American politics has become intensely divisive, affecting everyday life in the United States and shaping global perceptions. A growing conversation suggests that what is missing in the public sphere is Dharma—understood as a commitment to truth, duty, and harmony—which can restore balance and civility across communities and institutions.
Within the Hindu Dharmic perspective, balance is often described through the energy of the divine feminine, a metaphor for moral clarity, compassion, and steadfastness. In this context, the candidacy of Rakhi Israni, an American Hindu running for Congress in California, has drawn attention. California holds a notable place in the modern history of Dharmic traditions: Paramahansa Yogananda established ashrams such as Lake Shrine; Los Angeles recognized Vedanta Square in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda’s 1899 visit; and in 2023, the Sathya Sai Baba organization inaugurated Sai Prema Nilayam in Riverside, where seva—such as free healthcare initiatives and food distribution—continues to be practiced. These milestones illustrate how Dharmic ethics of service and compassion have taken root in American civic life.
California, despite its challenges, often serves as a receptive environment for pluralism and community service. In such a milieu, a candidate grounded in Dharmic values can situate public service within a framework of ethical responsibility, civil discourse, and collective well-being—principles that resonate across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
As articulated by Rakhi Israni: “Dharma is how I lead my life. It is the commitment to just, righteous actions that sustain harmony and uplift those around us. I believe we have a duty to serve a purpose greater than ourselves and to stand firmly on the side of truth. My husband and I are passing that belief down to our four kids. It’s a value I see alive and well in our communities, but the tragedy is it’s missing in our politics. I’m running for Congress – to bring truth and civility back to our politics and deliver results on the issues facing us all.” The emphasis on truth, service, and civility aligns closely with long-standing Dharmic teachings on ethical action and communal harmony.
Across households and workplaces, many observe the personal toll of polarization—strained conversations, social media rancor, and diminished trust. Dharmic traditions offer practical correctives: truthful speech (satya), non-harm (ahimsa), self-discipline (tapas), and service (seva). These shared values, present in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh philosophies, encourage listening across differences, fostering unity in spiritual diversity while supporting robust, fact-based debate in the public square.
The landscape of California’s Dharmic heritage—Yogananda’s centers, Vedanta Square honoring Swami Vivekananda, and contemporary seva initiatives—underscores a continuity of ethical engagement. Within this broader tapestry, the framing of a congressional campaign through Dharma is notable not as promotion, but as an illustration of how civic life can be informed by time-tested principles that prioritize balance, responsibility, and societal well-being.
Ultimately, the discussion extends beyond a single candidacy. It highlights an enduring proposition: that Dharmic values can help renew civility in American politics, strengthen interfaith and intercultural understanding, and encourage a public ethos where principled disagreement coexists with mutual respect. In doing so, it invites reflection on how shared ethical commitments across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism can contribute to a more cohesive and compassionate civic culture.
Inspired by this post on Hindu Human Rights Blog.
