The author of the letter to the editor asserts that all religious groups are obliged to practice understanding and tolerance, as well as promote these values among all their congregants.
South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that practices religious tolerance and recognition. This is based on a new constitutional system that guarantees South Africans freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion.
All religions are recognized and have the right to practice their beliefs without fear or favoritism. It is emphasized that all religious groups are equal, and no dominance by one over another should occur; mutual respect must be a distinguishing feature of the various belief systems in the country.
Nelson Mandela was an advocate for inclusivity and consulted with various linguistic groups when developing the country's language policy. He advocated for the acceptance of all religions, cultures, languages, and practices. Furthermore, he was a close friend of Fatima and Ismail Mir, J.N. Singh, Billy Nair, and many others.
The Presbyterian Church developed its own charter demonstrating respect for all religions. Opening prayers from representatives of all denominations are recited at state events, which upholds the principles of equality of all faiths. The Charter of Freedom, which is the basis of the country's constitution, proudly states that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and that all national groups must enjoy equal rights.
Based on this principle, all religions must be afforded due respect and recognition. In the country, Christianity, the largest religion, is treated equally alongside African traditional religions, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Baháʼí.
Religious leaders serve as the moral compass of society and must reflect all the religious values, practices, principles, and philosophies of their teachings. Their conduct must be exemplary and inspiring to all followers, especially in the 21st century world engulfed in religious, political, and geographical conflicts. Religion should not divide society but has the potential to build a nation and social cohesion.
Representatives of different faiths must not engage in blasphemy or belittle other religions or religious rites; they must promote the principle of 'One God, Many Religions.' Similar to the Indian subcontinent, where the concept of Vasudeva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—is promoted, rivers and tributaries flow into one ocean. India, being a multi-faith community of 1.4 billion citizens, generally enjoys religious tolerance, although conflicts sometimes arise, provoked by politicians or community leaders.
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, or even freedom of association come with the obligation to uphold the rights of other religious groups and their belief systems. The development of the Charter of Religious Groups of KZN could be a way forward to promote good religious practices.
The author asserts that achieving peace with the surrounding world is only possible after the individual achieves inner tranquility. Hinduism offers eternal gifts in the form of yoga and meditation, which help all people attain holistic health, harmony, and inner peace.
Daily, at all auspicious moments and even during times of difficulty, Hindus recite the Shanti Paath, a prayer for peace. This prayer includes the words: 'O loving Lord, may harmony reign in all elements of nature. May peace prevail everywhere and in everyone. May this glorious peace reside within me.'
Harmony leads to happiness. The Hindu prayer for happiness (Sarve Bhavantu) asks: 'O Lord! May all be happy in You. May all be freed from suffering and pain. May all realize goodness.'
Disagreement arises from inequality, social injustice, and discrimination. The sacred scriptures of Hinduism emphasize the principle of equality. In the Bhagavad Gita (9.29), Lord Krishna states: 'I am the same for all beings. I look upon everyone equally.' All people are equal children of God.
According to the Rigveda (5.60.5), 'No one is higher or lower. All are brothers and sisters. All must strive for the interests of all and progress collectively.' Hinduism advocated gender equality since 6000 BCE. According to the Vedas, men and women, being equal halves of one substance, are equal in everything.
In Hinduism, God is revered as the universal Father and Mother. By proclaiming the unique acceptance of unity and wholeness of life, rich in diversity, Hinduism embraces all of humanity. Egoistic discrimination based on religion, race, gender, etc., contradicts the spirit of care and exchange inherent in Hinduism.
The highest philosophy of Hinduism is embodied in two words: 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (Sama Veda, Maha Upanishad, 6.72), which means: 'The world is one family.' The call 'Love all, serve all' is comprehensive. Seva, or selfless service, forms the essence of Hinduism. Serving a person is serving God. Hands that help or heal are holier than hands that pray. The core teachings of Hinduism include the principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence.
Our unstable and divided world suffers from violence, terrorism, bombings, drone and missile attacks. The only way out of the evil forces engulfing a self-destructive and fragmented world lies through religion. Religion provides a moral orientation. It is the only stable institution offering support for unity, eternal peace, harmony, and happiness.
However, it is noted that some cruel charlatans have used religion for their own purposes. Although all religions preach love, followers often act out of hatred.
More than ten thousand people from the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng regions are gathering at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday to demonstrate their faith, unity, and hope. For four hours, one of Durban's well-known sports venues will transform into a sea of saffron flags, sacred chants, and shared devotion, as over 10,000 participants join in reciting the Hanuman Chalisa—one of Hinduism's most revered religious hymns.
According to Pujya Swami Abhedananda, head of the Chinmaya Mission in South Africa, this event, titled 'From Man to HANUMAN,' holds significance beyond what organizers consider the largest mass singing of this kind on African soil. He states that people have become 'seekers of love' and calls upon them to become 'kings of love.' The spiritual leader believes that when thousands of people unite with a common goal, they create what modern society desperately needs—hope.
Swami Abhedananda explains that singing serves as a mechanism for capturing cosmic energy, similar to how a solar panel absorbs solar energy. He points to the crisis of modern society, which lies not in a lack of wealth but in a lack of meaning. People chase money, work, and recognition, forgetting the most important things—happiness and independence. He emphasizes that the breakdown of family ties, social unrest, and unhappiness are external reflections of internal turmoil.
Internationally renowned bhajan performer Shri Anup Jalota has arrived from India to lead the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. Responding to the question of the role of faith in difficult times, the Swami noted that conflicts occurring in families, communities, and countries often begin much closer to home. He posits that societal disagreements are frequently a reflection of individuals' inner contradictions, stating: 'We fight externally because we are dissatisfied internally. Whoever is unhappy with themselves will be unhappy with others.'
For the Swami, the crisis of modernity is deeply personal. He believes that modern people suffer from a lack of love because they have forgotten how to give it. Instead, many depend on external approval, recognition, and affection for a sense of happiness. He contrasts the image of a slave seeking attention with that of a king of love who gives joy, support, and serves rather than demands.
Swami Abhedananda stated that humanity is intended not to live as small individuals but to exist as an institution. For him, the mass singing of the Hanuman Chalisa is not merely a religious ritual but a way to cultivate values such as strength, courage, humility, service, and unwavering devotion, which Lord Hanuman embodies. He calls the Hanuman Chalisa the 'mechanism for releasing happiness.'
Preparations for the 'From Man to HANUMAN' event took months. Organizers expect this gathering to showcase the strength and vital energy of the Indian community in South Africa, placing the country at the center of a significant spiritual and cultural moment for the entire continent. Furthermore, this event marks the 75th anniversary of the global Chinmaya movement, founded by the spiritual leader Swami Chinmayananda. In South Africa, Swami Abhedananda has led the mission for the past 20 years.
The event will commence at 9:30 AM, although guests are requested to arrive by 8:30 AM. Shri Anup Jalota will conduct 27 rounds of chanting. The Forum for Indian Unity played a key role in organizing transportation, providing free buses from KwaZulu-Natal centers, including Newcastle, Richards Bay, Port Shepstone, Tongaat, and Greytown. A total of 25,000 mouths were prepared to offer tribute to Lord Hanuman, and participants will be given energized sindoor prasad, while thousands of saffron flags will be raised synchronously.
