Hindus are often accused of being too inward looking rather than engaging with the outside world. However, Hinduism has a long tradition of engagement and openness as seen through its history of spread across Southeast Asia and influence on other religions and cultures over millennia. While Hindus place importance on spiritual practices, Hinduism has always been interpreted and practiced in different ways by its followers depending on time, place and other contexts.

1. Session 8B Are We inward looking? Moderator Dr. Prakasa Rao Global Hindu Heritage Foundation Datta Yoga Center Baton Rouge, LA September 11-13, 2009