Religion before Nationality!
Posted on February 24th, 2011
Anura Seneviratna (for expat Hela team). ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
Nation and Religion needs clarification. While human races of people lived in various parts of the world nurtured by different languages and cultures, mankind inherited a more powerful mind with potential to think much more than other living beings. Some things mankind could not comprehend left to ones imagination to take the better of led to the belief of a mythical world. Although, living beings continued with off-springs and little acorns held its continuity, races of mankind tend to believe in being re-born after death with a craving to live for evermore.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Like other beings, mankind too evolved naturally into different species or races. Every human race had a unique language and culture and lived in a separate part of the world. Over a long period of time this separate part on earth became their indigenous heritage and in turn evolved as a country. Therefore, the birth of every country was due to a particular race of people. Afterwards, due to human curiosity and adventure, races migrated to different countries and merged mentally and physically with the races in host countries. At the same time, some races resorted to land robbing and terrorising other lands. Some of these crimes were shown in history as acts of bravadoes is an insult to human intelligence.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ NATION
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ With ascent of time the motherlands of various human races established as countries, and, due to migrations, the indigenous race evolved as the NATION. The reason for this national concept is more as a doorway for migrant races to merge, which is an advancement of human mindset to rise above gene and blood identity. National concept was first talked about in the recent world only around 17th century, whereas, it was known within the Hela concept over 30,000 years ago. A nation of people in their indigenous national motherland; has the inalienable right to their country, nation, language and culture that should exist as long as the sun and moon, was found in rock inscriptions and in ancient documents of Hela Atuwa. Even otherwise, the ownership of a country rests with its indigenous nation is simply common sense. But due to numerous intrusions of land robbers and terrorists to the Island Country; the Hela psyche suffered confusion, unable to realise even the right of national sovereignty, which is a sacrosanct human right of a nation of people. This national vacuum is exploited by the non indigenous minorities in creating endless chaos and unrest in the country.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ In the absence of correct awareness in the concept of nationality, our national mindset suffered dilution and distortion. Any country is vulnerable to invasion when unity and national spirit is absent among its people. Defence and prosperity of a country rests with the strength and power of its nation. In uniting and networking as a nation, it can muster ample power to face any eventuality. Also, the progress of nation and country stems from the power of national unity. As the natural spirit of nationhood suffered, our Hela nationality tend to lose its vigour resulting emptiness.
RELIGION
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Due to human nature, humans inherited the skill to think far and wide. After a usual life span an individualƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s life comes to an end in death but imaginationƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ created in those remaining kin that there is continuity after death, hence in certain communities respect was offered to the dead as if the departed person is looking after the interests of those remaining. Even natural effects like thunder, lightening, earthquakes, storms are thought to be acts of god or of unseen omnipotent power. Many mythical beliefs without rational thinking was pursued through manƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s infinite thought process. Life after death, reaching heaven, transform into spirits can only be from the realm of mindƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s ability to imagine. No one can tell us of the experience of death. Human life is body and mind together and after death body returns to soil is clear. Anything else is unclear without tangible evidence. Even if there is any activity after death, it is impossible to rationalise but easy for the mind to imagine whatever if desired. It is also wise not to block our minds from new experiences if it ever comes our way. Perhaps, if there is anything after life, may be, it can be realised only individually and cannot be shared with others. So keeping minds open while striving to enrich it could be a wholesome approach to life.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ As the natural sense of belonging through national spirit was lacking, the vacuum set in place was felt by the Hela society. Certainly, something has to fill this emptiness and that was replaced by the Buddhist philosophy. Although, it was not a religion, it is now pushed into the religious category. As the usual sense of national belonging is suppressed, the Helas found solace in Buddhist Religion as a substitution. If Buddhism was utilised to enhance wisdom, which is its prime focus; Helas were mis-routed by the highly manipulated Buddhism by its front-runners while marching through the pages of time and change. The negative impact was that the Hela nation were reduced to passive procrastination unable to help ourselves. Adherence to utter docility culminated in extreme giveaway culture, made us vulnerable to enemies. Settler minorities are given their alien-national rights that no other host country has given thus highly endangering our country and survival but we do not sense that danger. When every country has one nation, in Heladiva, a Sri Lankan multi-national trap is installed, yet its grave danger is not felt by us. Single unitary national citizenship is the universal political concept but Helas do not see its fairness and do not oppose to unjustifiable alien-national Tamil, Muslim rights.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Instead of Hela Nationality activating countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s Sovereignty, the practical force of nationality is ignored by placing Buddhist Religion in the forefront.
Today Heladiva is still vulnerable to on-going attacks from its non indigenous minorities. Only by placing Hela nationality in the fore-front, the country can defend its sovereignty and march toward genuine progress. Religion in its religious format should be kept within private domain.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ According to the accepted so called history of recent 2,500 year Mahavansa is only a commentary compiled by foreign hand, depicting numerous crimes of land robbers and terrorists against our Island. One main contributory factor may have been the misconception of Buddhism as a religion. To defend a country and nation, national aspiration, pride are paramount qualities required to maintain an indomitable focus to perform this justifiable exercise. National vision is profoundly practical in defending country and nation than religious sobriety. Further, a religious dedication is more for after life desire than for the present. It is also easier to entice to a religion than to connect with an active national vision. Within national vision, the combining factors of national kinship and genetic influence generate immense power to defend country and nation. In a religious network (Buddhist Religion) such practical power cannot be harnessed. Placing religion before nationality contributes to the further fall of nation and country unless we make the required change for the task in hand. We should stop hiding behind Buddhist Religion for protection against all ills of nation and country without realising that we are our own master!
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Anura Seneviratna (for expat Hela team). ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚
February 25th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
The problem is that people seem to have complicated religion, and then it becomes a burden. If in our FEAR we become excessively militarized, we will become another Germany of WWI&II or a North Korea ! Let’s keep our sense of Balance. Just make sure no Illegal Migrants ever enter our country. Illegal Migrants, when found, must be deported.
February 25th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Excellent article. Argument well presented. Sansare and rebirth that most Buddhist believe is merely an ancient Indian myth. Most ancient civilisations believed in after life. There is not the slightest verifiable scientific evidence or reasons for the existence of Sansare or rebirth. . Research done by Oxford academic, Needham indicated that belief systems to be the cause of decline of China. Research also has shown that religion does not help development and also developed societies rely less on religion. Buddhist beliefs would produce a low key simple economy like in Tibet and Bhutan and hardly a competitive economy. I also feel that views of scientists also should not be ignored and these clever scientists were anti religion. I would promote a self reliant economy.. I also feel that views of scientists also should not be ignored and these clever scientists were anti religion. But some of us are affected by the religion virus. Being secular, free the mind from bias and enable clear scientific thinking and analysis. Science and maths have proper methods and foundations and do not rely on unproven beliefs.
We live in a highly competitive world. We need to have clear objectives and constantly improve our thinking and methods to deal with new situations, rather than be trapped in a the past. To be specific, this idea of seeking Nirvana, a hindu /Tao belief and is not attractive to me. I consider seeking Nirvana (extinction) to be an idea from a depressed person, unable or unwilling to face challenges. in thee real world. Real world is very tough. We have to face it and make it less painful rather than seek exit. Giving up desires is another dangerous belief in Buddhism, as it will make us less competitive..
We should protect and respect Buddhism. however I am not sure if it is a good thing to be slave of any religion. The view of some scientists on religion is given below.
Arthur C. Clarke
The famed science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke, who once denigrated religion as “a necessary evil in the childhood of our particular species,”
Bertrand Russell
ref: http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/russell2.htm
My own view on religion is that of Lucretius. I regard it as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race. I cannot, however, deny that it has made some contributions to civilization
Albert Einstein
A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death. (Albert Einstein, “Religion and Science”, New York Times Magazine, 9 November 1930
If we are passive, the world would be a dangerous place for Buddhists as Muslims are hell bent on killing infidels
This article is a timely reminder for the Hela people to wake up and stop being driven to extinction., by hanging on to ancient Indian belief systems that even Indians do not believe now..
February 25th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
The author AS correctly states “stop hiding behind religion”. The core concepts of Buddhism are Nirvana, Sansare, rebirth and giving up desires. How can anyone survive in the modern world, if the main aim is extinction and a core aim is giving up desires ? Historical evidence shows that Buddhists and Buddhist countries have been wiped out by competitors. In deed the result is not surprising. Also not surprising is that Norwegians and Tamils, traditionally hostile to the hela people want to promote Buddhism, so that Hela people are permanently made passive. However we should safeguard Buddhism as a part of our heritage, without becoming a slave of religion.
February 25th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Ben : how can we safeguard Buddhism if we do not at least practice the core values of Dhana, Seela & Bhavana ? Europe went into two World Wars – does that mean Christianity failed too ?
It is a challenge to us all to practice at least the core values of each religion and that means at least not killing each other – we are at a stage on this earth that it is wise not over consume scarce resources through over competition, and discussion is the wise thing to do rather than violent behavior, cheat & deceit.
February 26th, 2011 at 6:12 am
Wisdom is fine but if we are threatened with murder, invasion, genocide – we too must be able to have the wisdom to defend ourselves as well, if not, it is, suicide, “pau”!
February 26th, 2011 at 9:03 am
Anura: I do not agree with the “Aney Pau” culture at all.
I am reproducing here something I wrote a while earlier :
“We must never forget that there are vast numbers of Tamil people in Tamil Nadu who want to get out of TN because of Caste Issues and Poverty Issues. Lanka being TN’s closest neighbor will be their port of choice ! We have been prevented from developing and progressing due mostly to TN’s long standing unresolved problems impinging on Lanka & due to 500 yrs of colonial rule. So, now we must first safeguard our land from marauders while concentrating on Green (sustainable) Development and not waste our time on none important factors”.
To safeguard Lanka, measures have to be taken to prevent any Illegal Migration, especially from Tamil Nadu. We will have to maintain permanent units of armed forces, especially the Navy, all over the island, notably the N and E. Naturalisation & Citizenship laws must be put in place with high standards required. Read of the requirements to become a citizen of Canada, not as a Refugee, but as a proper Immigrant – they even want to know various details about the immigrant’s parents. Australian immigration will only consider an immigrant if the immigrant’s skills are required by Australia. Set high standards. And migration to USA is even tougher. All illegal migrants to Lanka should be rounded up and deported.
February 26th, 2011 at 11:05 am
To respond ro Frian, Buddhism could be used for cultural purposes and also for spiritual matters. However Buddhism should not be allowed to interfere in the fields of economics, science or defence, as Buddhism has demonstrated that it is unable to defend its followers. We should deal with present day problems with present day skills and knowledge, rather than relying on ancient stuff that has failed. We can of course follow Buddhism if we want to get wiped out.
Ever since organisms evolved from cells, it has been tough and suffering for all, and only the fittest survived. So if we want to survive, we have to be prepared to fight our corner, rather than seeking extinction.
In a nut shell, we have to learn to be competitive, rather than find an easy way out or find some excuse not to compete!
February 26th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Ben: I do not think Buddhism interferes with the Economy, Defence, or teaching of Science in Lanka. What interferes with real growth in Lanka is the sense of conquest by Colonial Rulers of the past, and imposition of their idea of growth ! However,
some of the new western ideas may be incorporated into the Green Development structure of Lanka, as now even the west is thinking Green (sustainable) Development, as Climate Change is occurring.
February 27th, 2011 at 3:13 am
I am glad that Fran thinks Buddhism does not interfere with economics or with the economy. In this case as there is reported malnutrition in Sri Lanka, fishing and fisheries, sea and internal could be promoted to provide the much needed omega 3 products to develop the brains of our children. We ar sorrounded by sea food that we need to harwest. Further animal farming could be promoted to produce milk and eggs. I am aware that Christian priests promote fisheries adn animal farming. If Buddhists do not get involved in these economic activity they will end up being the poorest of the poor as is happening now.
February 27th, 2011 at 7:26 am
Ben: Thank you for response.
However, Cattle farming was known to the ancient Sinhale long before Colonial Rule. Eating Curd (known as Yoghurt in the west), was known to both Buddhist & Hindu cultures, long before the west thought of Yoghurt. In Lanka, raising cattle for purpose of milk is/was not limited to the Christian priests. Every farmer in ancient Lanka had cattle, the cows for milk and the bulls for ploughing and transport purposes.
But, the Buddhist & Hindu cultures never did the cattle or any other animal farming for PROFIT. It was done as a NEED, and not for for PROFIT. In the GDP culture of today, every activity is PROFIT ORIENTED. That is the difference. In the old days in Lanka, it was an insult to be called a ‘meat eater’. Cattle died a natural death, and were never slaughtered for food & profit as done in the GDP culture. I recall that aged cattle were sometimes allowed to live and roam the land till natural death happened, or sometimes (rarely) sold to the Muslims who in all probability used them for food. Red meat was never brought into the Buddhist or Hindu home. That happened after Colonists took over Lanka.
It is same for chicken farming. A few chickens were raised by some Buddhist homes, it was never done on a commercial scale till the advent of the Colonists.
Here’s what the Nutritionists say about Protein intake by human beings, since Protein Intake is the issue here.
“When choosing protein-rich foods, pay attention to what comes along with the protein as all red meats are usually laden with saturated fat which is very bad for the heart & the circulatory systems. Vegetable sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains, are excellent choices, and they offer healthy fiber, vitamins and minerals. The best animal protein choices are fish and poultry. If you are partial to red meat, stick with the leanest cuts, choose moderate portion sizes, and make it only an occasional part of your diet”.
We might add that red meat provides a irritable kind of energy, whereas the vegetable & white meat sources (chicken & fish) are definitely better for health and much more in keeping with the natural rhythms of life. Human bodies are built mostly for vegetarian food : see the way our teeth are constructed for chewing like in vegetarian mammals such as cows, goats, etc. Sharp teeth are for carnivores such as tigers, lions, etc. Our intestinal canals are long as in vegetarian mammals, and not short as in carnivores. And do we suck water as in vegetarian mammals (cows, goats, elephants) or do we lap water as in carnivores such as dogs, cats, etc. ?
I do admit that PROTEIN sources must be found. It ought to be done with the least harm to the health of a nation & the environment & the culture of the land. If populations explode across the world as it is now, we shall end up killing each other and may even turn cannibalistic ! Family Planning is essential.
February 27th, 2011 at 7:37 am
NB: I want to add that there are/were quite a number of Buddhist fishermen too. Here again, it was not done for profiteering as such, but to have some food to eat and sell the excess to buy other needs.
Buddhist Economics are catching up fast in the west, while systems the west is discarding is being brought to the east. How ironical. Best to keep our sense of Balance in these matters and not make serious mistakes.
February 27th, 2011 at 9:45 am
Fisheries would be good source of income and also provide employment in the primary sector. Foreigners come from far away countries to do fishing near our coast. Buddhism should not be allowed to mess our wealth generation process or our economy and keep the us permanently poor as the case with Tibet.
February 27th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Whilst I agree with Ben that fisheries should be developed as a protein source for Lankans, I would also advise against over fishing in areas rich with fish, as was done by Tamil Nadu fishermen in the Palk Straights, on the TN side of the sea.
An average person needs only 50 grams on Protein per day. Athletes and pregnant women and a few others may need a little more. Various Bean/lentils/pulses & carbohydrates (rice, wheat, etc.) makes complete proteins.
Foreigners fishing in Lanka waters ought to be charged a fee.
February 28th, 2011 at 4:35 am
Fish also provides omega 3 range fatty acids needed for brain development. Fish eaters such as the Koreans and the Japs are famous for beinbg brainy. We should not allow religion promoters to keep us permanently under developed. We need more writers such as Anura to wake up the Sinhalese and also to prevent the harm done to the Sinhalese by religion promotefs, blinded by belief and probably affected by the religion mind virus. I doubt if the Sinhalese have made any progress in harvesting the fish abundant in our sea and inland rivers. As for red meat, we have to avoid it. I do not support cruelty to animals.
February 28th, 2011 at 5:52 am
The harvested fish will bring protein & considerable INCOME as well, if this venture is to be done on a large scale.
The seas around Lanka belong to ALL the people of Lanka, the government held lands & the seas are the common wealth of Lanka, and as such the benefit of the income from harvested fish from Lanka’s sea area should be made available mainly to the fishermen, as well as to all others. How is this to be done ? through the tax system ? Are we going to export fish as well ?
We hope that, as usual, when it comes to income, the Buddhists will not be marginalised in this venture.
These are questions to be examined and solutions found if the venture is to go through smoothly.
February 28th, 2011 at 6:01 am
To make myself clear, I would like to repeat : We hope that, when it comes to income, the Buddhists will not be marginalised as usual in a venture of this type.