The Theology of Missions

Hinduism was introduced into Java by travelers from India in ancient times. When the
early Javanese princes accepted Hinduism, they did not give up all of their early
animistic beliefs—they simply combined the new ideas with them. Several centuries
ago, many Hindus left Java for Bali rather than convert to Islam. Hinduism has survived
in Bali ever since. Dang Hyang Nirartha was responsible for facilitating a refashioning of
Balinese Hinduism. He was an important promoter of the idea of moksha in Indonesia.
He founded the Shaivite priesthood that is now ubiquitous in Bali, and is now regarded
as the ancestor of all Shaivite pandits.
Shantidas Adhikari was a Hindu preacher from Sylhet who converted King Pamheiba of
Manipur to Hinduism in 1717.
Historically, Hinduism has only recently had a large influence in western countries such
as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada. Since the 1960s, many westerners
attracted by the world view presented in Asian religious systems have converted to
Hinduism. Canada is no exception. Many native-born Canadians of various ethnicities
have converted during the last 50 years through the actions of the Ramakrishna
Mission, ISKCON, Arya Samaj and other missionary organizations as well as due to the
visits and guidance of Indian gurus such as Guru Maharaj, Sai Baba, and Rajneesh.
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