One of the common misconceptions that we hear about is the lack of knowledge about how vast we are. Generally, this is directed at non-Hindus, and in that case, I find it more acceptable, as you expect it. Ideas like all Hindus speaking Hindi, for example, is kind of reasonable. After all, all inhabitants of France speak French, in Greece they speak Greek, etc. So it's kind of logical. Incorrect, but logical.
But where I find it challenging is in India, from Indians. In America or Europe, it's less so, as immigrants come from everywhere, and tend to mix under the common umbrella of Hinduism. In other words, a Gujarati is more likely to meet a Tamilian in Canada than he is in India itself.
The same concept applies to our religion. It's as diverse, or more diverse than the languages of India, and quite often a person had never been outside of their own sectarian or geographic view, other than perhaps to read, or meeting someone via work from another province. So what I find a challenge is when a person legitimately thinks that their version of Hinduism is the only version of Hinduism, and accuses any other version of being wrong.
Travel, or going to other temples, or having discussions like we have here is helpful, but not all folks hve those opportunities.
T be fair, this is a relatively rare occurrence, but the fact that it happens at all is enough to address it. What would you say to someone who accuses you of getting it wrong, or not understanding Hinduism?
But where I find it challenging is in India, from Indians. In America or Europe, it's less so, as immigrants come from everywhere, and tend to mix under the common umbrella of Hinduism. In other words, a Gujarati is more likely to meet a Tamilian in Canada than he is in India itself.
The same concept applies to our religion. It's as diverse, or more diverse than the languages of India, and quite often a person had never been outside of their own sectarian or geographic view, other than perhaps to read, or meeting someone via work from another province. So what I find a challenge is when a person legitimately thinks that their version of Hinduism is the only version of Hinduism, and accuses any other version of being wrong.
Travel, or going to other temples, or having discussions like we have here is helpful, but not all folks hve those opportunities.
T be fair, this is a relatively rare occurrence, but the fact that it happens at all is enough to address it. What would you say to someone who accuses you of getting it wrong, or not understanding Hinduism?