Hindu and Hinduism Is the Foundation of Human Civilization: Dirgha Raj Prasai

Hindu and Hinduism Is the Foundation of Human Civilization

By Dirgha Raj Prasai     

The world has bestowed high importance of Hinduism on the civilization resonant in Himwatkhanda Nepal and India. Countries around the world adopted the social structure and values of the two nations. In terms of the gestation of civilization Himwatkhanda Nepal and India both have uniformity which goes back to the ancient times. The religious structure of Nepalese society is formally Hindu; but here and only here the interplay of peoples and their religious traditions has produced a rich fusion of Hindu and Buddhist faiths. It is common for both Hindus and Buddhists to worship at the same shrine, for many gods and saints are cross-over, often known by a different name but holding the same attributes.A country’s existence and prestige can gradually be eroded by finishing off its faith and belief tradition and culture and the creator of nation. Nepal was worthy to be bowed down by Hindus all over the world. This is the highest honor Nepal could receive from the international community.

Among all religions of the world, Hindu religion is considered as an ancient religion that is recognized as the foundation of civilization and as the most liberal democratic way of life.  Hinduism & Buddhism are the identities & cultural assets of Nepal. The Lord Pashupathinath, Shoyambhunath, Lumbini, Barahachetra, Gosaikunda, Muktinath, Ridi, Janakidham, Devghat of Nepal, Kailash Mansharobar of Tibet (well accessed for Nepalese and Hindus), and Tirupati, Rameshroram, Jagannath, Badrinath, Amarnath of India are the symbolic shrines of Hinduism & Buddhism. The people of Nepal and India always have cordial relations due to the cultural and religious resemblance. They should know that if instability persists in Nepal, it could be a bastion of terrorism posing a threat to the whole world. When present India (Hindustan) was not in existence, there were more than 25 nations, 250 years ago, the greatKing Prithvi Narayan Shah expressed–”Nepal is true Hindustan”

We have two pious Hindu countries in the world- Himabatkhanda and Bharatkhanda, Kailash-Mansarowar to Hinda-Mahasagar is the original place of Hindus and Hinduism. The Bramhaputra in east, Hindukush in west, north Kailash-Mansarowar and the south Ganga River is the boundary of Himabatkhanda (Nepal) and Ganga to Hinda-Mahasagar is Bharatkhanda (India). Kailash-Mansarowar is the pious land of the lord Shiva. Hindu Kush (Hindu’s land) shows that two major kingdoms of Gandhaar & Vaahic Pradesh (Balkh of Bactria) had their borders extending far beyond the Hindu Kush. Legend has it that the kingdom of Gandhaar was established by Taksha, grandson of Bharat of Ayodhya. Gandhaar‘s borders extended from Takshashila to Tashkent in the present day Uzbekistan. In the later period, Mahabharat relates Gaandhaari as a princess of Gandhaar and her brother, Shakuni as a prince and later as Gandhaar‘s ruler.

A Scholor V.S. Sardesai writes- ”Hindu” does not come from Sindhu’. The country lying between the Himalayan mountain and Bindu Sarovara (Cape Comorin sea) is known as Hindusthan by combination of the first letter ‘hi’ of ‘Himalaya’ and the last compound letter ‘ndu’ of the word ‘Bindu.’ The historian Yogi Naraharinath also has written- ‘Himalaya, Him’ indicates ‘Hindu.’ Hindu religion is the world’s most liberal and tolerant religion. Despite being a Hindu country, Nepal is the most liberal and tolerant non-secular country in the world. The philosophy of Hinduism is guided as- “to refrain from all evils, to do what is good and to purify the mind”. High thinking & Simple living is the way of Hindus. In Sanskrit, Hindu means ‘Hi’= Sun, ‘Indu’= moon. Nepalese national flag is also decorated by Sun and Moon. The triangular flag with the Sun and Moon is based on the principles of Hinduism. The national flag of Nepal has its own identity and recognition in the world.

The Nepalese flag is very inclusive and represents to all the castes and tribes insisting the nature. The flag of Nepal is the symbol of unity in diversity. The Maoist wants to change the national flag. That is why; the intention of Maoist is to abolish the identity of Nepalese nationality. To change the national flag is irrational. The Nepalese people believe, Nepal will remain eternal till there is the Sun and Moon. The western renowned philosopher Voltaire, George Bernard Shaw, German scholar Nitse, Megasthaniz and Fai-Han has written many books supporting the Hindu philosophy expressing the evolutionary process of the world’s civilization. Hindu philosophy is incomparably greater intellectual work than the Bible?   

There is a misconception in some minds that Hindu scriptures sanction the caste system. But being based on Vedas, Hinduism does not permit any caste system, whatsoever.
Vedas, the proud possession of mankind, are the foundation of Hinduism. Vedas are all-embracing, and treat the entire humanity with the same respect and dignity. Vedas speak of nobility of entire humanity (Krinvanto Vishvam Maryam), and do not sanction any caste system or birth based caste system. Mantra number 10-13-1 of Rig Veda addresses entire humanity as divine children (Shrunvantu vishve Amrutsya Putraha). Innumerable Mantras of Vedas emphasize one-ness, universal brotherhood, harmony, happiness, affection, unity and commonality of entire humanity. Rig Veda, the Divine Poet declares, “All men are brothers; no one is big, no one is small.

‘Hindu tradition is focused on similarities and shared traits rather than differences and exclusions. This makes its identity indefinable yet definite in its features. This means that despite its universalism there are a plethora of beliefs and practices that can be uniquely identified with Hinduism. Without doctrinal rigidity, the Hindu mind has engaged itself with questions that beleaguer the entire humankind rather than issues limited to Hindus. A Hindu identity cannot be sought through conversion or differentiation between believers and non-believers. It has to be acquired through acculturation and assimilation through the recognition of such principles and disciplines that would lead any human being to become a better person and live in harmony with Dharma — the natural path of righteous conduct. Thus Hinduism bows to the potential of every individual to attain enlightenment, to become a messiah unto herself or himself. (An Indian Scholar Mr. Ram Madhav)

Nepalese all around the world and Nepal’s well-wishers are anxious about the conspiracy designed by some deviant party leaders against the Monarchy and Hinduism. Nepal will not become a heaven on earth just because monarchy is actually abolished and republican system ushered in. Nepal has already received so much respect and identity for being a Hindu kingdom. The essences of Nepalese nationalism are- Hinduism, constitutional monarchy and Nepali language. If these basic foundations are violated, national unity and sustainable peace cannot be achieved. The conflict between the political parties and the king came up because of the mistakes and blunders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML and the authoritarian thinking of the Maoist. But, where would they stand abolishing Nepal and its identity. The nation and its people will win only if all the political leadership realizes this fact. Hindus by nature are peaceful, law abiding and secular people.  However, it is a matter of great regret that Hindus are not being treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

However at the political level, Indian government has been trying to create nuisance in Nepal’s effort to strengthen its nationalism and democracy. Indian leaders must understand that if Nepal due to any reason, is destroyed, India won’t get any peace. Forgetting Nepal’s background of Hinduism and Buddhism, a democratic country like India, should not work to create anarchy and establish terrorism in Nepal. But why are the United Nations, America and other foreign powers, despite knowing the identity and value of Nepal, are supporting the continuous ruin of this country? Hinduism is the mother of all religions.But we in Nepal are trying to dig up a well though there already is water in our rivers.‘OM’ is a symbol of Vedic Knowledge. Hindus, Buddhist’s Mantra. It provides a fine example of Symbolism. Symbolism is needed in all fields of human knowledge like science, religion and politics.

As it is known and acknowledged, the Hindu civilization has made an immense contribution towards the advancement of humanity and human civilization across the world. From ancient times Hindus have made the most significant contributions in the fields of astronomy, astrology, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, art, music and last but most important, in the field of spirituality and divine cognition. The nectar of Hindu spiritual doctrines and practices was practically rediscovered by the west in the 20th century and many a harried westerner, worn down by the hectic pace of a technology and money driven life has found solace in the transcendental path of yogic practices and the ancient Vedic spirituality.-(A Saint-Tapan Ghash). Mathematics served as a bridge between understanding material reality and the spiritual conception. The mathematics of the Vedas contrasts the cold, clear, and geometric precision of the West and is cloaked in the poetic language that distinguishes the East. Vedic mathematicians devised sutras for solving mathematical problems with apparent ease. 

If we want to know the greatness of Hinduism, we can see The Great Wall of China, “the seventh wonders of the world” has a fourteen feet long Sanskrit incantation engraved on the western gate. Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan had written ‘OM Namo! Bhagawati’ including others in the 14th century. The Chinese Great Wall has many syllables from ‘Mahabharata’ written on the doors in Sanskrit language. It is not a common thing that the language was written in Kalipinya letters. NEWSWEEK COLUMNIST Ms Lisa Miller says-‘we are all Hindus. The Rig Veda, the most ancient Hindu scripture, says: “Truth is one, but the sages speak of it by many names.” A Hindu believes there are many paths to God. The most traditional, conservative Christians have not been taught to think like this. They learn in Sunday school that their religion is true, and others are false.  Let us all say “OM.” when you chant “OM,” it will resonate not only in the room but down through the ages.’  May 13, 2010 at > http://www.newsweek.com/id/237910

We in Nepal are suffering from the madness notorious activities of Christians and its brokers to destroy the Hindu identity in this pious land.  Present Home minister of the Govt. of India and the BJP leader Rajnath Singh said- ‘We used to feel proud that Nepal was the only Hindu kingdom in the world,’ Singh said. ‘I will be happy when Nepal is a Hindu state again. ‘We used to feel proud that Nepal was the only Hindu kingdom in the world. ‘I will be happy when Nepal is a Hindu state again. No one is appealing to the Islamic states of Pakistan and Bangladesh to become secular. But it was done in Nepal.’ – 2010-3-22, in Nepal.

Actually, the real introduction of Christianity we should have to remember the expression by American former President Jefferson has said- ‘The Christian religion subjected many to inhumane torture in course of proselytizing them– many were imprisoned; many thrown into fire, and given mental torture. The Christian religion deceived and tricked half the population of the world to keep them in illusion. Other half were made naïve.’ Similarly, South African leader Nelson Mandela has said- ‘In Africa, previously the Christians had the bible we possessed the land. Today we have the bible while Christians possess the land.’So, Hinduism is the foundation of human civilization. The Hindu Philosophy preaches that all the people of the world are our friends. Fraternity & honesty always has been propounded by Hindus. However, the Racism and social discriminations are the great hindrances of Hindus. Of course it needs to be corrected. If we respect each other, our problems will be mitigated gradually.

We Nepalese people are suffering from the traitors who are destroying the unity, and the identities of Nepal! The Nepalese democratic exercise faced a black period 2005-2014 During this period; Nepalese people tolerated the worst political practices made by corrupt leaders. The nation achieved extreme heights of lawlessness, theft, robbery, ransom and murders. The corruption is out of control. Nobody is responsible for controlling the corruption and the Republic and Secularism is not Nepal’s issue. We know that: The Republic equals Fragmentation, Secularism equals Terrorism, Federalism equals Feudalism .So, and the concerns of the Nepalese people are how to rid ourselves of the real issues.

A Republic is not a way out of the problems. Terrorism would take over the nation in absence of the royal institution. In Nepal’s history, for over 240 years the Shah dynasty did not allow Nepal to disintegrate. Even in difficult situations, the dynasty preserved their national dignity. Even when anti-national elements made India close the borders, they brought food and oil for the people through the ships. The dynasty that never bowed down to foreign influence bowed down to the people. But the Nepalese people still have not recognized the true value of the institution, and now, the nation is in danger. Then, Nepal must be restored Hindu Kingdom with constitutional monarchy declaring with respect.

                         Email:dirgharajprasai@gmail.com

Dirgha Raj Prasai is a political and cultural analyst based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is former member of par​liamnet, Nepal.