08-08-2008, 09:19 PM
Arif Mohd Khan in Outlook
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>The issue at stake is not some facilities for the pilgrims or lack thereof. In fact, the mindset of the pilgrims is such that they equate physical discomfort with religious merit. But the crucial question is whether governments will take their decisions on merit or vacillate whenever faced with communal threats.</b>
The eclectic and syncretic teachings of the Kashmiri rishis had produced a tremendous social, moral and spiritual movement and fashioned a distinct Kashmiri way of life, that was almost totally free from any communal hatred or violence.
It was not just because of physical beauty, but also because of the peaceful Kashmiri way of life that Kashmir gained the reputation of being paradise on earth.
The last two decades of violence and terrorism have caused a temporary setback to centuries old Kashmiri values of peace, harmony and goodwill, but there is every reason to believe that the ever living influence of the rishis shall again assert itself to reclaim the paradise that Kashmir has lost.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>The issue at stake is not some facilities for the pilgrims or lack thereof. In fact, the mindset of the pilgrims is such that they equate physical discomfort with religious merit. But the crucial question is whether governments will take their decisions on merit or vacillate whenever faced with communal threats.</b>
The eclectic and syncretic teachings of the Kashmiri rishis had produced a tremendous social, moral and spiritual movement and fashioned a distinct Kashmiri way of life, that was almost totally free from any communal hatred or violence.
It was not just because of physical beauty, but also because of the peaceful Kashmiri way of life that Kashmir gained the reputation of being paradise on earth.
The last two decades of violence and terrorism have caused a temporary setback to centuries old Kashmiri values of peace, harmony and goodwill, but there is every reason to believe that the ever living influence of the rishis shall again assert itself to reclaim the paradise that Kashmir has lost.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->