Dirgha Raj Prasai
In ancient time, ‘Himwatkhanda-Nepal’ extended from Bramhaputra in the East to Hindukush in the west, Kailash Mansovar in the North and Ganga in the South. In ancient time ‘Himwatkhanda Nepal’ disintegrated into many smaller nations. This area of the Himwatkhanda is the golden land. A veteran Rishi-Vasista (Hindu’s ascetic Guru) in a special Vedic scripture has mentioned about Himwatkhanda, “Bharatkhande Utarayane Himalaya Tate Swarnabhumi, Swarnabhumi,” meaning ‘the northern part of Bharatkhande, the Himalayan mountains is the golden land and just haven’. We can draw inference as to the greatness of this land. Kalidash in his ‘Kumaar Sambhav’ has mentioned, “The land from Eastern Himalayas to the Western Himalayas is the Arya land.” Before the Muslim and English imperialism in Bharatvarsha there were more than 25 sovereign Hindu states. at that time, India was not called 'Hindustan.' But, before the Great King- Prithvi Narayan Shah, the creator of greater Nepal- had said- ‘Nepal is the real 'Hindusthana' at 1800 Bs (1753, AD)
The identification of Himwatkhanda Nepal and Bharatkhanda-India are associated with the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. May all be happy in the world and let no one suffer from disease and be sad. May no one keep ill will towards another being? May all be liberal and compassionate? All humans of the world are our relatives. ‘Basudhaiv Kutumbakam’. May all receive equal amount of food, relation and shelter. Let us become a liberal character of compassion and be active for omnipresent. May all worlds be well? 'OM- Shanti' is Vedic Hindu customs cleansed indicative. The welfare and happiness of all is the supreme system which is the belief of the Vedic Hindu society. Dr. Basudev Krishna Shastri writes, “Hindus worship the Sun. The light that emanates from Sun is common for all. Without water no living being can survive. This is everyone’s right. Such things are beyond divisions, and consumed by all as per their necessity. For the prosperity of human life there must remain equal right and prerogative among us. No one should be hindered from contributing to their nation. So it is mentioned in the Veda, ‘Let us all rise for national awareness.’” This shows that Hindu religion is the vehicle that would show path to all human societies. Bramha- Bishnu-Maheshwor (the three Lords) is the guidance of Vedic Hindu life. In the ancient, Vedic Hindu religions the supreme is the ocean where anyone can swim anyhow.
The Sanskrit language was the popular language of ancient Nepal and India. A famous Scholar Max Mucller has written in his book- 'India-What Can it teach us'-' Sanskrit no doubt has an immense advantage over all other ancient language of the East. In a certain Sense we are still speaking and thinking Sanskrit or more correctly Sanskrit is like a dear aunt to use and she takes the place of a mother who is no more. Let us take a brief look at additional evidence to help verify the ides that Sanskrit was the original language of the world, and that it is connected with numerous countries and cultures. Latin and Persian are dialects of Sanskrit. Greek has borrowed a lot from Sanskrit. French & English are full Sanskrit words, roots and speech forms.
United HinduFront defines- The word "Veda" means knowledge, or wisdom. "Anta" means the culmination. The philosophical school of Vedanta represents the very highest teaching on the nature of man, God and creation in the whole of Sanatana Dharma-Hinduism. Even more, Vedanta represents the highest philosophical and spiritual teachings on earth. Vedanta is the culmination of all divine and human wisdom. An Indian Cultural analyst writes-'There is another hymn in Atharva Veda stating that we are all co-workers for prosperity and make riches flow amongst the people on the path of Dharma and Rta (A.V 1-15-2, 4). There is also a common prayer in Rig-Veda for the welfare of all human beings. We should create concord amongst the human beings, love each other as the cow loves the calf born to her, we all speak gently and in a friendly manner, let our water store be common and common also our share of food. Morning and evening let there be loving heart in all of us (R.V 10-191-2 to 4), (A.V 3-30-1 to 7).'
An American Scholar Dr Hiro Badlani writes in his book-'Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom'- 'The word Veda originate from the root Vid, which means 'to know'. The Veda scriptures are considered to be the divine knowledge perceived by the ancient sages, Rishis. The great truth which is remains unchanged even today. Hinduism is a vastly liberal religion. It openly and fervently uncurious and tolerates differences of opinion, use of discretion, and interpretation based on one's own circumstances and perception. In Hindu philosophy, 'Consciousness' is considered as a Divine Awareness' behind all the activity.'
Vedic Hindu ancient religion is the devotee of Panchadev (the five Gods). ‘OM’ is the follower of Vedic Hindu Panchadev. A suffering man will remember one of the Pachayan Devs (the five Gods). Panchayan means- it is compulsory to worship the Gods Ganesha, Devi, Surya, Shiva and Bishnu. If one of them is discriminated while carrying out the ritual of worship then the worship will not be complete. However, some Hindu communities have developed their own definition which has created controversy in the ancient Hindu beliefs. We are all the same. We Hindus and Buddhists do not want to invite controversy and dispute. Nepal is stable as a Hindu and Buddhist nation. Our respect to our compatriot is based on the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. Our concern and that of Buddhists’ corresponds to each other. Goddess Kali is worshipped by all Hindus as a manifestation of Shakti - the fierce destroyer of all evil. Her peaceful manifestation is Goddess Durga. Like God and Goddess, Cow is known as a shrine for all Hindus and the Buddhists. The cow was venerated as the mother goddess in the early Mediterranean civilizations. The cow became important in Nepal & India, first in the Vedic period (1500 - 900 BCE). The lord Bhishma also observes that the cow acts as a surrogate mother by providing milk to human beings for the whole life. The cow is truly the mother of the world. Cows as Gifts of all gifts, the cow is still considered the highest in rural Nepal, India and the Hindu world. So the holy animal- 'COW' has declared a National animal in Nepal.
Swami Chandresh says, “It is clearly mentioned in all Hindu scriptures as Geeta, Vedas, Yoga and Tantras that this particular religion is supposed for all people of the world. Hindu religion does not believe in creation of factions and conversion of religion. It believes in turning an animal-like man to a human and a human to God. In accordance with all Hindu scriptures a man earns his pride, power, knowledge and money through Karma. The Vedic Hindu religion was born of intense meditation, Yoga and deep interpretation of knowledge and truth carried out by Rishis (sages) in the steppes of Himalaya. It will be unwise to compare Nepal’s social conditions with Indian cultural lifestyle. India has been influenced by Muslim religion and Christian rule which had forced them into a slavish mentality for many centuries, and they have been forced to live in compulsion, and have been defiled.” We Nepali people are somewhat fortunate in a sense that sovereignty of Nepal has not been defiled by foreigners.
‘Athmana Pratikulani Paresam nasamacharet’ meaning, ‘don't do so for others which you dislike to do or talk’. This is the chief policy of Hinduism. But, a concerning crisis seen in the Hindu communities is the growth of Vaisnav religion, Krishna Pranami, Jain, Shikh along with different definitions and interpretations of religious Gurus has created crisis in the Hindu communities. This has plunged the Hindu religion into controversy. There have been foul attempts to create artificial lacking in the ‘OMKAR’ (followers of OM). The Cosmic Word OM becomes the raft of knowledge. According to Yajur Veda XL-17, this word OM is Brahma Itself. "OM Khamma Brahma"- OM Thy name is Brahma. Through this Word, He not only created Prakrti and Universe but also protects the same with the divine energy coming out of Shabad Brahma. This cosmic word OM is from the root Ava (to protect).
A cultural analyst Arvind Pradhan 'Vedic Hindu religion is almost as old as human-race means millions of year old. Jew religion is about three thousand years old. Jainism is about two thousand and five hundred years old. Christianity is about two thousand years old which means before 2 thousand years ago there were no Christians and no Christian country on this earth. Islam is about 14 hundred years old. Before 14 hundred years ago there was no Islam, no Muslim and no Muslim country on this earth. Sikh religion is almost 5 hundred years old means before 5 hundred years ago there was no Sikhs on this earth. The ‘OMKAR’ (Vidic-Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Shikh family of the ancient Hindu religion is facing crisis. Following the Vedic Hindu Pachayan Devs (the five Gods), Jain and Shikh are following their own beliefs. The cosmic word 'OM' is from the root Ava (to protect).
Many Hindu families have even stopped speaking due to this aura of competition that has pervaded the ancient Hindu religious communities. Due to the presence of evil imperialism the ancient Hindu religion has failed to organize itself. ‘Panchayan’ is the religion of any Hindu. Those deciding to follow Baisnav, Krishna Pranami or Bramhakumari must not detach themselves from the mainstream Hindu religion. In order to make this possible the religious Gurus must not disseminate illusion among their followers in an unacceptable way. The religious followers that have grown with Rigved, Yarjuved, Arthaved and Samved recitals should not distort the truth of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, and try attaining an imaginary enlightenment.
It is inappropriate to pollute the Hindu ocean by choosing the path of four streams when the main stream is available. We must reach understanding to rid the Hindu religion of the defects that were advertently or inadvertently born of us. There are people (some foreigners and brokers) wanting to destroy our civilization and create division within us. It is our duty to be alert of these things. We don’t need the knowledge of foreign religions. Hindu world is in itself sufficient and Vedic Hindu religion is the pioneer of world’s civilization. The reality is that in Hindu world, we need only to evaluate the ‘Bishnu Avatar’ then we will find the world in it. The ten avatars (incarnation) of God Bishnu, in order are- Matsyaroop (Fish), Kurma (tortoise), Baraharoop (pig), Narsighroop (lion and man), Baman (pigmy), (Brahman), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha. We can infer that ancient Vedic Hindu religion has remained creative in guiding the civilization and human life. Hindu’s faith lies in Bhramha- Bishnu- Maheshwor. In this way it has the ancient Vedic Hindu religion bestowed its guidance in the growth of civilization and human life?
A famous scholar Stephen Knapp writes-' Vedic culture has been changing the world throughout the ages. The fact is that more Westerners than ever before are adopting the ways and philosophy of Vedic culture, whether it is through yoga and meditation, or adapting the philosophy of karma and reincarnation. Many are those who want to follow this path. I=m an example of that, and there are many more out there, and many more who want to but don=t know it yet. We need to be willing to share it with them. That itself is a great contribution to the world from the Vedic path. The more we uphold our principles and let others know why they are important, the more they will also adopt our ways'. Every nation has a unique cultural identity. The values, believes, ethos, conduct, moral compass, dress, personality, family values and demeanor of a given country are set apart from other countries. Muslim culture, African culture with many differences, American culture, Italian culture, Mexican culture, Chinese culture, etc are examples of their uniqueness in terms what they stand for. There are many differences among Hindus depending on their region and sub-regions. There are many traits that are unique to Hindus. Many scholars and people describe- Hindu culture as unity in diversity resulting in more tolerance. Never invaded any other country and never subjugated others for reasons of religious dominance. After all, we Hindu in the world are suffering from the nonsense money-minded brokers of Christian.
Yes! May I present the face of Christianity? 'When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.' Bishop Desmond Tutu quotes (African Spiritual leader and Novelist, b.1931). So we Hindus are suspicious on the Christian activities.
The reality is that the Hindus' mind is universal, nonsectarian, non-religious, scientific, exploratory, methodical, sacred, logical, investigative, intuitive, objective and inclusive. It is with this kind of mindset, one can live in peace, wipe out terrorism, root out sectarian dogmas, value the human life, respect the dignity of individuals, practice non-violence, tolerate differences, value the freedom of expression, advocate the pluralistic believes, uphold the liberty for all, refrain from terror, abstain from destroying other civilizations, and live in peaceful coexistence. In Hinduism, each person is free to experience as much sensory pleasure and accumulate as much wealth as he or she desires, provided no hurt is caused to any one in the process. Only after satiating the desires the individual can finally liberate himself from material wants. The fact is that there's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If we are alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
We are proud to be Nepali. We want to be free of foreign intervention pertaining to our national unity, our traditional culture, and we will be free. Since the ancient times democracy has been a system that has been exercised and recited in Himwatkhanda. We have been adopting as the chief policy of giving equal opportunity to all to exercise their freedom, and we have tried to provide food and shelter for all. Religious freedom is our belief. Everyone has the right to follow their own religion. However, by showing the attraction of money, Christians have been alluring people to convert their religion; they have become one of the destroyers the foundation of Hindu religion, which we regard as enemies. Against such people all Hindu world must unite. Due to the republican system, the country is standing on the verge of dismemberment in the last ten years.
The permanent institution- 'Monarchy' can put unites the cordial relation between Nepal, India and China. In between the two big neighbors-China & India, the monarchy had been playing a balanced role. Nepalese monarchy is identified the most convincing identity of Nepal's independence, cultural unity and safeguards the Indian culture and peace also. I think, majority Indian people also want peaceful Nepal with monarchy. So, Nepalese people need to reinstate the amiable Hindu monarchy. Nepal could remain an independent and sovereign country only because of monarchy. The monarchy was pivotal in integrating Nepal, establishing democratic and just society at par with the modern world. But why are the political parties so averse and negative towards monarchy? It is true that there are many countries which do not have monarchy still they could remain independent and prosperous. Nepalese king has ever acted or walked on the path which is against Nepal's national interest. Gorkha was one country since ancient time. This country is the result of the unification of 54 small countries or fiefdoms under the leadership of the monarchy. Some people lacking information about Nepal's geo-political stand point along with the cultural history as the king remained symbol of unity in diversity take as an obsolete and ancient institution, but not all countries with monarchy are deprived and destitute. In the context of Nepal, the political parties can always get along with monarchy.
We must all know that to bring secularism is to invite war. Regardless of who we are; Rai, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Brahman, Chetri, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi among others, we are all either Hindu or Buddhist. Some Sherpa, Tamang and Newars are affiliated to Buddhism. No matter who follows what Pashupatinath and Swayambunath lay in the same world? Vedic Hindu civilization religion is highly liberal in nature. Whether one worships an idol or one is either vegetarian or non vegetarian we are all Hindus. Hindus are free to live as they see fit. This religion is regarded as highly democratic and liberal. However, there are conspiracies in Nepal against Hindu and Buddhist religion. We Hindu in the world must act to save our identity. The ancient Vedic-Hindu civilization and religion must drape these religions that have chosen to go against humanity with the cloak of civilization and harmony. So, to keep intact all the identified symbols of Nepal, monarchy and Hindu kingdom must be in existence. Long live- 'Hinduism' in all over the world.
Email:dirgharajprasai@gmail.com
