On Thursday morning, a well known religious guru of Kirat community Atmananda Lingden announced amid presence of locals and government officials that the village would be free of meat and tobacco. He stated that all kinds of activities that degrade human's spiritual qualities are unwelcome in the locality. "Those who go against the rule will be facing 'social action'," he warned. As per the rule, slaughtering of animal, use of drug, tobacco and alcohol as well as gambling is banned in the village housed by around 9000 people of Rai and Limbu communities.What is remarkable is that the new rule directly challenges the lifestyle and custom of the locals. Without meat and alcohol most of their functions are incomplete. However, powerful speech by their guru on Thursday seemed to hypnotize the listeners. Stating that it is the beginning, Lingden said that the village would stand as an example in the country and many others would follow them.
"We, as human being, should be disciplined and willing to transform our life. Our life should not be under control of bad habits," he said in the speech. He added that the move to free the village of bad food and other habits is the result of the guidelines shown by even greater late guru Falgunanda. "We are only implementing what he has written in a book in 1988," Lingden explained.
The reason why Mangsebug village is bound to follow Lingden's path is that he is greatly revered not on only by locals but also by thousands of visitors from outside. Just to see him and get guidance, people from different parts of the country swarm to the village. During the program on Thursday, people of all age groups and from all walks of life were full of praise and support for the guru. Likewise, government representatives also expressed their commitment to abide by the rules.
"We take all this words to heart and are serious about following each and every word," said a local youth Sancha Rai. Rai who's also a leader of Limbuwan National Party added that the guidelines are for good of the people. When assistant CDO Sujan Gago had read out the code of conduct for the residents, participants welcomed it with huge applause.
The local Kirat community had brought Lingden from Damak to Mangsebung in 1779. He was made the head of the then newly formed religious committee. According to a local of Mangsebung, Kehersingh Younghand, Lingden's preaching has spread to 12 countries including India, Bhutan, America, Germany, Thailand, Korea and Australia.
Birthday anniversary of Lingden that is marked on Nepali date - Mangsir 18 every year is celebrated in a grand way by his followers. The function attracts dignitaries and VIP, among others.
This year, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari had inaugurated the program. Prior to this, former king Gyanendra, former president Ram Baran Yadav, former vice president Paramananda Jha, former late prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Madhav Kumar Nepal have already been here. People from all walks of life swarm to Lingden's doorstep for blessings. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was here for blessings few weeks before he became the executive head.
According to Nanda Nembang, a local teacher, it is their firm faith in Lingden and his spiritual teachers that attracts people to his philosophy on life. "We all have strong faith in him," he said.
Due to the influence of the guru, many people in village are already vegetarian and have been following spiritual life style. Due to this, Nanda stated that the newly enforced code of conduct is going to work hundred percent. "Many children here have never known the taste of meat. Majority of the people here already don't consume meat, alcohol, tobacco already," he said. He added that those who are interested in such things might enjoy that outside the restricted zone, he said.
President of Mangena Service Committee, Kehersingh Younghang meanwhile added that the right to enjoy elsewhere is important as some people might take time to change even though they are willing to change. It takes two days of walk to reach the village from headquarters of Ilam.
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