https://doi.org/10.15407/orientw2021.01.102
The
article describes the main methodological difficulties in Hindu Studies and
looks on the Bhagavad Gita as it is book trial in Tomsk (Russian
Federation) in 2011–2012 years as on the case-study of actuality and
practical significance of theoretical bases and statements of the discipline.
Among the groups of methodological problems extracted by the authors (identity,
terminological, classificatory and practical) the first one is the most up to
date. It concerns with the questions of identification of essential features of
Hinduism, the reasons to embrace numerous cults and traditions of India into
one religion, to find the “Hinduism’ nucleus” and the time of its emergence and
development. Article also points out two approaches for study Hinduism –
centralist and pluralist, analyzing strengths and weaknesses of both.
On Bhagavad
Gita as it is book trial and other events connected to the trial the
numerous principal questions were discussed. The main one was about International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) attachment to Hinduism and Indian culture in general.
During the discussion the argument about non-Vedic origin of Krishna’s cult was
beaten. This argument leaves outside Hinduism not only ISKCON, but whole five
hundred years old tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It was found out why it is
incorrect to ask weather Bhagavad Gita as it is and Bhagavad Gita
is one and the same books or different books and deconstructed many stereotypes
about Hinduism and Hindu people like the stereotype that person to be a Hindu
have to be born in Hindu family or the one that caste system is the essential
feature for Hinduism. The discussions at the Court and during the conference
proved that the centralist approach in Hindu Studies is more productive in the
social practice. The trial not only provokes Vaishnavas of ISKCON to defend
their identity but also leads to better understanding of ISKCON connection with
the tradition of Hinduism and its role in Indian culture.
Keywords:
Hinduism, Vaishnavism, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Bhagavad
Gita as it is, Bhagavad Gita, Indology
