Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus is deeply distressed to read the news of the murder of a Muslim man, Mohammed Akhlaq, at the hands a Hindu mob in Northern India over an alleged slaughtering of a cow and its consumption. News reports claim that a mob of 1,000 Hindus wielding bricks, batons and swords came to the man's house to hunt him down, beat him to death and severely injure his 20 year old son and 82 year old mother.
As Hindus we embrace and strive to live by the core principles of ekatva (oneness of all) and ahimsa (nonviolence). We aspire to build a peaceful and inclusive Hindu community committed to justice for all, regardless of race, religion, caste or gender.
Our belief that the whole world including cows and all species are interconnected and divine should guide us to treat the whole planet with love and compassion; it should not lead us to perpetrate such acts of brutality. We vehemently denounce all terrorism perpetrated in the name of our religion.
The Shiva Mahimna Stotram beautifully expresses this idea of ekatva (oneness) which we hold dear:
"As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee."
Swami Vivekananda quoted this powerful verse as part of his speech at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions in 1893. He also stated,
“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.”
These words are as urgent today as they were 122 years ago. We Hindus must rise up in one voice for peace and justice for all. Sadhana calls on progressive, peace-loving, tolerant and inclusive Hindus to speak up against this violent and blood-thirsty fringe of Hinduism.
Please sign our petition to Prime Minister Modi.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Dear Prime Minister Modi,
As a Hindu, I denounce the act of adharma and terrorism perpetrated by the Hindu mob that murdered Mohammad Akhlaq and injured his son and mother. The Hinduism I embrace has no room for such acts of brutality. Please ensure that all the perpetrators swiftly be brought to justice.
Thank you.
