Question & Answer sessions with HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – 2015
Is tolerance of other religions a boon or a curse for Hindus?
Question : Is tolerance of other religions a boon or a curse for Hindus ?
Answer : Having tolerance is always a boon. It is never a curse. It may appear as if it creates some unfavorable consequences. But it is not so. There is no need for us to change our stand.
But, in the name of honoring guests, we should not get evicted from our own homes and end up in the streets. That is what has happened to us. That is what Swamiji says. Relinquishing your own Dharma in the name of tolerance, is not Dharma. It is your Dharma which has taught you tolerance. By giving that up, you are going against your own Dharma. You are forgetting your values and those others are making you forget them. That is not correct. You must not reject your own Dharma and your family. That is very wrong.
Tolerance of other religious beliefs is always a virtue. Even those who speak ill of us in public, revere India in their hearts. Even presidents of other countries acknowledge this great quality of India. No other country receives such praise. Despite bomb attacks and terrorism, India maintains its adherence to religious tolerance.
Those who do not understand religion behave in a negative manner. The real reasons for their atrocities are unknown to us, be they financial, or an obsession to frighten others. No religion preaches killing others.
Kingship and priesthood, both must always be preserved. We cannot forever be only like Vasishtha (peaceful). The Viswamitra (aggression) in us also should sometimes raise his head. Only then we can survive in this society.
Parasurama went around the earth 21 times and killed many kings. It is wrong to believe that he killed kings who were innocent. He killed only those who became ruthless out of pride. That is why Dasaratha escaped death. Parasurama later told Dasaratha, “You are following a righteous path. You begged forgiveness for your wrongs. That is why I have spared you.” Parasurama allowed many good kings to live. His purpose was not to destroy the entire race of ruling dynasties. It was to put an end to unrighteous warriors and to establish kings who followed Dharma. This we must understand.
Jaya Guru Datta