Buddha: And the Problem with his citizenship

Fareed Zakaria in his book, “The Post-American World” claims that Buddha and Buddhism were born in India. Now if you know a Nepali or are one you are fully aware of how touchy this subject is. This incident like the Chadini Chowk to China saga and numerous other incidents are proof that Buddha is a subject Nepalis and Indians are, ironically, ready to pick on arms for.

Siddhartha Gautama (who after enlightenment became Buddha) was born in a place called Lumbini, in the principality of Kapilvastu to King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan. Having lived a good chunk of his life in Kapilvastu he decided to leave his royal privileges and responsibilities in search of the truth and be a mendicant. After years of meditating in the areas near the present day Northern India, Buddha attained Enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Gaya( there is much more to the story but I have an assignment due in a couple of hours so pardon me if I don’t give the details).

In poor Buddha’s time there were no borders, and the fairly recent concept of the Indian state and the Nepalese state did not exist. However, when the present day border was drawn Lumbini became a part of Nepal. So Nepalis proudly claim Siddhartha Gautama and "Buddha" ( the man) to be born in present day Nepal. On the other hand Gaya is in India, and since Siddhartha Gautama did received enlightenment in Gaya, Buddhism and "buddha" ( the enlightened teacher) do find its birthplace in present day India. The problem also finds its roots in ancient texts which referred to the entire sub-continent region (east of the Indus) as the generic “India”. So when ancient texts state that Buddha was born in “India” they mean the sub-continent and not the present day India. India’s constant use of advertising itself as “Buddha Birthplace” as an effective tourist attracting mechanism and in its movies has not helped the situation either. Many Nepalis also take offense that a significant number of Indian historians have taken upon themselves to write history text books that claim Buddha to be born in India.

Not many people get the importance of Buddha to Nepal. The fact that Buddhas birthplace is in Nepal is a matter of great pride to us Nepali’s. Even though we are a Hindu dominated nation, Buddhas message and teachings is a part of everyone’s upbringing. The concepts of peace and live and let live is universal and it’s a shock when its abrupted, but for us Nepalis, Nepal being Buddhas birthplace is a justification wildly used and believed in to maintain peace in the country. Ask any Nepali on the street what she thinks of the violence and she will tell you that it’s a shame these acts of violence are happening in the place Buddha was born.

Nepal is going through a period when we are questioning our national identity. And we are doing so in a time when we see ourselves as having lagged behind our neighbors. The once proud Nepali does not have much to be proud of and if at such a moment its most cherished symbol as a nation is threatened it becomes a big issue. Buddha and Mt.Everest are symbols all Nepalis grow with and when someone else claims it it does hurt our pride. India borders Nepal in three directions and provides invaluable aid and assistance to Nepal. And by the virtue of being the bigger and more developed country it does take interest in Nepal’s politics. Further, it has also encroached on the Nepali border on several occasions, about which Nepal as of now (let’s face it) cannot do much, and this angers Nepali’s. By further proclaiming to the world that Buddha was born in India and not Nepal it indirectly attacks Nepal national identity and this is our problem. Therefore everytime someone in India claims that Buddha was born in India almost all Nepalis are hurt while some are ready to pick up arms.

Does it matter where Buddha was born? Personally, I have to say no, it does not matter where Buddha was born and fighting over someone who taught non-violence all his life is stupid. However, claiming something that is not yours is not right either.
(( last edited 02/01/2010...))

My Personal War on Terrorism

My Personal War on Terrorism

Its official, I have finally entered the War on Terrorism. It was high time I committed myself to this struggle that President Bush so intelligently thrust us into. And in this war my weapon of choice is- Not shaving my beard. Yup you read it right I am planning to grow a beard every time I am scheduled to fly around.

Now this may seem odd, even weird perhaps, but a better weapon you will not find. Hear me out. Being brown in America and flying around is, let’s just say, not the most enjoyable experience. Every time I decide to take a flight I am asked by my concerned family and friends to take a shave (and I am not even Muslim, I am South Asian, things are a lot difficult for my Muslim friends). And their concerns are justified and appreciated. Growing a beard means that you risk being profiled, have to undergo “random” checks at airport security, basically it a pain in the rear. But by taking a shave I and my fellow beard loving brown people are giving the terrorists and profilers exactly what they want. By taking a shave the only people who lose is us.

We are free men and live in a free country and have as much a right to grow a beard if we so chose as any Tom, Dick and Harry. Shaving the beard in fear of being profiled because some crazy zealot decides to blow up a plane somewhere means that we are giving up our freedom to live and do what and how we please within the jurisdiction of law. It’s like deciding not to wear a red shirt during McCarthyism for the fear of being thought of as a communist. What’s next? Just because many terrorists have black hair we change our hair color? Trust me blonde hair on brown people don’t even look that cool.

We are not terrorists and have nothing to fear. By blowing planes up terrorists want to strike fear into the hearts of people. And if the reason we shave is us being fearful then they succeed in what they set out to do and that is unacceptable.

I mean if you don’t like a keep a beard than by all means shave, but if the only reason you are shaving is your fear of being ostracized than everything that you as a responsible citizen of the world should be fighting for is lost.

So there you have it. I have decided to grow my beard for my next flight and every other flight I take in the near future. This time I support keeping the bush ;-)

Nepal’s Most Horrible People in 2009

Nepal’s Most Horrible People in 2009

Bye Bye 2009, welcome 2010. We takethis opportunity to say farewell to 2009 and look back at some of the most horrible people in Nepal this past year. Here is my list( not in order), please make and rank your own.

Sujata Koirala- Sujata Koirala finds a spot on this list on the basis of her own merit ( for the first time in her life) and not because of her father. This lean ( jk) mean crying machine is both the minister of foreign affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister at the same time, without having to work at all ( unless you call being Girija’s daughter work) . Her determination to make nepotism a part of Nepali politics cannot be emphasized. This amazingly horrible person does not shy away from criticizing her party and its uncomprehending Committee members if need be. Her foreign policy tactics are as much a mystery as her credentials. She enjoys her role as the most powerful women in Nepal and we all appreciate how she thinks she must fly to a new country every second week for reasons only she knows. Speak Out salutes your genuine disregard for refusing to do the right thing.

Karima Begum- This heavyweight stole the limelight late in the year when she slapped a public official and refused to apologize. Her sheer stubbornness and embarrassing interviews have earned her a spot in this list. She was willing to play the “ It’s not my fault I am Muslim women” card in the most effective of manners. She is a symbol of women empowerment in Nepal having inspired millions of women into believing that using violence and then playing the victim card is Ok. She is also accredited with wasting an entire nations time. For this madam we thank you and place you in the list.

Rishi Dhamala- 2009 was all about him. From his arrest early in the year to his inclusion on the UN delegation later on he has stolen limelight (which he is a master at doing) throughout the year. This self created colossus of Nepali Media is an apple of every rotten politician’s eye. A reversal in his arrest over involvement in murder, kidnapping and treason was an issue all parties could agree on. His undying efforts to legitimize illegitimate political behavior for his benefit cannot be described as any other thing but selfish. As one of the greatest dicks of our times his gigantic assholism has left the scribe speechless. Thank you for showing us that if you are important enough to give the politicians what they want they might work for you. We place you in the list and wish you all the best for the future.

Pusha Kamal Dahal a.k.a Prachanda- No list is complete without the “fierce” one. This great man is the first prime minister of the new Nepal. Having promised the nation time and time over during the civil war that when the time comes he himself will never hold any official position in the government he was not ashamed to grab the post when he saw fit. The man has proved time and again that he can fool and lie his way out of most humiliating of circumstance, and still convince people he is the victim. He is a master at passing the blame, foreign forces and royal outfits being his favorite culprits. He is confused about his two names: Pushpa Kamal ( meaning Soft Beautiful Lotus) and Prachanda ( meaning The Fierce One). Much of what he says makes no sense and he reminds everyone of a really fat and ugly Bhuvan K.C. The sheer ugliness of his sweaters are enough to put him on any Worst Person list. Congratulations Sir and I am sure I’ll see you in more of these lists in the future.

Girija Prasad Koirala- The grand old man of Nepali politics has been in his absolute worst his year. From compelling the Prime Minister to appoint his daughter the Deputy Prime Minister to being a royal pain in the butt for everyone including his party member he has been there and done that. This past year is a culmination of decades of hard work at deceiving a nation and cheating his way through much of life. He is a solid pillar of lies, selfishness and political immorality. His great vision of a better Nepal is as boring as his speeches. This long nosed giant with a never give in attitude is an idol to all those who think the country is their fathers property to do as they please without having to answer to anyone. GPK has been included in this list because of his nonchalant attitude towards anything that might help the country prosper. Thank you!

Other notable names include Madav Kumar Nepal, Babu Ram Bhatterai, Vice President Pramanand Jha, Gyanendra Shah, and Matrika Yadav.

Please rank these people as you like.