Toronto, August 31: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that Hindu identity cannot be defined by any specific language, worship method, or lifestyle. He argued that the core principle is the respect for diversity and the recognition of unity in existence.
Addressing a gathering of over 2,000 Hindus and community well-wishers in the Greater Toronto area, Bhagwat emphasized that external differences are natural but do not divide humanity at its core.
“When I say Hindu, the term cannot be confined to a particular language, worship method, or lifestyle,” he remarked.
He further explained, “These elements exist as diversities among humans. Hindus respect and accept everyone without any issues.”
His comments were made during the ‘Hindu World Brotherhood’ assembly, organized under the theme of embracing the world with friendship. The event saw participation from community and religious leaders, scholars, professionals, and representatives from organizations across Canada.
Bhagwat noted that India’s civilizational traditions teach people to recognize a shared principle beneath visible differences.
He stated, “They are taught to see unity hidden within diversity. Therefore, in India, diversity never poses a problem for unity because our tradition teaches us not only about ‘unity in diversity’ but also about ‘diversity in unity.’”
He emphasized that differences should be accepted, respected, and celebrated as expressions of a hidden unity.
“We should serve this diversity, accept it, and honor it as it is an expression of unity. It beautifies our existence, much like decoration. We celebrate it,” he added.
Bhagwat pointed out that India has always been home to multiple castes, religions, languages, traditions, and lifestyles. The elimination of these differences is not necessary for unity.
“No thing is alone; nothing is singular. Yet, everything is one. We do not say ‘all are one’; we say ‘everything is one,’” he explained. “Diversity is natural. Unity is reality.”
He referenced an ancient tale related to King Janaka to illustrate the difference between changing external conditions and deep, enduring reality. He remarked that humanity experiences differences but remains one. “We experience all these things, but they are changing. They are illusions. These differences are illusions. We must navigate through them and face them physically. But in reality, there is no difference. Humanity is one.”
Bhagwat asserted that this understanding means people should not divide the world into ‘us’ and ‘them.’
“The entire Earth is one family. Everything is divine, so every entity deserves equal respect and significance,” he stated.
The RSS chief highlighted that the spirit of living together naturally fosters a sense of service to others. He stressed that compassion is not limited to Hindus; it is an inherent quality of humanity.
“Hindus have done this, but it does not mean that this sentiment is exclusive to them. It is a natural feeling among humans,” he noted.
To illustrate his point, he asked whether anyone could comfortably eat a full meal in front of a hungry person without sharing or acknowledging their presence.
“You cannot eat in front of that person without sharing your food. No one can do that because we are all human, and it is this innate unity that gives humans this characteristic,” he explained.
He added that humans possess the capacity to both deprive others and share with those in need. Values are essential to guide this choice in the right direction.
“Only humans can do this. Humans can take food from others. Humans can feed the hungry,” he remarked.
Bhagwat urged the Hindu community to demonstrate their principles through their actions rather than imposing them on others.
“Hindu society should set an example. We are leaders who lead from within and move forward by setting an example,” he concluded.
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