Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava

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Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava is a concept coined by Mahatma Gandhi that embodies the equality of the destination of the paths followed by all religions. [1]

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The phrase is attributed to Mahātmā Gāndhi, who first used it in September 1930 in his communications to his followers to quell divisions that had begun to develop between Hindus and Muslims. [2] The concept played a role in Gandhi's movement to unite people belonging to various castes and communities into a huge anti-colonial movement. [3]

The concept is one of the key tenets of secularism in India, which do not separate church and state, but instead is an attempt by the state to embrace all religions. [4] [5] As per Amartya Sen India's pluralism has always been the doctrine of state manifested through its policy of secularism that is based on Upanishads idea of Sarva dharma sama bhav.

Sarva dharma sama bhav is often translated as "All religions are the same" or "All path's lead to the same destination (In a religious sense)", although its literal meaning is closer to "All dharma/faiths are possible".

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References

  1. Haynes, Jeffrey (2020). Peace, Politics, and Religion. MDPI AG. p. 90. ISBN   978-3-03936-664-4.
  2. Rakhit, Maanoj (29 July 2013). RKM Propagating the Opposite of What Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Had Said: Call to the Rank and File at RKM! Stand Up and Uphold the Truth. Maanoj Rakhit. ISBN   9788189746490.
  3. Losonczi, Peter; Van Herck, Walter (2017). Secularism, Religion, and Politics: India and Europe. Routledge. p. 33.
  4. Smith, Donald E (2011). India as a Secular State . Princeton University Press. ISBN   9781178595253.
  5. Larson, Gerald James (2001). Religion and Personal Law in Secular India: A Call to Judgment. Indiana University Press. ISBN   0-253-33990-1.