RENEWAL OF ANCIENT SCIENCE
RENEWAL OF ANCIENT SCIENCE
At different times, intellectual people have been born in different parts of the world. And these intellectual people are the common property of the world. A conspicuous effect is always felt at the birth of an intellectual person. No national boundaries can confine them, as they are the common property of the world.
This does not mean that Mother Nepal has not given birth to such intellectuals in the country. Many intellectuals are known and revered, but at the same time, several other intellectuals in the country lived in oblivion. Now the time has come to bring them before us, so the world should know about them and their contributions to the country.
The importance of the English language is known around the world. It is a fact that to get international attention, one has to pass through the scanner of the English language. Otherwise, a possible success without the help of the English language, if not impossible, is certainly difficult. The Nepali education system and the whole curriculum now cannot detach themselves from the use of the English language.
Nepal has been known for its rich cultural, architectural, and advanced Sanskrit language for ages. Due to such scintillating properties of richness, Nepal should lead the world as a world guru. And the Nepali language should have been an international language. In contrast to this, today efforts are being made to remove the letters æçÆ and alphabets from our dictionary. What is the need for doing so? After all, for whose benefit? Slowly but steadily, Nepali words are being replaced by English words on vehicles and elsewhere. And in this way, gradually, Nepali words are being replaced by English words. When all this anti-national activity is going on, 30 million Nepalese have not come out of their slumber yet.
I wonder for whose benefit Nepal’s culture, traditions, and lifestyles are targeted! Ancient science and philosophy are the treasure trove of the country. Such treasures can neither be snatched away nor traded. Who are the people responsible for destroying the glorious history of Nepal? Those devils will be destroyed themselves.
The Vedas, the Upanishad, the Bhagwat Gita, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Gayatri mantra are the priceless treasures handed down to us by our great sages, yogis, and mahatmas. The world-famous American scientific organization NASA has already declared such Hindu ancient literatures of master class. Understanding the importance of the Sanskrit language, about 17 Sanskrit universities have already been opened in the USA. Several other Sanskrit universities are also available across European countries.
Such developments in western countries are a testimony to the fact that our early literature was way ahead of its time. Now the time has come to understand and recognize our own wealth of literature and give it due place in the modern education system in the country.
In order to give due place to our ancient literature, several advanced research centers and universities should be opened in the country. In ancient times, Bhrigu Rishi lived in one of the caves, studied astronomy, and became the pioneer of modern astronomy. He was the one who discovered that the sun radiates the sound of æçÆ. They were our Rishi (ancient scholars) who declared long ago that the universe was created by the assimilation of five vital elements. Rishi Ved Vyas had discovered that water, plants, and the sun bear tremendous amounts of energy.
Unfortunately, most Nepali people, even intellectuals, have forgotten the glorious days of our ancient art, culture, and history. Our leaders have turned selfish, and they don’t hesitate to make deals with other countries by selling our natural resources. The time has come when all Nepali citizens must stand together to fight against the corrupt leadership.
In this regard, it is utmost necessary to begin new research to understand supreme poet Lekhnath Poudyal, the literary doyen of Nepali literature. Poet Lekhnath’s poetry and early literature have successfully made a bridge between old and new literature. Born at Pokhara Arghaun Archale, poet Lekhnath Poudyal got inspired by Pritu Prasad and started writing poetry at the early age of 9. In fact, Poet Poudyal has written many remarkable poetry books; among them, Tarun Tapashi is much closer to my heart.
Many modern scholars who believe in materialism have unsuccessfully tried to tarnish the image of Lekhnath Poudyal. They tried to misinterpret some of his writings. Karl Marx wrote against the establishment of totalitarians and advised establishing socialism. Whereas Lekhnath Poudyal gave messages through his writings that Mother Nature has all the power to bring happiness and prosperity to the country. Thus, nature should be harnessed wisely. Marx’s socialism is not that impressive because the communist ideology has already been discarded by many countries. And today, only a few countries are left that believe in this ideology.
I strongly believe that a modern approach is necessary to understand poet Lekhnath Poudyal’s body of literary works. Poet Lekhnath Poudyal’s literature has indicated that nature has always been liberal and that it serves one and all. Whereas human nature is rather selfish. Due to the selfish nature of human beings, we have mindlessly destroyed forests to imbalance nature. Drought, famine, floods, and global warming are the direct effects caused by the damage to nature and its surroundings.
To conclude in a few words, adequate efforts should be made to renew ancient science. This will help keep Nepal and the Nepalese heads held high like Mount Everest.
A very good approach. I appreciate this article.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating article by a Nepali scholar.
ReplyDeleteProf. Jonathan Smith, California, USA