Freedom and Music
A quick comment about the recent elections in Pakistan. Sometimes people do not appreciate the relationship between spirituality, citizenship and politics, but in these elections we see a wonderful example of how they intertwine.
In these elections the traditionalist conservative parties lost out to a much more liberal and modernist approach. This happened all across the country, including even the arch-conservative northwestern provinces.
Looking at the Pakistani newspapers over the last week - which is easy as, like western newspapers, they have their own websites - it was wonderful to read their enlightened and sometimes very amusing comment and opinion. The journalists' style was vivacious.
At the same time, as the traditionalist's cultural stranglehold was loosened, particularly in the northwest, music could be heard in the streets again. As one newspaper reported, bus drivers were happy as in their highly decorated vehicles they could now play music again.
Music, dance and joie de vivre. These are the symptoms of people connected to the wonder and joy of life. This is instinctive natural spirituality. In a free society where people feel safe, women and men and children can express their experience of the wonder of life - call it spirit, Allah, anything you like - in all the ways that are authentic and genuine for them. Some will pray to Mecca five times a day and in their prostrations feel the wonder of divine connection. Others will dance in the streets to folk or pop music. Others will just sit at home, relaxed, watching television and giving thanks for peace.
It is worth praying that Pakistan's move towards cultural freedom continues.
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