the beliefs and practices of other religions or sects. They may also have stereotypes or prejudices about them based on media portrayals or political agendas. This can result in mistrust, fear, or hostility towards those who are different from oneself. It can also prevent one from learning from or collaborating with them for the common good.

Therefore, it is imperative to foster an united integral living in India within its religious spiritual plurality by addressing these factors. Some of the possible ways to do so are:

- Promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation among different religious communities and organizations. This can help to build bridges of understanding, respect, and friendship among them. It can also help to identify and address the common issues and concerns that affect them all.

- Educating the youth about the diversity and richness of India's religious spiritual plurality. This can help to instil a sense of curiosity, appreciation, and openness towards other religions or sects. It can also help to dispel myths, misconceptions, or biases about them.

- Encouraging personal exploration and experimentation with different spiritual paths and practices. This can help to develop one's own spirituality and find what works best for oneself. It can also help to expand one's horizons and perspectives by experiencing different ways of relating to oneself, others, and the divine.

- Integrating spirituality into everyday life and social action. This can help to cultivate a holistic lifestyle that balances one's physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. It can also help to express one's spirituality through service, compassion, justice, peace, and ecology.

 By implementing these measures, India can achieve integral living in unity within its religio-spiritual plurality. This can enhance its social cohesion, cultural diversity, national integration, global citizenship, and human development. Living in harmony in India is not only a possibility but a necessity for the survival and flourishing of humanity in the 21st century. It is a way of life that can foster peace, harmony, happiness, and well-being for all. It is a vision that can inspire us to transcend our differences and discover our common humanity. It is a challenge that can motivate us to grow and evolve as individuals and as a society.