The Gita is Extremist? Really?

The Bhagavad Gita trial in Russia on charges of preaching religious extremism is really the trial of the Russian edition of a particular translation/commentary of it, Bhagavad Gita As It Is. So is this an instance of communist persecution of religion? Partly yes, as seen in the way Russian authorities have gone after ISKCON in the past. But also it’s a fight among religions: the charges are reportedly instigated by the Russian Orthodox Church in order to restrict the activities of ISKCON.

So what is this book, Bhagavad Gita As It Is? It is the Russian version of the ISKCON founder’s translation and commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita. It was first published in, hold your breath, 1968! It has been translated into 80 languages, with over 100 million copies distributed globally till date. And nowhere else was it accused of fomenting extremism. So what did the Russians find extremist? Well, it contained claims of exclusiveness of Krishna religion, and used some unpleasant words against those who were not devotees of Krishna. Really, that’s the reason? And the Bible and Koran don’t do the same? Maybe the Russians should Google for the word “kafir”…

Our “secular” government, of course, will do nothing. But the same “secular” people will ban Satanic Verses and claim that MF Hussain should be allowed to paint Hindu goddesses nude. Well, ok, maybe that’s just votebank politics. But even non-political “secular” Indians will never cease to say Hindus are at par with the Taliban. Really? I don’t see any death threats issued against the Russians, any demonstrations outside Russian embassies. But I do remember how a certain religion reacted to certain Danish cartoons and to Satanic Verses.

Of course, the “secular” Hindu never lets facts and data get in the way. And then they wonder why another set of Hindu is being increasingly vocal, intolerant and “communal”. Well, maybe the “secular” brigade should look in the mirror: it’s partially a reaction to what is called “secularism” in this country.

Comments

  1. KumarDecember 28, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Whatever position people may take and argue, I would like to believe that there will be people who would seek alignment with truth and justice. And, they can be secular or religious. (To start with, I am discussing beyond this situation of Russia trying for a ban on Gita.I am discussing generalities, to start with. Let's come to the issue towards the end.)

    I am unable to find a clear reason why you disapprove of the 'secular' people of India in a broad generalized way. Are you sure there is only one kind of secular following in India? Are you also sure there is only one kind of viewpoint among Hindu believers either? If not, you may need to define which clear identity under the banner of 'secular' that meets with your disapproval; and also define against which holders of some specific Hindu viewpoint that you are juxtaposing them.

    Why I write at such length is because I think I am secular and yet I find the Russian desire to ban the Gita is silly, discriminatory and based entirely on vested interests. Neither there is justice nor is there truth supporting their skewed viewpoint against the Gita.

    Would my view be a fairer one and a better one, if I were to declare I am not secular but religious?

    ReplyDelete

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