The common understanding of multiculturalism and enlightenment has no resemblance with what has been described in this thread so far. Multiculturalism as we know it refers to tolerance and respect for all religions, non-religions and cultures. It entails the peaceful coexistence of diverse cultures in our society. It recognizes that all religions and the lack of adherence to religion are completely equal. No religion can be held in higher esteem than any other religion. No innocuous belief, practice or tradition of any culture is worthy of scorn or of special treatment. Multiculturalism and pluralism of this nature has been recognized and practiced in India for more than two millennia, i.e. at least since the time of Ashoka.
Enlightenment has distinct meanings in different traditions. Literally it means lighting of ones soul. In Eastern religions it refers to achieving freedom from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. It also stands for achieving pure awareness or knowledge of the ultimate nature of reality. In Christianity it represents recognition of divine grace or the power of the almighty. In the secular tradition enlightenment is synonymous with knowledge achieved by the free exercise of reason. Indeed, the Age of Enlightenment is deemed to be a rejection of myth and superstition, and the recourse to miraculous explanation that was adopted by the Church in Europe in the Middle Ages. Well-known enlightenment thinkers in the latter vein are Rousseau, Voltaire and Hume in Europe, Jefferson and Adams in the U.S., and Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore in India. Actually, India has a much longer tradition of rationalistic thinking of this type embedded within the ancient pre-Hindu scriptures. Cheers, Santosh --- Nasci Caldeira <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Nasci adds: > > Besides the enlightenment in religious orientation > and wisdom as a Goan > (Indian) Christian, I am enlightened in 'Cultural > ways' too. I/we are truly > modern and multicultural. > _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)