freaking ignorants.

Dear Newsweek Editor,



I am writing in regard to the article in Newsweek Jan 10, 2005 issue titled ‘After the Tsunami.’ http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6777635/site/newsweek/



First, I wish to thank Newsweek for its coverage of the disaster. As a Sri-Lankan American, it brings some measure of relief to know that the world is being informed. As a result of news organizations like yours informing the world, you have stirred people’s hearts. It is moving to see such a genuine outpouring from so many people in this country and the world. It is through the power of organizations like yours that some measure of good in this time of horror is being seen.



With such power and great coverage, I was surprised, disappointed and offended to see the characterizations of Hindus in the article by Kenneth Woodward called ‘Countless Souls Cry Out to God.’ It is absolutely clear that Mr. Woodward has no comprehension of the philosophy, depth and power of Hinduism. Statements such as ‘Hindus are untutored in refined theological speculation on life and death’ is not only inaccurate, it is downright asinine. To the contrary, Hindu philosophy has volumes of work dedicated to life and death and are covered in such concepts as karma, re-incarnation, samskaras (mental impressions that serve to manifest particular tendencies in an individual), to name a few.



Further, I wish to inquire about the quotation in the article from Richard Davis about Hindus stating “Relating to a local deity and cooling her anger through propitiation is more important than thinking about personal or collective guilt for what has happened.” What was the purpose of putting this quote in by Mr. Woodward? ‘Personal or collective guilt for what has happened?’ Mr. Woodward and Davis seem to be characterizing the affected Hindus as unsophisticated thinkers that just blindly go and pray to a woman when they should be thinking of why it is their personal and collective fault that this happened!



In response, let me first say that Hindu’s have no problem acknowledging the feminine principle of the universe. There are many archetypes of the feminine and the teachings surrounding it are tailored to every level of aspirant, from the child to the college professor. If you want to understand the feminine aspect of God in a human like form of a woman, it is available to you or if you want to understand it as a vibration power that is the active effect of the universe, you can. Unlike in the West, there is no problem with thinking of God as a woman. God is man, God is woman, God is man and woman and God is beyond both man and woman. Hence, there is consistency in thought regarding the omnipresence of God in Hindu philosophy.



Second, let me assure you that save Buddhism, there is no religion on earth that places as much responsibility for the content and context of your life as Hinduism. It is not a matter of blame, guilt, a wrathful God or deserving such a horrible tragedy. Rather, Hinduism acknowledges a larger perspective where all situations will ultimately be seen in the light of the soul’s growth, serving to merge it back with The Ultimate Source. Adversity can be the ultimate teacher and rather than characterizing the Hindus who suffered in this tragedy as foolish people that are “controlled by the play of capricious deities,” humanity should be humbled by the people of all faiths who have lost everything and in their loss, for a brief moment in time, brought the world together. What other event in recent memory has brought people of all races and religions together to help one another?



It is unfortunate that we still live in a time where it takes a tragedy to bring people together. Countless souls cry to God, but perhaps it is God that is crying to us as well. Until we learn to understand one another, respect our differences and commit to live in harmony, God by whatever name you call Her will continue to cry. Newsweek is in a unique position in the world to inform and bring people together. Misinformed articles like Mr. Woodward’s serve only to exacerbate misunderstanding and create tension through such characterizations. A printed apology by Newsweek and Mr. Woodward to the Hindus of the world and suffering region would be appropriate. The people in South Asia have suffered enough without having to see one of their great philosophies reduced to superstitious insanity in international press. Further, I am not sure if Mr. Davis was quoted out of context, but if not, it seems that ‘Bard College in New York’ would be well served to find a ‘specialist’ who actually understands the depth of the people/religion it purports to teach about.



In any case, other than this negative point, I wish to again thank Newsweek for its role in covering the tragedy in South East Asia. It is through such coverage, the world is informed of the tragic plight there and people have the opportunity to come together. Thank You.



Sincerely