Thank you Selma, There is a lot which we need to learn from the West and a lot which the West needs to learn from us. Before I comment further, let me recall an interesting anecdote from the life of Swami Vivekananda.
Once a foreigner asked the Swami: "Can't you wear proper clothes to be a gentleman?" The Swami replied: "In your culture TAILOR makes a gentleman, but in our culture CHARACTER makes a gentleman". I have been frequently organizing cultural programmes in a couple of temples in Panaji for the last more than a decade or so and have witnessed all types of people coming there. Right from the old to the young college crowd to the poor, the handicapped, the beggars and the road -side commoners, their attire has never been an issue for discussion or debate all these years. The foreigners too have never been an issue. In fact, the liberal character of the Goan temples has been one of the greatest strengths of Hinduism. We do not need to ape the West in this aspect. In fact, it is they who need to borrow from us. That is why the new set of regulations disappoints me. By imposing these regulations on morality, we are building a few narrow walls and reducing the liberal space and character of Hinduism. Reasonable restrictions based on modern definitions and laws on obscenity and Public conduct are welcome, but what I am opposed to are some of the unreasonable decisions taken by the temple authorities. Just because a few foreigners dress badly does not mean our temples need to ban all foreigners. And is the modern attire worn by the young college going crowd immodest? I certainly do not think so. As of now, there are only a few temples which have imposed these dress codes and I can only hope that other temples do not follow suit. May better sense prevail. regards, Sandeep ------------------------ On 24 July 2011 03:41, Carvalho <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > The Hebles have a long track record of secular thought running through their > viens. They come from several generations of reformers, writers and > progressive thinkers. They are not "vote Liberal in America/UK and vote > Conservative in India" hypocrites as some, on this forum. > > I respect the temple authorities right to protect and safeguard the > sensibilities of their worshippers. Many foreign tourists can be insensitive > to native traditions. However, rather than make strident annoucements which > prohibit entry, what prevails in progressive Muslim countries like Turkey > and Egypt is a wrap made available at the entrace to those who want to go > inside Mosques. Maybe we can take a leaf from our Muslim brothers. > > Best, > Selma
