-Caveat Lector-
From
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/world/2001/1101/wor18.htm
}}}>Begin
Thursday, November 1, 2001
A million low-caste Hindus to convert to Bhuddism
Dalai Lama welcomes the weekend's religious conversion, a mass
protest by India's abused 'untouchables', writes David Orr
LETTER FROM INDIA: In what is being billed as the largest mass
conversion in history, up to one million lower-caste Hindus or dalits
are expected to convert to Buddhism in India next Sunday.
Leaders of the dalits, formerly known as "untouchables", say the
change of religion will free them from the scourge of the
discriminatory caste system and the abuses they suffer on a daily
basis.
The proposed mass conversion has received the approval of the Dalai
Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as of leading Christian
organisations. The ceremony is due to be held in New Delhi.
"Caste is our main problem", says a dalit leader, Mr Ram Raj, who
will be among those converted. "It pervades all aspects of life in
India, though it is not always visible. This is our way of escaping
the misery of living on the margins of society."
Next Sunday's ceremony was originally due to have been held some weeks ago, on the
45th anniversary of the first mass conversion of Hindus. On that occasion, more than
300,000 lower-caste Hindus embraced Buddhism. They we
re led by B.R. Ambedkar, the man who framed the Indian constitution.
"He is our messiah, a godly figure for the dalits," says Mr Ram Raj. "In converting to
Buddhism, we will be emulating him.
"Our choice of religion is also dictated by the fact that in olden times, much of
India was Buddhist. This deeksha (conversion) will be like returning to an old house
and it will liberate us from bondage."
Some 200 million people - a fifth of India's one billion population - belong to the
lowest part of the caste system.
Officially grouped under the term "scheduled castes", the dalits or "broken people"
are so low in the Hindu hierarchy they exist outside the framework of caste.
"Christian groups, as well as Muslims and Sikhs, plan to attend the ceremony," says
the Rev John Dayal of the All Indian Christian Council which represents non-episcopal
churches in India.
"We want to show solidarity with the dalits. If any of them want to come over to
Christianity - and I pray they do - then we will welcome them. With us they will find
open doors and open hearts."
The Dalai Lama has said the move to Buddhism will be a step towards equality in Indian
society for the dalits. Their decision to convert should not cause resentment among
other religions or castes, as Buddhism and Hinduis
m were, as he put it, like twins.
Mr Dayal has speculated that conversion to Christianity might be a more pointed
rejection of caste Hinduism. Buddhism, which was founded in northern India in about
500 BC, enjoys close cultural links with Hinduism.
However, Hinduism is alone in having a hierarchical caste system.
At its root is the notion of karma, according to which people are what they are
because of what they were and what they did in past lives.
Discrimination by caste is outlawed in India but remains part of life for millions of
people, particularly in rural areas. Such tasks as raising pigs, cremating the dead
and cleaning latrines are traditionally reserved fo
r dalits.
In many villages, they cannot drink from the same cups or even the same wells. Even
primary school children are divided in the classroom according to caste.
The government has passed a package of legislation to increase the dalits' work and
social opportunities, including set quotas for dalits in political bodies, government
jobs and education.
But critics say discrimination is so pervasive that it continues to hamper the social
advancement of dalits.
"Bad postings and lack of promotion is bad enough," says Mr Ram Raj, a senior civil
servant in the Indian Finance Ministry."But rape, beatings and murder are the lot of
many dalits throughout India."
It is expected that some hardline Hindu organisations may try to disrupt next Sunday's
conversion ceremony.
High-caste landlords frequently employ armed gangs of thugs to set
upon dalits who rebel against their status as cheap or bonded
labourers.
"If there is intimidation, then we will have no choice but to hit
back," says Mr Ram Raj.
"But I hope there'll be no conflict. This conversion is a form of
protest, but it is also meant to be a peaceful occasion."
� 2001 ireland.com
End<{{{
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forwarded as information only; no endorsement to be presumed
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material
is distributed without charge or profit to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information
for non-profit research and educational purposes only.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking
new landscapes but in having new eyes. -Marcel Proust
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe
simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not
believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do
not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not
believe in anything merely on the authority of Teachers, elders or wise men.
Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it
agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all.
Then accept it and live up to it."
The Buddha on Belief, from the Kalama Sutta
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
A merely fallen enemy may rise again, but the reconciled
one is truly vanquished. -Johann Christoph Schiller,
German Writer (1759-1805)
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that
prevents us from living freely and nobly. -Bertrand Russell
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Everyone has the right...to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless
of frontiers."
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will
teach you to keep your mouth shut."
--- Ernest Hemingway
<A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A>
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic
screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are
sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis-
directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with
major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought.
That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and
always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no
credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
Archives Available at:
http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html
<A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>
http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
<A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A>
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
