Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/176

at saying that all Hindus or all men are brothers. It goes further and teaches, "You and I are one." It inspires the feelings not of brotherhood and equality, but of identity and unity. Still, with a philosophy so liberal as this, no unity was created. A theory like the brotherhood of man or brotherhood in a smaller group, however intelligently explained by a philosopher, does not sway the multitude and affect their actions unless the multitude sees before it clear necessity for putting that theory into practice. This necessity may be created either by desire for plunder, defence, or propaganda of a god or doctrine. Thugs and missionaries of religions have generally a strong sense of brotherhood, as they have desire of stealing money and members respectively from outside groups. Mere cosmopolitanism would not unite the entire Hindu society. It would not weld the different castes and tribes into one group. In order to accomplish this ideal we want a somewhat narrow social philosophy, at least temporarily. This narrow philosophy should not be based on religious prejudices, or tribal feelings. What we should have is a territorial sentiment irrespective of religion or race. We want Indian nationalism, and Indian patriotism. It is the duty of the Indian poets, writers and statesmen to cultivate this feeling. When strong nationalism will make Indians feel that they all are one group with members connected with each other by ties of blood, tradition and interest, then only will come the time for cosmopolitanism to germinate and spread.

Thus the bases of Indian unity are these: Cosmopolitan philosophy in the matters of "religion" should be promoted, but while we make the effort to promote it in India, valuable service will be done to the entire world.