Inappropriate Comparisons

It is quite common to make these to prove a point. For example to prove the superiority of Indian Classical Music, it is compared to Western Pop, Rock or Jazz music. It is like comparing oranges & apples, which are quite different fruits. If one has to make a comparison, (comparisons generally being odious!) it should be with Western Classical Music. Here, even the origins are similar. Indian Classical Music evolved with the religious chants of the "Saamaveda", one of the four Vedas, the Founding texts of Hinduism. Similarly, Western Classical Music's fount was the Plain Song or Gregorian Chants in Churches.

Similarly with religions, the best practices of one should not be compared with the worst of another, but with the best of another. The best teachings of Hinduism should be compared with the best of other religions. Hindu Mystics should be compared to Christian Mystics like St. Teresa, Julian of Norwich or Muslim Sufi mystics like Omar Khayyam & Rabia Basri & definitely not with missionaries or fundamentalists.

Here, it may be noted in passing, that no religion approves forcible conversions (like the infamous Spanish Inquisition) or the Islamic ones. All the true followers were insensible of anything except to strengthen their own devotion to God rather than inducing others. Christine De Pisan, the first professional woman writer of the West, in her allegorical book on feminism,"The Book of the City of Ladies", dedicates the third & last part of the book, to describe the highest towers of the city as dedicated to the numerous mystics & Martyrs of the Christian faith. Similarly, the Sufis, the beloved of Allah, are dedicated to strengthen their faith in Him.

This parity of comparison may put a correct perspective on things, with diverse streams of thought filling into their own place, without infringing on others.