Worshiping humankind

SHUSHAMA ACHARYA

Bhokaharulai anna, pyasiharulai paani, pashuharulai ahara, nangaharulai luga, rogiharulai ausadhi ra asrayahinlai ashraya dinu nai Bhagwanko sancho puja ho, tara esto puja garda ghamanda lagnu hudaina.

- From the book Dharma Bigyan by the Khaptad Swami[break]

The title of the book may give the general people the idea that it is entirely about religion but it is not so. The book covers various subjects and it reads like a story. It is a collection about people, biographies of influential people; it talks about how a person should be like and what deeds he should do. Reading this book always works like a medicine to me because there is so much to learn from it, appreciate and it also appeases me.

The central idea of the book is not about religion but it talks about what religion really is. The book touches on the profound aspects like what is religion and what is worship? I really like this book because it makes you ponder about so many things in life and is all about spreading positive vibes. Religion doesn’t only mean worshipping the idols of the Gods in the temples but it is about worshipping the needy people. Religion is being there for those who are hungry, thirsty, needy and helpless. On the whole, worshiping humankind itself is religion.

I can really relate to these lines because this is my philosophy in life as well. We can witness cases when people are fighting amongst themselves in the name of religion which is just futile. But like it is said in the book, I believe that there’s only one God but just that the path that leads to God is different. There are many names given to God, but the core meaning and faith behind all the varied religions is the same. Religion is not about worshiping idols of gods but worshiping human beings. The book also covers subjects about how a person should be like by providing various instances and influential stories.

About Acharya

Coming from a family background that was inclined to literature, Acharya got the inspiration to write from her early days. Though she writes poetry, novels and commentaries, she is fond of poetry the most.

“Whenever I’m confused, in pain, or if my heart feels heavy, I resort to writing because it gives me immense satisfaction and happiness,” says Acharya.

Acharya has been teaching for the last forty years and is currently Professor of Nepali Literature at Tribhuwan University. Her published works are a collection of poems, “Gajur Dhalkindaichha,” books of criticisms, “A glance study of ‘Maiti Ghar,’” “A survey of ‘Muluk Bahira.’’ Her poetic letter to Sakura has been published in Nepali, English and Japanese. Her anthology, “Shok Shabdanjali” has been translated into English as “Effusions of Grief” by Damodar Bhattarai. Altogether, she has 14 published works to her credit.

She has recently published a children’s book named “Jun Tara.” “We have very few books which solely focus on the subject of children’s interests. Which is why I wanted to write this book,” she says.

Acharya was awarded with the Dulichand Gold Medal in India in 1971, Mahendra Vidyabhushan in 2002, Utkrishta Balsahitya Puraskar, (International Nepali Literature Society, Washington DC) in 2009, and National Education Awards, Nepal Government, in 1990, to name a few.

As told to Nistha Rayamajhi.

Baker Streetka Dui Ankha

by Jaya Rai

This is a diasporic literature and I really appreciate the writer for contributing to the field of Nepali literature although she lives in the UK.

The book talks about Nepalis who are living abroad. It shows their sadness, happiness and the reality that they are living. It also gives us a clear picture of how life is in the UK and other foreign countries.

The writer explains how life is different abroad than what we imagine it to be.

Dalit Saundaryashastra ra Sahitya

by Ninu Chapagain

Since I teach as well, I really need to know about all kinds of literature. Which is why I’m reading this book at the moment. This is a recently published book.

The book talks about where in our literature lies the beauty of the literature of the Dalits.

It asks the question, What is Dalit literature? Some have said that literature written by the Dalits only can be called Dalit literature and some argue that Dalits are oppressed people in many aspects, so the genre written by and about them is what Dalit literature is.

Songs on Earth

by Hong Keum -Ja

This book by the Korean writer is another of my favorites.

This is in Sijo, which is a Korean poetic form.

This is a collection of realistic poems.

One of my favorite poems from this book is about how the poet relates women to mother kangaroos and talks about how women have to go through so much and bear pain and obstacles to raise their children.

It talks about how painful the lives of women is and how they come out stronger.

Himalpari pugeypachi

by Pratik Dhakal

Dhakal’s books are really popular and loved by many. Though it is not possible to reach all the parts of the country, reading Dhakal’s books makes you feel like you

have traveled to all the places that he describes.

This book makes you feel like you are experiencing the feel of the mountains yourself.

The writer explains the journey of his travel in a very descriptive way, and for those who wonder how is the world like beyond the Himalaya, the book will let you experience that as well.

Seti Pani Kali Pani

by Pratik Dhakal

Among all the travelogues that I like of Dhakal, this particular book is my favorite. The book is not only about a person but about the Seti and Mahakali zones.

The far western regions of the country are not developed and are backward in so many ways but the writer has showed the bright side of the places by defining and capturing the beautiful aspects of the places.

He has traveled to the rural parts of the far western regions and shown the real pictures of it.