Risk being swallowed by dividing on “time” to unite! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

Some Sri Lankans among Sinhala Buddhists & Hindu Tamils would celebrate the ‘Sinhala – Hindu’ new year in few weeks. The Central Bankers (among them) unlike many will not conflict within families on purchasing to celebrate in the current economic situation but even they will have to fight to decide on the auspicious times as astrologers are divided to decide on the auspicious times to start the year  to prosper as a society. Since Buddhism is given the foremost place in SL constitution, those confused must be aware that the Buddha showed the eight fold path (aarya ashtangika marga) to prosper & not astrology.

However, for centuries many consider astrology (which evolved on genethlialogy) as a tool which updated individuals of the course of their lives on the basis of the positions of the planets & the 12 astrological constellations. It may have allowed the individual (or a society) to act at astrologically good times to escape failures predictable from their nativity. It is believed to be part of astronomy which developed in Mesopotamia in 3000 BC & later extended to India. Among the Greek civilization (which believed in 12 divided heavens) during the Hellenistic period its western & Islamic versions developed. With the Silk Road trading astrology became important in Great China & became standard practice to have a horoscope for each newborn (Ref. Britanica). The Buddhist philosophy which came later focused on will power & brain power & it is good for confused Sri Lankans to see how 21^st century China is changing its course using their brains & will power despite having a richer & an older civilization with astrological flavoring compared to SL.

The Axi Fire Worship Festival - Yunnan

Similar to the cultural events happening in SL during April, the Axi fire worship festival of the Yi community was held on March 12 in Mile, Yunnan. This embodies the Axi reverence & gratitude for fire, which is an integral part of their culture just as Sri Lankans put off old fire & light fresh fire for new year at auspicious times. On the festival day, young girls dressed in traditional costumes paint fire on their faces before serving boiled eggs & bake red sugar cakes etc. to guests. They believe fire is sacred, a source of light & warmth, & is a weapon to drive away fierce beasts. According to legend the ancient Axi tribe lived in darkness eating raw meat & being threatened by wild animals when one day a mysterious elder brought fire changing their lives forever, granting light, warmth & Protection (Ref. Chinese history).

What are matters of national security in China?

In SL, traditionally April celebration was a post harvest celebration which ensured food security. However, current practices on managing stocks of; rice, vegetables, eggs & meat etc. indicates lack of planning & risk of being pushed to the wall. ‘The Chinese leadership has long attached great importance to security through food security. For President Xi Jinping, food security is among the country's most fundamental interests as China has to feed nearly 1/5 of world population.  Therefore, Sri Lankans should consider every moment auspicious when it comes to national security as there are forces which may infiltrate using hunger & culture.

"The tide of the world either flows or ebbs; the condition of a state either prospers or fails."

Xi Jinping

(Photo: Axi girls getting ready for fire festival/ views expressed are personal).