Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava

Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava is an Indian concept embodying the equality of all religions. The concept was embraced by Ramakrishna and Vivekenanda,[1] as well as Gandhi.[2] Although commonly thought to be among the ancient Hindu vedas, the phrase is actually attributed to Gandhi, having been used first in September 1930 in his communications to his followers to quell divisions that had begun to develop between Hindus and Muslims toward the end of the British Raj.[2] The concept is one of the key tenets of secularism in India, wherein there is not a separation of church and state, but an attempt by the state to embrace all religions.[3][4]

Sarva dharma sama bhava has been rejected by some modern Hindus who claim that religious universalism has led to the loss of many of Hinduism's rich traditions.[5]:60

References

  1. ↑ Long, Jeffrey (2012). "The Politicization of Hinduism and the Hinduization of Politics: Contrasting Hindu Nationalism with the Transformative Visions of Swami Vivekenanda and Mahatma Gandhi". In Ricci, Gabriel R. Politics in Theology. Transaction. ISBN 9781412848039.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rakhit, Maanoj. RKM Propagating the Opposite of What Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Had Said: Call to the Rank and File at RKM! Stand Up and Uphold the Truth. Maanoj Rakhit. ISBN 9788189746490.
  3. ↑ Smith, Donald E (2011). India as a Secular State. Princeton University Press. ISBN 9781178595253.
  4. ↑ Larson, Gerald James (2001). Religion and Personal Law in Secular India: A Call to Judgment. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-33990-1.
  5. ↑ Long, Jeffrey D. (2007). A Vision for Hinduism: Beyond Hindu Nationalism. I.B.Tauris. ISBN 9781845112738.