Page 22 - Islam and Far Eastern Religions

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and so forth. It contains nature worship, ancestor worship, animal worship,
idol worship, demon worship, symbol worship and self worship. Its conflicting
philosophies will confound any ordinary person. From barbarous practices
and dark superstitions, up to the most mystic rites and sublime philosophies,
there is place for all gradations and varieties in Hinduism. Similarly, among
the Hindu population there are half barbarian wild tribes, and depressed class-
es and untouchables, along with small numbers of cultured, gentle natures
and highly evolved souls.» 3

Independent India’s first prime minister (1947-1964) Pandit Nehru
defines Hinduism in a similar way:

Hindu recluses walk the streets semi-naked, hungry and thirsty.
Hair and beard are indiscernible and their appearance is filthy and
dusted. They consider this way of life a virtue. These practices
under the name of worship will neither benefit them on earth nor
in the hereafter.