Hindus welcome Unitarian Universalist interest in Hinduism

NEVADA - Hindus have welcomed interest of Unitarian Universalists in Hinduism ideas, practices, and values.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that everybody was welcome to indulge in rich philosophical thought Hinduism offered and he and other Hindu scholars would gladly assist the seekers.

According to Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) website: “Although Hinduism and Islam have not historically been part of our tradition, growing interest in these faiths is evident in recent courses, sermons, and writings on the subjects. A Unitarian Universalist service may occasionally include scriptural readings from one of these traditions or find inspiration in holidays like Diwali…”

UUA website adds: “Ideas and practices from Hinduism are welcome in Unitarian Universalism. Unitarian Universalism shares some of the values found in Hinduism, including the importance of a personal search for truth, the idea that all things are connected, and a respect for other religious paths.”

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that religions should work for promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperating in common causes such as peace, ecological responsibility, social development, etc. with other religions and denominations. Dialogue brought us mutual enrichment and helped us overcome prejudices passed down to us from previous generations, Zed added.

According to UUA website, “Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots. It has no creed.” Consolidated in 1961, it has 1,041 congregations in the world and is headquartered in Boston (USA). It believes that “ethical living is the supreme witness of religion”. Reverend Peter Morales is President while Gini Courter is Moderator.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)