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.