Felipe Morin
Man-kind continually reshapes its ideals in response to present tribulations, and in doing so creates new forums of consciousness that attract followers. With time such actions become bodies of ideologies that are seemingly commonplace. This reorganization of ideals/beliefs is present today in entities both secular and religious. A very recent example was centerfold of a Times of India article entitled "Punjab Sect Declares New Religion." Following a series of violent acts against prominent members in a Punjabi sect, one if its premier leaders helped to initiate a new extension of the Bhakti movement. On the 633rd birthday of Bhakti Saint Guru Ravidass, Dera Sachkhand Ballan declared a new religious sect. Along with that Dera Ballan declared a seperate religious book, symbol, and motto. According to the article "prior to the Vienna attack on the temple, the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, was recited in Ravidass gurudwaras as the voice (baani) of Guru Ravidass. After the attack, Dera Ballan, making a major departure from tradition, did not place the Bir (copy) of Guru Granth Sahib during the Antim Ardas of Sant Ramanand and read only 40 hymns and one 'sloka' of Guru Ravidass, which is part of the Sikh holy book."
Aside from the specifics of this particular Punjabi sect's practices, fundamentally the idea that certain individuals are allowed to reconstruct practices that have in this case been around for over 600 years is quiet unsettling. Despite there being some opposition in the Punjabi community, and according to the article the creation of the new sect "triggered debate among religious, social and political sections", it seems that the convolution of religion and politics persists. Its noted in the article that "the move is said to have had the silent approval of some Congress leaders and administrative officials close to the Dera". Moreover, its believe that this could create socio-political impacts in Punjab and possibly elsewhere. Already attempts by various leaders to meet and negotiate with Dera Ballan have been unsuccessful, yet progress is being made on a new compilation of religious books. These turn of events call into consideration the possibilty of similar acts being initiated else weeks, and where can the line be drawn if at all feasible.
- O.Lucius
