Mass Religious Conversion in Mumbai, India

[jankren]

Mass Religious Conversion in India



More than 1,000 nomadic tribal families from India's lowest castes are gathering in Mumbai to convert to Buddhism in an attempt to lift themselves out of poverty.

Many of the families who gathered on Sunday say the Indian caste system, which categorises Hindus into a system of social classes, has left them in extreme poverty.

Rajesh Sundaram, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Mumbai, said that up to 25,000 people will be converted - the biggest mass conversion to take place in more than 50 years.

"Embracing Buddhism will give them a new identity and will give families a better chance to educate their children," he said.

He said most of the people are from the 42 most marginalised tribes and have travelled 100km to be in Mumbai.

Many of these tribes were classified as "criminal" under British colonial rule. Despite the removal of this status, many of these tribes say prejudice still exists.

Many have not been able to get the benefits of affirmative action - a government policy which reserves jobs and educational places for India's lower castes - which the constitution of India guarantees.

Many of the tribes say the mass conversion is also a mark of protest against the Hindu caste system which has induced their social ostracism.
http://english.aljazeera.net/News/Te...=NoModifyGuest

The concept of social caste in Hinduism seems to be very evil. However, I dont wanna pass judgement since I know nothing about the religion. So, any Hindu members can explain this controversial tenet of Hinduism?

Peace,

[AlokaParyetra]

First off, it is not a Hindu creation, it is a strict political creation. There is no evidence of caste in the generally accepted pantheon of Hindu scripture (Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas). Therefore, it is NOT a tent of Hinduism.

That being said, the first evidence we have of the caste system comes from the Manusmriti (a loose translation being "The Laws of Manu"), which historians say was written around 2000 BP. Neither the direct impact nor the importance of this text is unknown.

There really isn't a lot known about the true origins or spread of the caste system. We don't really hear about caste that much until when the Mughals (and the later the British) arrive. Caste, as is seen today, could have been created and enforced at any time in Indian history.

As for these people converting, they are not being smart about it. They should first strive to be recognized as a Dalit society by the government, THEN convert. This way, they can still receive the benefits to the fullest extent, and be whatever religion they want.

[Earl of Rochester]

Therefore, it is NOT a tent of Hinduism.

Surely what is an is not a tenet of Hinduism is up to each individual Hindu. Obviously enough individuals consider it a part of their tenets that is has caused such issues.

I actually am somewhat happy about this. Of all the false perceptions known as religion, Buddhism is by far the most pragmatic.(With perhaps exception to Taoism.)

[Gary88]

all societies have similar ideas to castes, just think about the Fuedal system where for centuries peasants were born to work for there entire life essentially as a slave to there noble master. even today we have class systems, i know there are differences but we can hardly take the moral high ground that Hindu castes are evil.

[Earl of Rochester]

all societies have similar ideas to castes, just think about the Fuedal system where for centuries peasants were born to work for there entire life essentially as a slave to there noble master. even today we have class systems, i know there are differences but we can hardly take the moral high ground that Hindu castes are evil.

Well the obvious difference is that Hinduism itself propagates a rigid caste system while other religions try to promote equality. So yes it is perfectly reasonable to call the Hindu castes evil, remembering of course that evil only means what I personally think is negative on society.

[Chaigidel]

yeah but we can all agree it is evil to label anyone just on birth as "untouchable" and fit only to do the lowest jobs.

[The Fish]

Except that caste is a SOCIAL construct, not a religious one. The equation of Hinduism (itself an amorphous, unstructured religion) with caste has been one of the biggest and most long-reaching colonial-era misconceptions.

[Earl of Rochester]

A social construct perpetuated by religious tenets.

[AlokaParyetra]

A social construct perpetuated by religious tenets.

Again, i'm afraid you are incorrect. What part of the religion's tenets support the caste system?

The same way crusades and jihads are not supported by religious tenets, but are rather political constructs clothed in a perception of religion, so is the caste system.

[removeduser_426582376423734]

I like the fact they're getting out of the caste system. However much people deny it, the caste system, although a purely social thing, has worldwide backing of a majority of Hindus, so far as they are brainwashed into thinking it is religious. Therefore, to convert out of the religion is a positive thing in this situation, as it breaks this bond to a low caste and gives them a chance.

[nobel]

they should have become Christians. they have more of a chance of Christian missionary's helping than Buddhists actually giving them cash.

hehe ^ so bias .

and the cast system is incredibly stupid. no one can justify it, but somehow it is ingrained in Indian society.

[Earl of Rochester]

they should have become Christians. they have more of a chance of Christian missionary's helping than Buddhists actually giving them cash.

hehe ^ so bias .

But in either scenario they are unlikely to get truly substantial help. So at least as Buddhist they will be more likely to be content with the little they have.

[Chaigidel]

does buddhism have many gods as well or does that depend on the region because I read about bhutan buddhism and it seemed almost shinto like