December 18, 2014
The stout-hearted, enduring Hindus of Java
Until the last two issues of Hinduism Today, it was not generally known that there are one million Hindus on the island of Java, Indonesia. Now that the issues are out, these admirable people will be better known and appreciated. They are descendants of the Hindu kingdoms which flourished in Indonesia from at least 400 to 1500 ce, until the advent of Islam. Since then they have courageously held on to their faith and practices amid difficult circumstances, including total isolation from other Hindus—even those of nearby Bali—and periodic violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
To do the story justice, Hinduism Today sent its star reporter, Rajiv Malik of New Delhi who was only the first or second Indian in modern times to visit some of the areas where Hindus live. The result is a fascinating report you will want to read.
There was so much to tell about the people, their architecture, their culture and their bold spirit, that the article had to be split over two issues (October-November-December 2014 and January-February-March 2015).
As the managing editor put it, "We need to know these people and appreciate how they've managed on their own all this time, and come out so strong. We need to learn from them and welcome them into our worldwide community."
Hinduism Today is especially happy to have been able to produce this article for two reasons. One is that it gives recognition to a people who have long deserved it, and fulfills a part of the magazine's mission to report on Hindus everywhere and make us aware and appreciative of one another.
The second reason for jubilation is that the article, being relatively expensive to produce, became possible thanks to a grant from the Hinduism Today Production Fund. It encourages the editors to think that, as time goes on and the Fund grows, they will be able to produce more and more of such special, meaningful and encouraging pieces.
Hindu Heritage Endowment
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery | 107 Kaholalele Rd
Kapaa, Hawaii 96746-9304 USA
1-808-634-5407 | 1-888-464-1008 |
kaivalya@hindu.org