Must Hindu names, symbols be used in non-religious context?<\/p>\n
By Putu Wirata<\/p>\n
DENPASAR, Bali (JP): For the Hindu community, Rama, Vishnu and
\nKhrisna, are sacred names.<\/p>\n
When a motorcycle company PT Sigma Aneka Karya Indah used the
\nthree sacred Hindu names for some of their products, as
\nadvertised in the local media, the Hindus were startled and
\nfurious.<\/p>\n
They regarded the use of Hindu names or symbols in a non-
\nreligious context as misleading.<\/p>\n
Putu Suta Legawa from the Hindu Youth said the organization
\nlodged a strong protest against the company and demanded it
\nwithdrew its products from the local market within three months.<\/p>\n
Legawa continued that the company should change the name of
\nits products into more appropriate ones. If the company wants to
\nuse names taken from Sanskrit languages or those with Hindu
\nnuances, it should first consult with the Parishada Hindu Dharma,
\nthe highest Hindu Body.<\/p>\n
If the company fails to respond, the youth organization
\nhas claimed that it will take the necessary measures to stop the
\ncompany from \"insulting Hinduism.\"<\/p>\n
In the past, Hindu followers in Bali were offended by
\ninappropriate actions which they considered a religious
\ninsult.<\/p>\n
The shooting of a video clip of America's Saigon Kick music
\ngroup sparked strong protest from some Balinese because the clip,
\nusing montage techniques, shows members of the band dancing on
\ntop of Uluwatu temple, one of the holiest religious shrines in
\nBali.<\/p>\n
Another incident occurred a few years ago when a property
\ncompany displayed its advertisement in Bali Kini picturing a golf
\nball as part of a religious offering. Some hotels and travel
\nagencies offered wedding packages with a Hindu-style wedding
\nceremony.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, although these incidents have occurred on a
\nfrequent basis, the Parishada has not yet formulated or decided
\nupon which names or symbols could be used for non-religious
\npurposes. And therefore, if a case of violation takes place in
\nBali, the body still has no clear and appropriate solution to the
\nproblem.<\/p>\n
\"The Parishada Hindu as well as the community are not
\nconsistent in using these sacred names,\" said Dewa Gde Windu
\nSancaya, vice chairman of Peradah Hindu Youth Group.<\/p>\n
The name Siwa, god of destruction, is used for a supermarket
\nSiwa Plaza and the management has so far received no protest from
\nthe community. On the other hand, a Catholic High school
\nSwastiastu must be changed into Santo Yoseph.<\/p>\n
The absence of formal guidance and regulation from the
\nParishada Hindu has allowed a number of non-governmental
\ninstitutions and community groups to take their own initiative
\nand to make their statements on each case.<\/p>\n
In order to anticipate possible violation, the Parishada Hindu
\nhas been urged to make a bhisama, statement, because the use of
\nHindu names or symbols does not automatically insult the
\nreligion.<\/p>\n
In Bali, lots of parents name their children after the names
\nof gods and goddesses such as Wisnu Wardana (named after god
\nVishnu) or Saraswati (goddess of beauty and knowledge), Parwati
\n(wife of god Shiva), Kresna Kepakisan, Pitana Brahmananda and
\nmany other names in the hope that their children will inherit
\ngood virtues.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Hindu symbols, created by holy people and religious
\nleaders in the past and believed to be representations of certain
\ngods or holy men, are currently being used for decorations,
\nornaments and other worldly purposes.<\/p>\n
A pair of barong ket, mythical and sacred dragon-like figures,
\nwere placed in front of Planet Bali entertainment center,
\nbelonging to the allegedly high-class pimp Hartono Setyawan.
\nBalinese people were angered and finally the management removed
\nthe figures.<\/p>\n
Previously, the huge statue Garuda Wisnu Kencana was
\nconsidered against the concept of Balinese cosmology. The statue
\nmust be placed in the \"northern part of the island,\" while its
\ncurrent location is situated in Jimbaran, South Bali.<\/p>\n
Although problems on the misuse of Hindu names and symbols
\nhave frequently appeared in the last few years, the Parishada has
\nnot yet launched any guidance.<\/p>\n
Drawing from these cases, there are two problems faced by the
\nBalinese Hindus.<\/p>\n
Firstly, they should decide whether the Hindu religion should
\nbe open and inclusive as the religion contains universal values.<\/p>\n
If that is the case then the inclusive Hindu is likely to
\ninvite outside influences including, the misuse of Hindu-related
\nsymbols for commercial and aesthetic goals, which will later
\nconfuse devotees.<\/p>\n
Secondly, if Hinduism is to remain exclusively preserved than
\nany outside influence may compromise the religious and
\ntraditional values of the locals.<\/p>\n
If the Balinese people choose the second option, they will
\nhave to work very hard because they have to \"sort out\" every
\nsocial phenomenon which occurs in society.<\/p>\n
Ideally, there should be a third alternative. For example, the
\nuse of Hindu names and symbols could probably be allowed to be
\nused for personal names and educational institutions.<\/p>\n
Therefore, people must understand that sacred names should not
\nbe applied to entertainment centers like karaoke bars, discos,
\nsauna, spas and other hedonistic activities or commercial
\nproducts.<\/p>\n
It will take time and energy to open the theological debate on
\nthis matter. It is high time for the Parishada to start
\nregistering the names and symbols taken from Hinduism which could
\nbe applied in daily lives to prevent any further problems linked
\nto the religion.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/must-hindu-names-symbols-be-used-in-non-religious-context-1447893297",
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