Defining Nepal: An Exploration of Identity, Ancient Civilization, and Spiritual Heritage

Before contemplating the future of Nepal, it is extremely necessary for us to understand 'What is Nepal?' and 'Who are we Nepalis?'. Nepal is not just a piece of land visible on the map; it is a glorious nation in South Asia that is the oldest and has always remained independent. It is also the foundation of our history, religion, and ancient civilization.

This sacred land has preserved the knowledge, meditation, and the right way of living for thousands of years. It is from this land that the eternal religion, Buddhist philosophy, Kirat culture, and traditions of worshipping nature, which show the way to the world, were born. The roots of Hinduism and Buddhism, considered the world's greatest religions and traditions, lie in this very soil. Lumbini, where Lord Buddha, the symbol of peace and compassion, was born, is here, still spreading the message of peace worldwide today.

In this sacred land, Kirat religion and culture also developed strongly over time, bringing religious and cultural diversity based on indigenous identity. Worshipping nature has always held great importance in the Nepali lifestyle since ancient times. The worship of trees, rivers, mountains, and the sun is not just a religious ritual, but a deep thought and realization connected to life. Nepali civilization has taught the knowledge and restraint to keep the relationship between humans and nature balanced, which many civilizations in the world are still trying to learn today.

The glorious history of Nepal cannot be complete without mentioning Janakpur. Janakpur, the capital of Mithila, is the birthplace of King Janak and Goddess Sita. This connects the traditions of the Ramayana era with Nepali culture and life. Similarly, Mount Everest—the world's highest peak located in the Himalayan region—has elevated Nepal's identity before the world not just geographically, but also spiritually. All these aspects have made Nepal a land of peace, faith, and consciousness.

Nepal, which has been the land of penance for sages for centuries, has made a significant contribution to the development of Vedic literature. Maharishi Ved Vyasa compiled and edited the Vedas, wrote the Mahabharata, and composed the Puranas in the caves of these Himalayas. Therefore, Nepal is not just a historical country, but also an important foundation of the eternal civilization. The coexistence and mutual understanding between Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat religions and cultures have bound Nepali society together spiritually. Although the practices of religion may differ, the faith, tradition, and cultural foundation of Nepalis have fundamentally remained the same.

With the formation of modern Nepal, followers of Islam and Christianity also arrived in Nepal in the recent period. The Muslim community contributed, albeit in small numbers, to the campaign for the unification of the Kingdom of Nepal. History mentions that King Prithvi Narayan Shah brought some Muslim artisans from Banaras to make weapons and gunpowder. It is found that Christian missionaries were engaged in proselytization activities in the Kathmandu Valley during the Malla period. Later, Prithvi Narayan Shah expelled the missionaries because they engaged in activities contrary to the eternal religion and culture. However, since the 1950s, Christian missionaries have been encouraged in Nepal to work in the fields of education and health.

Religious tolerance and coexistence have been the characteristics of Nepali culture since ancient times. The coexistence of various castes, religions, languages, classes, and sects here is not just a possibility, but a reality. Unity in diversity is the identity of the Nepali nation. "Satyam ekam vipra bahudha vadanti"—Truth is one, but the wise say that the paths to attaining truth are many. This saying is the fundamental tenet of Vedic philosophy. This tenet is the philosophical source of modern pluralism.

The core philosophy of Nepali society is reflected in this ancient verse:

“Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah. Sarve bhadrani pasyantu, ma kashchiddukhabhagbhavet.”

That is, may all be happy, may all be healthy, may all see welfare, and may no one suffer from sorrow. This mantra is not just religious; it is the basis of state philosophy. The belief that the welfare of the people, peace in society, security of life and property, and protection of the environment—these are the duties of the state—has existed since the Vedic age. This belief is the principle of social justice and equality accepted by the modern world.

While Western political philosophy presented the concept of "secularism," which separates religion from politics or the state, the Eastern tradition considers religion and politics as integrated. Irreligion (injustice), heresy (thought contrary to tradition), or secularism is not Nepali identity. Religion has a deep influence on the festivals, celebrations, cultural practices, lifestyle, and even legal ethics traditionally practiced in Nepal.

The national unity of the Nepali people is not a product of any political system; it is an emotional unity based on eternal religion, culture, and shared tradition. Whether we live in the Himalayas, hills, or Terai, we have common gods. We are bound by the same deities, traditions, and values. The method of worship may differ, but the essence of the ultimate truth is the same. This essence binds Nepalis in spiritual, cultural, and national sentiment. This is the soul of Nepal or the authentic Nepali identity.

The religions, cultures, and values prevalent in the present Nepali landmass in ancient times guaranteed a distinct civilization. The source of many civilizations and cultural systems developed in the Indian subcontinent was also Himvatkhanda and Manaskhanda. Kathmandu Valley—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan in particular—established an identity as a center of art, craft, trade, and knowledge. Buddhist stupas like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and multi-storied temples are world-famous examples of Nepali architecture. All these have given Nepal the identity not just as a religious land but as a distinct 'Civilization Nation'. Nepal is not just geography—it is a living symbol of eternal civilization, a center of spirituality, and a sacred land carrying a common message of humanity.

Historians consider the reign of King Manadeva (464–505 AD) an important era of well-organized state administration and cultural prosperity in Nepal. The Changu Narayan inscription is evidence of this era. It is proven that the state was strong, policies consistent, and culture prosperous at that time.

Nepal's international standing has also remained high historically. For example, the marriage alliance between Princess Bhrikuti and the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century strengthened the political and cultural ties between Nepal and Tibet. Bhrikuti is revered as the Goddess of Compassion in Tibet. This relationship allowed Buddhist philosophy and art to find a place in Tibet, and Nepal became a cultural bridge between Tibet and China.

Similarly, a talented sculptor like Araniko (1245–1306) greatly influenced East Asian architecture by introducing the Nepali style of multi-storied temple construction after going to China. Nepal has inspired world civilizations through its art.

Nepal's history is not limited to military valor or cultural craftsmanship; it is a tradition of philosophical depth, religious tolerance, and spiritual balance. The stories accumulated in ancient records, mythological narratives, copper plates, or inscriptions are the soul of Nepali civilization. Even today, those heritages—temples, palaces, sculptures—stand as witnesses to our glorious past. But this heritage is not just a relic of the past; it is a living tradition that continues to uphold Nepali national identity, ideological consciousness, and international image today.

In the process of searching for an alternative philosophy of governance and a clear roadmap for overall nation-building for Nepal, the conservation and promotion of the eternal religion, the continuity of the associated eternal cultural heritage, tradition, and civilizational worldview must be important pillars. This responsibility is not the sole duty of the state; it is the shared responsibility of the entire civil society, community, institutions, and every conscious individual. The essential element of the eternal religion encompasses coordination, tolerance, spiritual depth, and the practice of an ethical way of life—which can serve as a moral foundation for good governance in the 21st century.

From the book 'Samvardhanbad' by former RPP Chairman Thapa