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| Thursday, 1 January 2004 |
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Sacredness in a market-led economy by Afreeha Jawad The seemingly unrelated areas of economics and religion today have proved their inter-relatedness more than ever before, particularly in home climes. A populace with aggressive consumerist tendencies following open market economic environs finds itself driven up the wall as it were in the event of a non-realisation of need attainment. Against that backdrop invariably they look for a fallback state. For one wallowing in a muddy pool of sorrow, agony and anguish, assurance and comfort from any quarter no doubt is an oasis in the desert. Invariably, human tendency of loyalty to those quarters from whom assistance came when needed most is unavoidable. This then is the state of Sri Lankan "Churches" - now under heavy attack of "forced conversions" and the progressively increasing numbers within their fold. A recipient of assistance could feign loyalty and continue to be of another faith - but this does not happen which brings one to the point, 'How come forced conversions?' No amount of legislation could capture and control the human Spirit. However, if increasing church membership is the heartburn of other religions (quite rightly as well) - a matter of nation State identification - it's time other religious institutions activate themselves into a spirit of yeoman service going beyond the enclaves of sermons and rituals. Mother Teresa - notably one from whom other clergy could be inspired into for a life of unbounded service to humanity, once told a religious fanatic who accused her of conversion, "Yes, I do convert. I convert a Muslim into a better Muslim and a Hindu into a better Hindu". At least one in the other clergy, of her stature will make Sri Lanka take the lead from Calcutta in transforming human hell holes into domains of sacredness. What's more, thereafter one need not entertain the fears of 'forced conversion' and would be better equipped to handle the problem of a numerical increase in the opposite religious camp. The conduct of some of the other clergy in recent times has come in for severe criticism. It's best such discrepancies are put right. The strategy of others (both clergy and laity) should be one of "no chance for picking holes". The widely acclaimed belief of attributing human suffering in its diverse forms to the victim's karma or fate and doing nothing to help him or her out of that situation is virtually a 'welcome board' for those wanting (whether rightly or wrongly) to render assistance. We've often heard expressions such as "Aney, ithin eyage karume thamai oi hati duk vindinne", followed by total indifference. This then is smooth facilitation for external goodwill. So why not the majority go among the marginalized, the oppressed and the underclass and spread the great teacher's message? A friend once told me "Just for the sake of a bun and a plantain they become Christians". Said I, "So then why can't the others provide that bun and plantain?" Grumbling over such conversions will do no one any good. Laws cannot solve the problem either because one's faith is purely a private matter left to individual will and discretion. No one could force another on what appeals to his/her heart. Besides, most certainly there has never been a time so opportune as now to display the type of preachings and ideals the Buddha, for instance, stood for - of love and service to humanity by looking into people's needs. The Buddha's unbounded love was for all not that kind of institutionalized love only for a particular sect. So was it with all other religious leaders. The Buddha's universal message cannot be erased. To that extent much depends on the other clergy and laity to thwart what is described as "forced conversions". But then there's a small query. Most other religions preach so much of giving up and detachment. Easier said than done for its appeal being attractive only to highly evolved minds. However, the mass populace, I believe, is more on a secular mundane plane with hundreds and thousands of desires, needs and what not who invariably are attracted to what appeals to the senses which is exactly what the liberal market economy offers. The religion that talks of a 'giving God' has chances of greater survival against this backdrop. Today, Sri lanka passes through a phase where its religious ideals of Theravada Buddhism are in direct confrontation with this country's economic policies. In such environs people's problems become insurmountable and any quarters reaching out to people to save such, certainly stand better chance of riding the popularity wave and inviting numbers. Facilitating this is the crisis in the Temple. Therefore, while we leave that noble precept of detachment and self- evolution to advanced minds whose numbers apparently are few and far between (once again due to a market economy that stumps the intellect, killing creativity), the temple certainly could go ahead with the uncompromised aspect of Buddhism to serve and love-the greatest tribute one could offer as a Buddhist to the Buddha, which incidentally is what many Christians are doing for Christ. From every crisis comes a consensus. Let the "forced conversions" therefore be seen not as an instrument of hatred by others but as a rare opportunity and challenge to reflect on what's gone wrong and build consensus to foster the ideals of service, a sure way to "flock preservation". |
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