Theme for the Week of 6/18: World Religions

Given what a pious and worldy group the Tubtributors are, it was only a matter of time before we tackled the subject of world religions.

Religion is a fabulous thing.  It gives life meaning, it instills good values, and it prompts people to dress up in crazy outfits and chant.  It's also really difficult to write about without being hella offensive, so good luck, everybody!

Comments

[Inactive account]

Did Tori pick this topic because the LIVING GODDESS of NEPAL was in her hometown last weekend? See http://www.boingboing.net/2007/06/18/nepali_living_goddes.html

[Tori]

Ha - I very much enjoyed that link.

"Selected at a young age, Kumaris fulfil this spiritual role until they hit puberty, at which point they retired as goddesses and are replaced by another toddler."

What do you do after you retire from being a goddess? Enter a goddess retirement community? Or like, go out and get some normal job with a resume that consists of "Work Experience: Being a Goddess"?

[Inactive account]

According to Wikipedia:

"Former Kumaris receive a pension from the state of 6000 rupees per month ($80). This is around twice the official minimum wage and around four times the average income in this poverty-stricken country. They often continue to be called Kumari rather than by the names given to them at birth. Although they are once again part of the ordinary world, they are often unable to fully shake off the mystique associated with having been a Kumari and often have trouble adjusting to 'normal' life.

Popular superstition says that a man who marries a Kumari is doomed to die within six months by coughing up blood. In reality, however, it seems that most Kumaris do not have trouble eventually finding husbands. All of the living former Kumaris with exception of the youngest ones have married."

[Inactive account]

Unfortunately, the living goddess of Nepal has been FIRED for visiting Tori's hometown: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22013156-23109,00.html