UNITED STATES, January 6, 2016 (Patheos, by Padma Kuppa): I was pleased to start the new year off with information about how, in pre-colonial India, Hindu temples were premier educational institutions. January also reminded me of my own pursuit of Hindu studies: several years ago, I wanted to enroll in a Hindu studies class at a local college, and found there are no such classes in our region – especially not one solely focused on Hinduism, and especially not taught by a practicing Hindu.
But then came a ray of light – the Dharma Civilization Foundation has recently given major gifts to universities in California, in order to encourage the study of Hinduism, especially at the graduate level. When I discovered DCF’s mission, and specifically their initiatives in California, I was thrilled – maybe there would be a ripple effect, and universities and individuals in around the US would also receive funding for Hindu studies!
It is important to understand that faculty in most colleges and universities who conduct research on and teach any of the major religious traditions beyond introductory courses are very often either practitioners of the traditions they specialize in or are at least involved in and generally supportive of the traditions they are researching and teaching. That is, with the exception of Hinduism, where most who teach about the tradition are not practicing Hindus, and many Hindus see the result of this being a decidedly anti-Hindu attitude in many departments and courses. Consequently, Hindus are now wanting to become involved and have a say in the way their traditions are being presented.
Much more at “source” above.