Must Hindu names, symbols be used in non-religious context?

Must Hindu names, symbols be used in non-religious context?

By Putu Wirata

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): For the Hindu community, Rama, Vishnu and
Khrisna, are sacred names.

When a motorcycle company PT Sigma Aneka Karya Indah used the
three sacred Hindu names for some of their products, as
advertised in the local media, the Hindus were startled and
furious.

They regarded the use of Hindu names or symbols in a non-
religious context as misleading.

Putu Suta Legawa from the Hindu Youth said the organization
lodged a strong protest against the company and demanded it
withdrew its products from the local market within three months.

Legawa continued that the company should change the name of
its products into more appropriate ones. If the company wants to
use names taken from Sanskrit languages or those with Hindu
nuances, it should first consult with the Parishada Hindu Dharma,
the highest Hindu Body.

If the company fails to respond, the youth organization
has claimed that it will take the necessary measures to stop the
company from "insulting Hinduism."

In the past, Hindu followers in Bali were offended by
inappropriate actions which they considered a religious
insult.

The shooting of a video clip of America's Saigon Kick music
group sparked strong protest from some Balinese because the clip,
using montage techniques, shows members of the band dancing on
top of Uluwatu temple, one of the holiest religious shrines in
Bali.

Another incident occurred a few years ago when a property
company displayed its advertisement in Bali Kini picturing a golf
ball as part of a religious offering. Some hotels and travel
agencies offered wedding packages with a Hindu-style wedding
ceremony.

Unfortunately, although these incidents have occurred on a
frequent basis, the Parishada has not yet formulated or decided
upon which names or symbols could be used for non-religious
purposes. And therefore, if a case of violation takes place in
Bali, the body still has no clear and appropriate solution to the
problem.

"The Parishada Hindu as well as the community are not
consistent in using these sacred names," said Dewa Gde Windu
Sancaya, vice chairman of Peradah Hindu Youth Group.

The name Siwa, god of destruction, is used for a supermarket
Siwa Plaza and the management has so far received no protest from
the community. On the other hand, a Catholic High school
Swastiastu must be changed into Santo Yoseph.

The absence of formal guidance and regulation from the
Parishada Hindu has allowed a number of non-governmental
institutions and community groups to take their own initiative
and to make their statements on each case.

In order to anticipate possible violation, the Parishada Hindu
has been urged to make a bhisama, statement, because the use of
Hindu names or symbols does not automatically insult the
religion.

In Bali, lots of parents name their children after the names
of gods and goddesses such as Wisnu Wardana (named after god
Vishnu) or Saraswati (goddess of beauty and knowledge), Parwati
(wife of god Shiva), Kresna Kepakisan, Pitana Brahmananda and
many other names in the hope that their children will inherit
good virtues.

Meanwhile, Hindu symbols, created by holy people and religious
leaders in the past and believed to be representations of certain
gods or holy men, are currently being used for decorations,
ornaments and other worldly purposes.

A pair of barong ket, mythical and sacred dragon-like figures,
were placed in front of Planet Bali entertainment center,
belonging to the allegedly high-class pimp Hartono Setyawan.
Balinese people were angered and finally the management removed
the figures.

Previously, the huge statue Garuda Wisnu Kencana was
considered against the concept of Balinese cosmology. The statue
must be placed in the "northern part of the island," while its
current location is situated in Jimbaran, South Bali.

Although problems on the misuse of Hindu names and symbols
have frequently appeared in the last few years, the Parishada has
not yet launched any guidance.

Drawing from these cases, there are two problems faced by the
Balinese Hindus.

Firstly, they should decide whether the Hindu religion should
be open and inclusive as the religion contains universal values.

If that is the case then the inclusive Hindu is likely to
invite outside influences including, the misuse of Hindu-related
symbols for commercial and aesthetic goals, which will later
confuse devotees.

Secondly, if Hinduism is to remain exclusively preserved than
any outside influence may compromise the religious and
traditional values of the locals.

If the Balinese people choose the second option, they will
have to work very hard because they have to "sort out" every
social phenomenon which occurs in society.

Ideally, there should be a third alternative. For example, the
use of Hindu names and symbols could probably be allowed to be
used for personal names and educational institutions.

Therefore, people must understand that sacred names should not
be applied to entertainment centers like karaoke bars, discos,
sauna, spas and other hedonistic activities or commercial
products.

It will take time and energy to open the theological debate on
this matter. It is high time for the Parishada to start
registering the names and symbols taken from Hinduism which could
be applied in daily lives to prevent any further problems linked
to the religion.