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...))
2 comments:
A very well written post there, however, there are some things I'd like to point out.
You are absolutely right about the fact that "Siddhartha Gautama" was born in Lumbini (now in Nepal). But another important point to note is that "Buddha" (which he was called after his enlightenment) was infact took place in Bodhgaya(India).
Reference to : (using) “Buddha Birthplace” as an effective tourist attracting mechanism...
I happened to visit Bodhgaya (Mahabodhi Temple) less than a month back and it so happened to be the time when over 80,000 Buddhist monks thronged the small city for a week of worship.(I'm not sure what the occasion was). The monks visit Bodhgaya to pray at the same place where Siddhartha Gautama became Buddha(enlightenment).
The reason for the major "tourist" attraction is because of this - Its the place of enlightenment. The place where a Prince became a monk (Buddha).
I just think its a matter of perception.
If India advertised itself as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment it has the full right to do so. However because it advertises itself as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama we take offense.
But I do agree with u ..."buddha" the teacher was born in Bodhgaya Buddha the man was born in Nepal, so I guess it does come down to perception.
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