Inter-Religious Dialogue and Indian Tradition

Abstract

Inter-religious dialogue, as we understand it today, is a comparatively new phenomenon. It is a two-way communication between living religions which helps them find their own depths, fulfil their purposes and grow harmoniously in a pluralistic world. It is, of course, sustained communication, not between different religions taken in the abstract sense, but between the believers- persons or groups – of various living religions, who are not saying the same thing, undertaken in mutual trust and respect. In dialogue, therefore, more than concepts relationships are important. It is not merely an intellectual communication between persons, but takes into account the whole person i.e. one’s intellect, emotions, activity and so on. It has various level and dimensions, e.g., intellectual, philosophical, theological, existential, spiritual, common prayer, meditation and communication of our deepest religious experiences etc. This is the reason why now-a-days people involved in dialogue speak of the necessity of dia-praxim, living together and working together for a better future. Mutual understanding is one of the basic elements of dialogue. A dialogue presupposes the mutuality and equality of the participants and does not place them in categories. Each one among the participants encounters the others with an openness to know, appreciate and accept, with honesty and sincerity; and each one also presumes and trusts the openness and sincerity of the other