Hinduism in Romania
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There is relatively little history of active practice of Hinduism in Romania, although many prominent Romanian thinkers have had an interest in Hindu thought, and since the Romanian Revolution of 1989 there have been some converts.
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[edit] Before 1989
Mihai Eminescu (1850–1889), Romania's most prominent poet, was familiar with the Upanishads and drew upon them for images and concepts. For example, he wrote a poem entitled "Tattwamasi," whose content deals with the identity of Atman and Brahman. [1]
[edit] Since 1989
The Divine Life Society and the Vedanta Society has a publishing house named Lotus in Bucharest. They publish books on Vedic philosophy (Vivekananda, Ramacharaka, Krishnananda). The leader of Divine Life Society is honorary member A. Russu, accountable to the headquarters in Rishikesh, India.[2]
Transcendental Meditation has been in Romania for many years. It was prohibited by the Nicolae Ceauşescu regime, but has flourished again after the revolution, especially among intellectuals. The strongholds of TM are Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.[2]
ISKCON has established small communities at least in Bucharest and Timişoara. In the latter city they hold monthly conferences in the Polytechnical Institute.[2]
ISKCON (the "Hare Krishnas") is the largest Hinduist association in country.
The Theosophical Society and the Anthroposophical Society are represented especially in Bucharest, Timişoara and Cluj. They seldom call themselves by these names, rather they name themselves "Para-Psychological Research groups". Their beliefs are very syncretistic, mixing Eastern beliefs.[2]
Sathya Sai Baba devotees are also present in Romania.[2]
The Sahaja Yoga movement, is led by a female guru, Sri Mataji Nirvala Devi. The followers of this “instant Yoga” are numbered by the thousands in about 10 cities.[2]
[edit] Indians in Romania
There are currently about 1000 [1] Indians living in Romania, most of them in Bucarest.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Ernest Valea, New Religious Movements in Romania, Spirituality in East and West / Update and Dialog nr. 2 (volume 2. no. 1), February 1993
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