Decolonial discourse on the four pillars of human civilisation: culture, religion, philosophy, and spirituality

This article is an attempt to reinterpret the four fundamental pillars of human civilisation, culture, religion, philosophy, and spirituality from a decolonial perspective, based on an analysis of the published works of Nawa Raj Subba. The article interprets culture as an expression of social structure and lifestyle, religion as a mechanism of ethics and dignity, philosophy as the basis of knowledge, logic, and thought, and spirituality as a source of inner consciousness and mental-spiritual health. The interrelationship and complementarity between these four dimensions is also clarified through the metaphorical framework proposed by Subba, ‘the peel, the pulp, the seed, and the inner satisfaction of the fruit.’ This metaphor shows that these elements are not separate but deeply intertwined for collective identity, social discipline, intellectual stability, and inner satisfaction. Standing on the triangular terrain of health psychology, medical anthropology, and decolonial theory, this study exposes the historical and ideological conflict between the state-centred 'power explanation' and the ‘mundhumian truth’ inherent in Kirat mundhum. Moreover, the article points to the necessity of restoring indigenous systems of knowledge, rewriting the original history, and developing a better understanding of the internal philosophy and spirituality, as well as of external culture. Finally, a concerted appreciation of all four pillars is needed to restore the dwindling civilisational identity and pride, which are a significant part of the creation of a balanced, conscious and dignified society.