http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=53131
Udupi: Pejawar Swamiji Pleads With Dalits not to Desert Hinduism Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP) Udupi, Nov 3: Through an open letter addressed to the dalits, Sri Vishweshateerta Swamiji of Pejawar Math here, has requested the dalits not to get converted into other religions and has promised to initiate steps to ensure that they get equal status in Hinduism. The purport of the said letter, is as follows: "Of late, there is information that dalits are seriously considering to get converted into Budhism, which in essence, is a part of Hinduism. Budhist monks have been taking part in the religious parliament of the vishwa Hindu Parishat and extending their support for its programmes. I do not oppose this conversion, respecting the right of the people to select the religon of his/her choice. However, getting converted into Budhism for the mere fact that Hindusim is plagued by caste system, can not be a justification for this move. A conversion gets credibility when the vision and rituals of that religion are accepted by the people willing to get converted". "Budhism treats the entire universe as a myth. 'Advaita(monism)' on the other hand, accepts the world having been in a state between falsehood and truth. Just like Hinduism, Budhism believes in heaven, hell, sin, good virtue(Punya), re-birth, idol worship etc., Hence, in the present day context, Arya Samaj instituted by Dayanand Saraswati, which rejects casteism and declares equality to every one, appears to be a more prudent choice for them. As the population of Budhists in the country is not much, joining that religion might not benefit the dalits much, while the Arya Samaj, formed as a revolutionary front of Hindusim, might be more apt for them." "If the dalits desert Hindusim, the number of dalits in Hindusim will go down, weakening their power. It would therefore,be necessary for them to remain in Hindusim and fight against injustices. Hundreds of Hindu maths and temples are ready to extend equal status to the dalits. Basavanna followed certain rules while initiating people, irrespective of their caste and creed, into Lingayatism(Veerashaivism), a sect within Hinduism. We will administer certain rules on these lines, while initiation and assure that we will give equal status to the wronged dalits, on par with the mainstream Hindus. If any injustices are committed, the dalits can inform me and I promise to come there myself or depute my represenatives to set right the wrongs. If I am unable to provide justice to them, I will take their side and fight for their rights." "At any cost, let us not desert the worship of gods like Sriram, Srikrishna, Shiva, Durga etc., regional demi-gods, serpent god etc., who were worshipped by our forefathers too. Let us be in Hinduism and continue to fight till every dalit gets his rights. Myself and heads of various other maths are with you." Udupi: 5,000 Dalits to embrace Buddhism on October 30: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=52251&n_tit=Udupi%3A+5%2C000+Dalits+to+embrace+Buddhism+on+October+30+ Mangalore: Religious Leaders Should Strive Together for Achieving Harmony - Pejavar Swamiji: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=48392&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+Religious+Leaders+Should+Strive+Together+for+Achieving+Harmony+%2D+Pejavar+Swamiji+
