11/03/2021
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Standing against fundamentalism, racism, all forms of bigotry, oppression, harm and violence in all ways is part of the tenets of yoga.
Shanti, (peace) Satya (truth) Karuna (compassion) and Nyaya (justice) are all rooted in our faith and practice.
I’m so heartbroken over what is happening to the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh and equally as heartbroken over Hindu majority violence against religious minorities including Muslims and oppressed castes in India.
Our practice of yoga leaves no one out. I’m reminded again of the need to move against fundamentalism in all its forms. My Hindu family taught me that our faith is inclusive, loving of all. That truth is not something you kill or die for, but that you love, share and give away.
This wasn’t just empty words but came from experience.
Where I come from is a region in India In The North East where there has long been tension and communal violence. There’s been times when it’s been unsafe for us to return to ancestral homelands. And … My Hindu family and community has a history of moving alongside Muslim siblings and Muslim folks moving against discrimination against Hindus. Ahimsa in action.
This fundamentalist violence and retaliation isnt new, but has been exacerbated by colonial rule and post colonial exploitation.
I appreciate the way Hindus for Human Rights put it “Just as we condemn Hindu majoritarian violence against India’s religious minorities and oppressed castes, we stand with Bangladesh's religious minority communities: Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, atheists, and others, many of whom are also Dalit and oppressed caste communities”
Just like yoga, Human rights are for all of us.
In moments where I feel sad and hopeless I turn to those who light the way. There are organizations leading the way to abate fundamentalism in all forms, ease communal violence and move towards understanding.
Scroll and Consider learning about and donating to them.
Bangladesh Bhumihin Somiti
Please link more orgs in the comments.