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Shintoism: A Cool Prayer to the Kami
Shintoism is an ancient nature and anthropomorphic religion originating in Japan, positing that all things — plants, animals, mountains, rivers, landscapes, and forces of nature — are presided over by a Kami, a God or sacred power.
In the wake of the upcoming elections, let us appeal to the Kami of Mauritius:
May all witness this as a normal wheel of the democratic cycle.
Many such rounds of the wheel have come, and many more will follow; the paradisiacal island of Mauritius remains.
May people not pull each other down for the limited resources of the island.
May politicians think, speak, and act beyond petty politics rather than seeking cheap political gains.
May speech be fair and considerate, avoiding the revival of suppressed communal tensions among diverse ethnic groups.
May all processes be free and fair at all levels, leading to equitable results.
May activists respect the peace of the atmosphere at night and refrain from unnecessary noise.
May the media – whether written, spoken, or on social platforms – be judicious in their tasks for the perpetual good of Mauritius.
May experts and political analysts exercise mindfulness, recognizing that situations can have multiple interpretations.
May the democratic and bureaucratic phases proceed smoothly, easing the comforting return to and continued consolidation of our democratic roots.
May people live, appreciate, and celebrate democratic elections — a boon denied to many in the cosmos.
May we embody and promote the republican values we have so hard earned.
May all leave a legacy for posterity: an island where people feel proud to identify with Mauritius, both at home and abroad.
Toho kami emi tame (the remote god brings good fortune)
Aum – Amen – Ameen
Ajeet Lekha
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 25 October 2024
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