A Letter to a Hindu by Leo Tolstoy
The letter is an open appeal to the Indian people, urging them to reject their traditional practices and adopt a simple, non-violent way of life based on Christian principles. Tolstoy argues that Hinduism is a form of idolatry and that its scriptures are full of contradictions and absurdities. He claims that the caste system is a product of ignorance and superstition, and that it perpetuates inequality and injustice. He advocates for a return to the simple, natural way of life advocated by Jesus Christ, which he believes is in harmony with the principles of Hinduism as expressed in the Bhagavad Gita. Tolstoy argues that this path is one of non-violence, self-control, and compassion, and that it is the only way to achieve true freedom and happiness. Tolstoy's letter was written in response to a request from an Indian friend who had asked him to explain his views on Hinduism. The letter was published in 1908 and caused controversy among both Hindus and Christians.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1908 · Genre: Philosophical Essay, Political Commentary, Religious Critique · 7 chapters · 5,505 words
First lines
Do not seek quiet and rest in those earthly realms where delusions and desires are engendered, for if thou dost, thou wilt be dragged through the rough wilderness of life, which is far from Me.
Whenever thou feelest that thy feet are becoming entangled in the interlaced roots of life, know that thou has strayed from the path to which I beckon thee: for I have placed thee in broad, smooth paths, which are strewn with flowers. I have put a light before thee, which thou canst follow and thus run without stumbling. KRISHNA.
What this Textopian page supports
A Letter to a Hindu is listed on Textopian as an essay by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Essay, Political Commentary, Religious Critique, Spiritual Literature, Social Philosophy
- Length: 5,505 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Letter to a Hindu by Leo Tolstoy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Letter to a Hindu?
- How does this essay by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy
- East And West by Matthew Arnold
- The World And The Quietist by Matthew Arnold
- The Doctor by Archibald Alexander
- To The Person Sitting In Darkness by Mark Twain
- Church Of England by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Genres
- Philosophical Essay — The work explores deep philosophical themes regarding love, morality, and the nature of human existence, making it primarily a philosophical essay.
- Political Commentary — It addresses issues of oppression, social justice, and the dynamics between the majority and minority, categorizing it as a political commentary.
- Religious Critique — The text critiques various religious teachings and their implications on morality and societal structures, positioning it within religious critique.
- Spiritual Literature — It emphasizes spiritual awakening and the pursuit of love as a guiding principle, aligning it with spiritual literature.
Tags
Philosophical · Spiritual · Inspirational · Historical · Cultural · Comparative · Religious · Ethical · Moral · Social · Political · Colonialism