EP50 - Sanatan Dharma: Hinduism beyond Border, Race and Theology - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast

The conversation explores how Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) transcends geographical, racial, and theological boundaries. Key questions address the definition of Hinduism beyond the geographical entity of Bharat (India), the issue of temple access for non-Hindus, and how the religion accommodates diverse theologies, from belief in a personal God (like Krishna) to the non-dualism (Advaita) of Brahman.

The dialogue aims to bridge these perceived divides and highlight the philosophical common ground that unites different Hindu schools of thought.We delve also into various Hindu traditions and organisations, specifically the Ramakrishna Mission, Chinmaya Mission, and ISKCON, examining their founding principles practices (Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga), and how they facilitate connection with Hindu Dharma for the diaspora and younger generations.

A talking point around harmonising the different philosophical schools, such as the contrast between ISKCON's emphasis on a monotheistic, personal God and the pantheistic, non-dual characteristics of others, by acknowledging that Dharma underlies all sectarian differences.

The episode explores how the first principles of Sanatana Dharma can be practiced in everyday life and challenge the community to do more for humanity, ecology, animal welfare, and non-human life, questioning whether there is a gap between the theoretical Dharma preached and the community's actual behavior.

Swami Atmapriyananda is the Pro-Chancellor of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, He received his M.Sc. in Physics and Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Madras, India. He joined the Ramakrishna Order of monks in 1978 inspired by Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology of renunciation and service.

Brahmacharini Shripriya Chaitanya is a Hindu monk, Vedantic teacher, author, and internationally recognised storyteller with Chinmaya Mission, a global organisation rooted in the wisdom of Advaita Vedanta and dedicated to inner growth and self-understanding. Having completed an intensive two-year Vedanta programme at Chinmaya Mission’s Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai, she is now the resident teacher of Chinmaya Mission UK.

Dr. Sachi K Patel holds a PhD in Hindu Theology from the University of Oxford and lived as a Hindu monk within the ISKCON tradition. He is currently the Multi-Faith Coordinator at SOAS and the Hindu Chaplain at King’s College London.

#Hinduism SanathanDharma #IndianCulture #Theology #Hindu Hindutva #UK #ChinmayaMission #ISKON #Vivekananda #Ramakrishna #dharma #dharmic #dharmicideas #hindudharma #hindupodcast

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The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals of sustainability, liberty and flourishing.

Tune in, for an earnest conversation!

- Hosted by VM fellow Sumit Sharma, who you can email on ⁠podcast@vichaarmanthan.org

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