Book Review

Review: Religious Diversity in Singapore
"Religious Diversity in Singapore" edited by Dr Lai Ah Eng
https://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg/publication/1193
Review by Dr Lakshmi Seetharam and Dr K E Seetharam
27 November 2008
"Religious pluralism has two faces: It can promise peace and harmony through mutual tolerance and understanding, but it can also pose challenges to social cohesion. Recent global and regional events and developments have shown how religions can be misused and misinterpreted to cause conflict among countries and people. Yet, all religions teach love of humankind, peace and harmony, and share the same golden rules to treat others as one would like to be treated himself and forgive those who have wronged us." says Singapore President S R Nathan, in his foreword in a recent book published by the Institute of South East Asian Studies and Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). Professor Tommy Koh, Chairman of IPS, a think-tank in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, noted that, "IPS embarked on this 3-year research in order to offer insights and suggestions to policy makers for nation-building." Incidentally, IPS celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This book edited by Dr Lai Ah Eng tracks how Singapore has long been an example of religious pluralism. With 28 chapters and contributions from over 30 authors this book has been well researched along the five themes - Singapore's religious landscape; religion in specific arenas of schools and the young; media; social services, and inter-faith issues.
This review attempts to share some thoughts on the well researched chapter by Ms Nagah Devi Ramasamy on the Sathya Sai Baba movement in Singapore. This case study explores the reasons behind the success of this imported spiritual movement that has established its roots officially since 1975. In chapter 9 of this book, she discusses the impact of the Sai Baba movement in charities and social service projects as well as its ability to foster multiethnic and multi-religious communal identity among Singaporeans.
Through in depth interviews and discussions, this chapter pays attention to each detail starting from the history and development of the organization, its socio religious inclinations including an analysis on the apparent success of the 'Sai' philosophy. There is a detailed analysis of how the core objective of individual self-development and spiritual realization translates into action through voluntary selfless service activities. Interestingly, her research shows that funding for the service events are never solicited, as this goes against the Sathya Sai Baba's charter and principles. Resources are pooled on a voluntary basis and only if a planned activity meets the budget, it is given the directive to be carried out. She has listed several such small scale and large scale philanthropic initiatives that have been instrumental in providing a favorable environment for spiritual development. Her findings suggest that commitment to social service connects all people irrespective of their backgrounds; for, when engaged in service, social distinctions evaporate and this continued commitment moves people from their initial personal journey towards community service; thereby, putting the welfare of the community, the society first, 'I' next. This in turn tunes them to become more selfless, there is more communal bonding. Therefore their own spiritual journey and the very objective of their spiritual journey thus get considerably strengthened.
She observes that this movement noticeably advocates religious and ethnic inclusivism. She notes that this aspect not only proves advantageous but is of utmost importance in multi religious Singapore. In fact the congregation is encouraged to be a better Moslem if he/she is a Moslem by Faith; a better Christian if he/she is a Christian, a better Hindu and so on, thereby maintaining his/her own religious affiliations and practices.
She contends that most respondents of this non political, nonprofit organization believed that the branding of their movement came under the 'welfare' category. Probably the balance of activities of the main three wings of this organization – spiritual, education, and service – with emphasis on 'non religious and 'welfare services' has helped create a morally charged experience for most followers, helping them attain a high level of collective consciousness. Several factors contribute to the acceptance and appeal of 'Saism' (if one may refer to it as one of the 'isms'). There is no immediate mediator in the movement, unlike the immanent presence of a Hindu Brahmin priest found in the Hindu temple worship. It is a direct and personal connection to God that is encouraged. There are no universal codified ritualistic forms of texts or scriptures that people are required to follow. Also, there are no membership fees - membership is open to all, it transcends social divisions, open to all. English is a medium of communication which also makes it practical and attractive to the more educated. Members adhere to a common greeting, a common dress code, a brother – sister vocabulary of addressing each other. This kinship terminology has helped them unite conceptually as a family, irrespective of nationality, caste, creed or color. However, she also adds that in the context of Singapore, there is a need for this movement to separate itself from a temple oriented 'Hindu' label so as not to be branded as a ritualistic movement.
In her conclusion she gives credit to the Sathya Sai organization's service activities and communal spiritedness and adds that with more assistance and support from private and state bodies, it could contribute much more to society. With Self discipline and selflessness as its core objective, it has vast potential.
Albert Einstein once said, 'The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.' After all, the purpose of life is to live a life of Purpose!
The views of the reviewers are personal.
Seetharam KE
keseetharam@gmail.com
"Life is a journey. The destination is within oneself."