Dialog z hinduizmem

Abstract

Mutual relationships of Hinduism and Christianity have been developing for many years and are still diverse. Discussions on the possibilities of entering into dialogue have not ended in unanimous conclusions either. An essential difficulty in entering into dialogue have been important discrepancies in nomenclature and the impossibility of using discursive terminology of the Western philosophical systems to define the thought of the East. It was also pointed out that for Christians dialogue itself is an integral part of a religious act, in the filli sense of the word; it is an expression of the love of God and the love of another human being. It is not an aim of Hinduism, except for some sects whose character is missionary, to convert Christians into believers in Hinduism for Hinduism says that one cannot become what one is not. At the same time Hinduism clearly tries not to let its members be unfaithful to Hindu dharma (way). It is not interested in purely scientific comparison with Christianity or in cultural synthesis. It is itself a certain form of life, a mystical way, a religion directing the peoples of India towards their goal. This “direction” is understood in a specific sense: not by directing through orders, but by making a Hindu an offer which promises that he will find moksa (fulfillment) if he follows the Hindu dharma. Hinduism declares that all religions are good, if they lead people towards perfection, but it is particularly sensitive to the aspiration of Christianity to gain the right to be the religion of the Hindu people. Sanathana dharma remains to be the utmost expression of religion for them. From the point of view of Hinduism the meeting with Christianity can take place either as the meeting of sisterly religions aiming at the same goal or, having given up their individual ways, on a divine, mysterious basis of the Beginning and Aim. Understanding, as the Christian basis for the meeting, is given no response on the part of Hinduism. In the Catholic Church an idea of implanting certain experiences of Hinduism - especially those of contemplative life - in Christianity appeared long ago.