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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hinduism is pure at its source like the Ganga, yet it absorbs impurities along its path while remaining beneficial overall.
In plain terms
Hinduism stays essentially pure despite external influences.
What can you take from it?
Core values endure even as practices adapt.

Where it applies

  • cultural integration
  • interfaith work
  • community development

Putting it to work

  • preserve core teachings
  • embrace constructive change

Questions to consider

  • How do traditions balance purity and change?
  • What defines the ‘core substance’?

Another view

Metaphor may oversimplify complex historical and theological variations.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

  1. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit of Truth. Truth is God and if today it has become moribund, inactive, irresponsive to growth, it is because we are fatigued; a…

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  2. Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.

    Permalink to quote #154
  3. Hinduism is a living organism. One and indivisible at the root, it has grown into a vast tree with innumerable branches. Knowledge is limitless and so also the…

    Permalink to quote #151

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