(Courtesy: Roop Joshi)
A few months after the “Jana Andolan II” of April 2006, the Interim Government of Nepal saw it fit to declare the country, a Hindu Kingdom since 1769, a secular state. Along with the stripping of the king’s powers, the negation of the word “royal” from everything from the national army to the national airlines, and the general fever of “loktantra” or even “ganatantra”, this was yet another politically rushed initiative of the EPA (Seven Party Alliance plus Maoists). The advent of democracy in the
so-called New Nepal saw the country, with at least 85 per cent of its population Hindus, become instantaneously secular without a single citizen being solicited for his/her views. That this feat was achieved by an un-elected government is entirely another issue.
Why this undemocratic declaration of a secular state? It was a political tool to appease the “internationals” (various countries, proselytizing groups, INGOs, etc.). Even the Maoists, submerged in doctrinaire Marxism, had dared not pressure this issue knowing full well the feelings of Nepalis. By this treasonous act of appeasement, the interim government compromised the sovereignty of our nation. By bending to the will of foreigners, we became but a pseudo-colony long after the demise of colonialism. While countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Israel maintain state religions, helpless Nepal was pressured to give up its historical culture and religion by a bevy of 21st century proselytizers.
In juxtapose, we are well aware that the current US President’s politics is heavily influenced by the religious right-wing of that country – the same right-wing which has bizarre beliefs such as advocating abstinence as the only solution to teenage pregnancy. The Queen of the United Kingdom is not only the Head of State but also the Head of the Anglican Church. Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark all have constitutional links between church and state; yet they provide more freedom of religion than a secular state. For example the Finnish government provides funding for the construction of mosques; and Iceland was among the first countries to legalize abortion. Religion has also proved resilient despite repression. Case in point is Mongolia where religion was suppressed during three decades of Soviet influence and communist government. Nevertheless, Buddhism survived and has flowered again openly since 1990. State religion is certainly not rare even in the 21st century.
Having explored how and why Nepal lost its Hindu identity, let us see what it is that we lost. The term “Hinduism” is actually an aberration: the people from the Indus civilization were originally known as Hindus. The religion they practiced was “Sanatan Dharma” - “Sanatan” meaning from the beginning of the world and “Dharma” meaning the path to real happiness through self-realization. Sanatan Dharma, the oldest religion in the world, advocates spiritual or religious practices that result in the salvation of the soul. It is considered the religion which eternally exists in God, which was revealed by God, which describes the names, forms, virtues and the abodes of God, and which reveals the true path of God. Sanatan Dharma is not a ‘religion’ in the western sense. It is a ‘way of life’, a philosophy to achieve salvation. Every religion has an ‘apostle’ - except Sanatan Dharma. The teachings of this religion have come through the spiritual meditation of various enlightened Gurus who received revelations from God.
Sanatan Dharma is the most secular of all religions. It does not criticize any other religion. It does not try to convert people of other religions. It provides freedom for all to practice their own religious beliefs. It has not conflicted with any other religion in Nepal. What was the need then to secularize the only Hindu state on earth? The pluralistic nature of this religion further bears testimony to its openness. For example, different members of the same family may worship Shiva, Kali or Krishna, without any conflict whatsoever. It is recognized that there is but one God and communication with God through any avenue is perfectly acceptable.
So in this current time of political fluidity, a euphemism for turmoil, what is to be done regarding the irrelevant designation of Nepal as a secular state? The occasional mass demonstration or convention has not made any dent in the government’s policy. Funding for this cause appears pitifully scarce. Once again, the Silent Majority – in this case at least 85 per cent of the population – remains complacent. With the Constituent Assembly election creeping, albeit doubtfully, in the horizon, it is time for voters to also think about the position of candidates on whether Nepal should revert to a Hindu state or not. Whether that view is extended to the choice of a Hindu kingdom will likely be decided by a referendum. Political theology may apply to the latter issue, but religion need not be constrained by the chains of petty politics.
RELATED POSTS:
New Nepal - A country out of whack?
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/08/new-nepal-country-out-of-whack.html
Bahunists and Bahunism - No Room for feudal elements in the "new Nepal"
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/08/bahunists-and-bahunism-no-room-for.html
Bahunists and Bahunism - A mini-Dissertation on the Caretakers of Nepal's Feudal Tradition
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/03/bahunists-and-bahunism-mini.html
The King, the Populists, the Herders and the Sheep
http://nepaliperspectives.blogspot.com/2007/02/king-populists-herders-and-sheep.html
No comments:
Post a Comment