Positive vision of life

Reviewed by R. S. Karunaratne

Although people are complex in their character, we come across three different types. In the first category, you find those who believe in religion, gods and superstition. Those who do not believe in such entities belong to the second category. Then there are those who really do not know whether there are gods and demons. Like some of the Greek philosophers, they say "Agnos" (we do not know).

In more than many ways, Menike Sumanasekara belongs to the second category. She categorically says, throughout the book under review, that there are no gods or demons that can help man. She also questions the validity of certain religious practices currently in vogue. Her attitude to life is that of a rationalist and a positive thinker.

Having read most of her books, Menike Sumanasekara reminds me of the late Dr. E. W. Adikaram and the late Dr. Abraham T. Kovoor who vociferously defended rationalism in all its manifestations. The only difference is that Menike Sumanasekara combines rationalism with positive thinking and considers man as a creation of nature. In essence, the whole book echoes the view that man must obey nature and he need not seek the intervention of supernatural powers.

Nobody seems to know exactly where we came from or where we are heading after our short existence in this world. Most religions emphasize the existence of heaven and hell - two destinations man can go - depending on what he does in this life. The author refutes these teachings and says that there is no scientific evidence to prove heaven and hell or the existence of gods.

She points out bravely that those who flout the rules of nature are punished by nature itself. She cites tsunami, floods, landslides, earthquakes and other natural disasters as forms of punishment. However, instead of correcting himself, man is on an eternal collision course with nature. He denudes virgin forests, kills innocent animals and eats their flesh. He leads an immoral life despite all the teachings of religious leaders. For instance, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a form of nature's punishment imposed on man who leads a promiscuous life. Science is still battling to find a remedy to contain this deadly disease.

Among the host of other matters discussed in the book include the authenticity of Jathaka stories and the accounts given in the Mahavamsa. She says that there are similar stories in Greek literature and ancient myths. Her views have already been authenticated by Prof. Merlin Peris and others who have drawn parallels between Jathaka stories and Greek myths.

Another view expressed in the book is that there is a life force operating in the world. She believes that it is created by nature. Whatever man does is subject to the dictates of this life force and no one is immune to them. This is a grim reminder to certain world leaders who think that they are all powerful and invincible. Those who ruled their countries killing people and destroying valuable natural resources had to bite the dust ignominiously.

"Asirimath Vishvaye Dhanathmaka Rahas" and other books of that nature remind us that man is a creation of nature. Science has to go a long way to unravel the mysteries of nature and those who flout the laws of nature are punished by nature itself.