NEW YORK, NY - The documentary focused on the rare Aghora sect, which uses ritual practices with physical objects to invoke Divine grace. Although the Aghora way is an important element of the Hindu spectrum, it is far from the mainstream of Hinduism and needs to be understood as an extremely specialized path followed by a small group of ascetics. By focusing on these practices alone and presenting them in a distorted...
manner disrespectful of their sanctity, this documentary only further amplifies racist and xenophobic stereotypes about Hinduism. This is the last thing we need after a week in which three Hindus and one Sikh were shot in the US in hate crimes, and when Hindu children already face bullying based on distorted views of their religion. Ensuring that thought-creators understand the implications of their work depicting Hindu practice is also a necessary step to achieving mutual understanding. Only then can a more wholesome understanding of Sanatana Dharma take shape here in the U.S. Additionally, we will continue to work with our campuses throughout the U.S. to constructively respond to any questions or concerns.- Hindu Students Council Washington, DC
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