Are Hindus ‘Invisible’ in US Society

By BHARAT J GAJJAR

Are Hindus invisible in American Society? They number over a million in the US but all signs tell us they are ignored. I have been watching and listening to the news and other informative programs on the main TV channels. They will mention that in America followers of all religions including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists live in harmony. When President Clinton was inaugurated the second time he mentioned all religions except Hinduism.

The March 24, issue of Time magazine had a cover story with a title Does Heaven Exist? written by David Van Biema. It is a long article with a great deal of information in which he mentioned Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist ideas of heaven but it does not say anything about Hindus and their beliefs. I do not know if this was done deliberately, if he is just ignorant, or if he finds the Hindu belief unacceptable.

In Christian belief heaven and hell are real. A man is born as a sinner and as a sinner he will go to hell and burn forever, except if he is baptized. Rev Billy Graham said in his Christmas seminar that at the time of death there is a judgment, however, if a man is baptized he will be forgiven and will go to heaven and live with the Lord forever.

Hindus, as they believe in non-dualistic religion reincarnation, and Karma, their scriptures declare heaven and hell are both in the material world and are temporary. When good or bad Karma (results of actions) are over, a man has to come back to the Earth. However, the ultimate goal of a man is to achieve moksh orMukti (freedom from the cycle of life and death) and merge with the Lord as he is part and parcel of that formless Brahma.

A great sage of India, Adi Sankaracharya, said this world is Maya or an illusion; it is a dream. I like to say if this world is a dream then heaven and hell are good or bad dreams respectively. God is all compassionate and does not want to punish anyone. Only we create our own karma and its rewards and punishments are waiting for us. This is karma philosophy.

I think for a Western man, Hindu philosophy is very confusing, frightening and overpowering. Whatever the reason, Hindus are ignored in the US and I think unfairly treated. I told my friend that in America Hindu-bashing is going on. He said to me you know why, because we are too weak. He said does anyone dare bash Islam? I said no. He said because they are strong and united.

Do nice guys always come last or does it just appear that way?

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