Class 12 Indian culture and religion
Religion are the basic elements for our country’s culture. Religion decides our habits,life styles, maturity level and spirituality. What is important in life is taught by religion. Religion explains about way of life, wealth and happiness. And also explains that attaining Moksha is better than all the three. Religion encourages social works also. Religions teach that God is one. And all the religion worship their god according to their beliefs.
Religion
Samayam (Religion) is originated from the word samai, meaning cooking in Tamil. It means maturity. As the cooking softens the ingredients while cooking, the mind of the people cooked or matured if he joins religion. In English te word religion is originated from the Latin word Religio. It is a combination of two word re and ligio.Re means again ligio means fetch. Meaning to return back or come back. According to Hindu relion soul return to god after death.
Purpose of Religion
Religion changes a person as moral person. Loving person and paves way for peaceful life. Makes him controlled and above all to be human. It makes one realise the love inside him and to share it with other people. And religious ceremonies improves the art sense of human beings. Religion inspire man’s spiritual travel. Philosophical theories satiate human’s hunger for knowledge.
Religions of India
Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were originated from India.
And Islam, Christian and Zoroastrian religions are accepted and
followed in India.
The influence of religions are more in our country. India is a birth
place of many religions. The unity in diversity is our special symbol.
Hindu religion
Hindu religion is the foremost religion among all the religion
originated from India. And it is considered as the oldest religion.
Most Hindus live in India and Nepal. Unlike other religion, Hindu
religion is not founded by a single person. It was formed by
conceiving various rituals, beliefs and religious texts.
Origin of the word Hindu
Greeks, Arabians and Portuguese called India as Sindu, because of
the river Sindh. In the course of time, it was changed as Hindu. In
Tamil it is called as Indu. Hindu refers not only the geographical
area of India, but also the culture and habits followed by people
living in it.
Meaning of the word Hindu
It is divided as Him+ du. Him = Himsa (torture , pain) Du = sad.
Those who get sad of other’s pain is its meaning. If any life is in
pain or sorrow, the true Hindu will consider it as his pain and comes
forward to remove the pain. Having these kind of people is called
Hindu religion.
Hindu religion is also called as Sanathana Dharmam, Veda
dharmam, vaidiga dharmam. Sanathan dharmam means immortal,
based on vedas, so it is called as vedha dharmam and follows rules
of vedha and shastras, so called as vaidiga dharmam.
Basics of Hindu Religion
Basic concept of Hindu religion is to attain god. As he is above all
the thing he is regarded as ultimate or supreme according to Hindu
religion. God does creation, protection and destruction. While
creating he is Brahmha, while protecting he is Vishnu and while
destructing he is Sivan. The 3 gods doing these cycle of life is called
as Three gods- Mummoorthigal. Anma (soul) Vinaipayan (destiny)
maru pirappu (rebirth) and vidu peru(Heaven) are basic features of
Hindu religion.
Anma (soul)
While living inside the human body soul is called as Jeevatma. It is
immortal. Hindu religion specifies that body may get destroyed, but
soul is not. It is immortal.
Karma (Fate/Destiny)
Sin and good deeds or virtue are 2 categories of karma. Living
beings act according to their sin or virtue from previous births. So
their life is based on the effects of their destiny or karma.
Concept of rebirth
Hindu religion believes in rebirth. And also it states that death is a
way to birth. And the vicious circle/cycle of birth and death
continues. If one attains the Moksha (salvation) the cycle breaks and
his rebirth stops.
Vidu peru , Moksha (salvation)
Moksha is the last affirmative thing in Hindu religion. If one lives
without any desire of worldly things and with sacrificing spirit he
will not take birth again. And this is called Moksha (salvation).
The views of Hinduism is that human beings can not be separated
from nature. Based on this principle Hindu has to do these 5 yagna
duties.
Pancha Yagnam – 5 velvikal
Deva yagnam – Worshiping god daily
Brahma yagnam – Reading Vedas daily
Pitru yagnam – Munnor vazhipadu- Considering ancestors as gods
and worship them.
Worshiping living things- Considering all the living beings like
plants and animals as god, giving them food and protecting them.
Worshiping humans – Giving respect to scholars, sages and saints
and helping them.
Hinduism duties
Hinduism insists 2 types o duties for all. 1. Individual duties and
Varnasrama duties (Social duties)
Individual duties
It has rules to follow in all the stages of human life like,
1.Brahmacharyam (Bachelor life)
2. Grahastham(Married life)
3. Vanaprastham (living in jungle)
4. Sanniyasam ( Sage life)
These are created to have comple life cycle of humans.
Social duties
Hinduism insists every man to do duties for the caste or community
he belongs to. Based on this it is divided into 4 divisions. Brahmins,
Kshatriyars, Vaisiyars, and Sutras. It is based on their occupation
only. There is no inequality among them.
6 samayam (Sub religion ) in Hinduism.
Hinduism consists of Saivam, Vainavam, Kanapathyam, Kaumaram,
Saktham and Sauram.
Saivam
Saivaism worship God Siva as the ultimate supreme. Followers of
this principle is called as Saivar. This principle talks about, pasu,
pathi and pasam and tells that these are immortal and will remain for
ever. That is why this principle is called as ‘3 truth principle’
Pathi
Pathi refers to Leader or king. This principle tells that Siva has can
be seen with body or figure, without body and can realise him even
he has body.
Pasu
Saiva theory explains life as pasu. There are so many lives in the
world and it is there for ever.
Paasam
If one get rid of the 3 dirty things like arrogance, sin and delusion,
he can easily attain lord.
Sivan
Saivers worship Sivan with structure and without structure.
Natarajar is one of the form of Sivan worshiped with structure. In
this form natarajar is seen as a dancing god.
Shiva lingam is considered as apparition of Lord Siva. The part
which is inside the earth is called Brahma part, the part with broad
base is called Avudai/ Siva part and the part above it is called as
Vishnu part.
Vaishavism
Vishnu is the one and only god of Vaishnavism. Those who are
following vaishnavism is called as Vainavars. For them ?Vishnu is
Pramatma, the ultimate soul. He is also called as thirumal,
Narayanan and Krishnan.
Structure of Vishnu
Vishnu has 4 hands holding chakra (Wheel) Shank (Conch)
Gadhayutham) mace and Lotus in each hand. These things refers to
air, sky, fire and water accordingly.
10 Avatars of Vishnu
1.Macha (fish)
2.Kurma(tortoise)
3.Varaha (pig)
4.Narasimha(Man+lion)
5.Vaman(short man)
6.Parasurama
7.Rama
8.Balarama
9.Krishna
!0. Kalki
These avatars are coinciding with scientific method of evolution of
living organisms.
The carrier of Vishnu is Garuda, eagle. It is considered as a symbol
of vedas. Garuda is referred as Peiya Thiruvadi and Hanuman is
referred as siriya Thiruvadi.
In Vainavisn there are 2 sects, Vadakalai and Thenkalai. Ramanuja
systematized Vaishnava principles and explained to the vaishnava
people. After him there were difference of opinions among the
people. And they separated as vadakali and thenkalai.
Vadakalai sect follows Vedantha desikar’s principle and Thenkalai
sect follows Manavala Maa munigal’s principle.
Ganapathyam
Ganapathy is the supreme god for Ganapathyam sect. Followers are
called Ganapathyars. Lord Ganapathy is considered as a supreme
god of all. Usually prayers to Ganapathy is done before starting
anything. His carrier is mouse.
Kaumaram
Those who worship Murugan as their supreme god is called
kaumaram. The people of this religion is called as skandar and
kaumarar. In Tamil Nadu he is named as Murugan and has Peacock
as his carrier and cock as his flag. He is considered as Tamil God
and Sangam literature refers him as Seyon. Wherever Tamil people
live they built Murugan temple. Pathumalai Murugan statue in
Malasia is famous.
Saktham
The religion which worship goddess Sakthi is referred as Saktham.
Followers of this is called as sakthars. Sakthi is worshipped in many
forms. She sits on lion. Thr angry goddess is called as Kali. She was
called as Kotravai by palai land people. In villages she is worshiping
according to the culture of the people.
Sauram
Those who worship the Sun as their god is called as sauram. The
followers are referred as saurars. The sun god sits in a chariot with 7
horses. We celebrate pongal to pay gratitude to the sun.
Literature of Hinduism
Like every religion, Hinduism also has scripture, vedas, Agamam,
mythology , shastras and epics in the form of literature.
Vedas
The word Veda refers to treasury of knowledge. There are four
vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Adarvana. Rig veda is the oldest veda.
The queen of all manthra, Gayathri Manthra is in rig veda. The
collection of Vedas are called samhithais. Pramanam describes about
the rituals of doing yagna.
Upanishads
Upanishad refers to gaining knowledge from a teacher/guru by a
disciple while sitting near him. These are ancient philosophical
literature. This is the end of the vedas and so called as vedantham
Upanishads questions and answers about the god. Like what is the
nature of a thing which I immortal and whether that is god or not?
How was the universe created?
Upanishads never tell anything directly. It raises questions and
brings out alternative views and theories through answers.
Aagamangal (Rituals)
The rituals in a religious worship is called as Agamangal. These
rituals help to have concentration of mind to achieve god. God can
be attained by the methods of SARIYAI, KIRIYAI, YOGA AND
GNANAM. Sivachariyars follow saiva agamangal and do puja
(worship) at saiva temples and Nambi/Bhatacharyargal follow
vainava agamangal and do puja at vishnu temples.
Thirumuraigal
Thirumurai means those who surrender/read these devotional books
will be as pure as sivan. Saiva thirumuraigal are 12 and it was
compiled by Nambiyandar Nambi. From 1 to 7 it is called as
Thevaram and written by Saiva Three Thirugnana Sambandar,
Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar.
The 8th Thirumurai Thiruvasakam, was written by Manikkavasakar,
the 9th Thirumurai was written by Nayanmarkals, and 10th
Thirumurai is Thirumanthiram by Thirumular. 11 th Thirumurai
includes writings of Karaikkal Ammaiyar and others, and the 12th
Thirumurai is Periya puranam or Thiruthondar puranam by
Sekkizhar, tells about the nayanmars.
Nalayira Divya Prapandham
In vaishvism, the hymns written by 12 Azhwars in Tamil praising
Lord Vishnu is called 4000 Divya Prapandham. Among the 12
azhwars, Andal is the female azhwar and called as Sudik Kodutha
Sudarkodiyal. This was compiled by Nathamunikal.
Saiva Sidhantha Shastras
14 Saiva sidhantha shastras are there. It is called Meikanda
Sathirangal. The best among these is Sivagnana botham written by
Meikanda Thevar.
Principle of Vedantham
There are 3 principle in vedantham. Advaitham, Visishtadwaitham,
and dwaitham.
Adwaitham
The theory of Adwaitham was given by Adhi Sankarar to the world.
He was born at Kaladi in Kerala . Sankarar rived Hinduism which
lost popularity due to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism. He
travelled all over India and formed Advaitha Mutt at Sringeri, Puri,
Dwaraka and Joshi ans served Hindu religion.
Advaidam tells that the soul (Anma)and god(Brahmam) is one and
not two. A= not, Dwaitham = two.
According to Advaitham, Except brahmam all the lives are illusion
only. If Geevathma (soul) realises that he is brahmam and live life
with detachment he can become brahmam. Try to attain brahmam (
God) through gnanam (wisdom) is the way of advaitham.
Visishtaadvaitham
The theory of Visishtadvaitham was preached by Ramanujar. He
was the head acharyan (Guru/Teacher) in Sri Rangam. He spread
Vaishnaism to whole India. He wanted to remove the caste
disparities in the Hinduism. According to this principle, Brahmam
(God) is one and it is called sath and he is named as Brahmam,
Easwar and Vishnu. He is always with Sith (soul) and asith (body).
Sath- Paramatma- God is independent and Sith and Asith are
dependent on Paramatma. Love for guru/mentor, sruthi, smrithi,
beliefs, desire for salvation (Moksham) detachment of worldly
things, moral thoughts, reciting vedas, friendship with sages and
saints will give guidance to attain Moksha. There is an inseparable
bond between Paramatma, Jeevathma and the world.
Dvaitham
This principle was spread by Madwar. Dvi = two. According to him
Paramatma and the universe are two different things. And
Paramatma God is separate and other things will not be included in
god. God, Jeevathma – living things and non living things in the
universe are immortal and did not created by any body. This
principle says that world is not an illusion and god is independent. If
we get rid of sins due to our doings we will attain salvation
(Moksha).
4 principle of Bhagavad Geetha
In Hinduism spiritual ways to attain Moksha – God are called
Sathanangal (way) Bhagavad Geetha tells about 4 ways to attain
god. Gnana Margam, raja margam, karma margam and Bakhti margam.
Gnana Margam (Through wisdom)
Intelligent people from their knowledge and wisdom differentiate
the mortal and immortal things in life. Through this wisdom, the
search of truth and true god is called as Gnana margam. To attain
this knowledge, one can get the guidance from the books like
Vedanthan, Upanishads and Bhagavad Geetha and preaching of
mentors like Ramana Maharishi, Aravinder, Thayumanavar and
Thirumoolar.
Raja Margam
Humans self-consciously control the body, breath and mind and
regulate it to ignite the energy within him is called Raja Margam.
Here ‘Om’ mantra is worshiped here.
Karma Margam (Through Duties)
In human’s life there should be two uses for whatever he did. 1
1. It should increase his devotion to god.
2. It should be useful to society
Everyone should do his duties to efficiently and perfectly is called
Karma Margam.
Bakthi Margam (Through devotion to god)
The devotional human being get rid of ego and silliness and attain
greatness through sacrifice and love is called Bakthi Margam.
Bhagavad Geetha mentions that ‘Whatever you want to attain, you
will become that’ . If we worship God who has all the good
characteristics, we will be like him.
Festivals of Hinduism
To remember that humans will get the perfect grace of god, festivals
are celebrated. These festivals increase the love, charity, mercy and
humanity in human mind, improve their devotion to god and make
them lead prosperous life. The festivals celebrated by Hindus are
விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி, நவராத்திரி,
தீபாவளி, கந்த சஷ்டி, திருகார்த்திகை,
சிவராத்திரி, மாசிமகம், பங்குனி உத்திரம்,
சித்திராபௌர்ணமி, வைகாசி விசாகம், ஆனி
திருமஞ்சனம், ஆடிபூரம், பிரதோ ஷம்.
Glory of Hinduism
Hinduism is very old/ancient. Through recent researches we came to
know that it was spread all over the world.
The important concepts of Hinduism is found in all the other
religions.
Hinduism never stigmatise other religions and it appreciates the
principles of other religions.
In spite of various attacks on Hinduism it never went down but
raised at all the times.
It never controls the sentiments of humans and allows religious
freedom to all. There is control and rules to follow as a society, but
not in Hinduism.
The most important phylosophy of living in Jainism is called
Nav Tatvas.
1. Jiva - Soul, who eliminates good things and evils and
understands it by himself as it is.
2. Ajivan - Non living matters, anything which does not have
soul.
3. Punya - Benefits from good thinking, good action and
good words.
4.Sin - Bad results from evil thinking, evil action and evil
words.
5.Asrava - The results (goodness or evilness) of pap(sin) and
punya(good deeds)
6.Samvar - The process by which the influx of karman
particles (paap and punya benefits) like paap and punya is
stopped.
7.Bandh - The binding of karman particles (paap and punya
benefits) from mind, action, words and five senses (paap and
punya benefits) with soul. it occurs when we attached to
anything of this world.
8. Nirjara - The process of shedding the attachment with the
karma is called Nirjara. It stops the binding of the paap and
punya and eliminates other things also.
9. Moksha - Getting rid of desires of 5 senses and benefits of
good doings and results of evil doings and attaining salvation
is Moksha.
Norms for Saints in Jainism
1. Jain saints should follow hard asceticism.
2.They should follow simple detachment (celibacy)and
sacrifice normal activities of life.
3. Should do fasting frequently and in the end sacrifice the
life by starvation.
4. Should follow non-violence in day to day life compulsarily.
5. Should close the nose with veil.
6.Should have peacock feather always with them. Should not
harm any living things even with the footsteps of the saints
are the rules for jain saints/sages.
Philosophical theories of Jainism
The philosophical theries of Jainism are :-
World is made up of perishable goods, immortality and with
souls (Jiwas). Jainism believes that not only human beings
but animals, plants and stones are also living things. Living
beings taking birth again and again due to their karma
(doings) and samkara (results of that karma). Pure life is
tainted by samskara and to get rid of samskara one has to do
hard penance. Those who realised his inner self is attained
Mukti, Moksha, or salvation.
Jain society
Main disciple of mahavir was Badrabahu. And hisdisciples
were 11. Male female disciples were added without sex
determination. They were called Nirkindaras.
Literature of Jainism
Agamas or Paragamas is the holy book of Jainism. It has 12
parts. It was written in Artha Mahathi language of Bali. Kalpa
Surta was written by Badra Bahu.It describes the lives of
Tirtankaras. The books in Tamil such as சிலப்பதிகாரம்,
சீவகசிந்தாமணி, வளையாபதி,
யாப்பருங்கலக்காரிகை, நன்னூல், நாலடியார்,
நான்மணிக்கடிகை, பழமொழி are written by Jains only. They
created literature and philosophical works in Hindi, Marathi,
Gujarathi, Kannada and Sanskrit also.
Arts
Jain style of architecture is combined with Indian
architecture. Tilwara temple at Mount Abu of Rajasthan is
famous for their architecture.It was built by Solanki king.
The Gomtishwar statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is
the highest statue made from single stone all over the
world.Its height is 57 feet. It is also called as Bahubali. It was
established by Chamundaraya, a soldier in Ganga dynasty.
The tiger cave at Udaygiri and Indra Sabha at Ellora are
famous Jain type of architecture.
Bawangaja Adinath statue in Madhya Pradesh, and remains
of ruined Jain architectures in Rajasthan and Bundel khand
are also worth mentioning structures.
In Tamil Nadu there are embossed sculptures and Jain beds
are found in
கழுகு மலை, மதுரை, சித்தன்னவாசல், சீயமங்கலம், காஞ்சிபுரம்,
எண்ணாயிரம், மேல்சித்தாமூர்.
Contrubution of Jainism to Indian cultured
Those who were deprived of education were given Jain
education.
Agamas the holy book of Jainism has 12 parts. It was written
in Artha Mahathi language of Bali by Devathi.
So many books written in Prakrit, Bali and Tamil. In Tamil
Jains wrote Nannul, Sicaka Chinthamani, Naladiyar and
Valayapathi.
In Sanskrit also contributed many writing works for divisions
such as Maths, Grammer, dictionary and exicography.
Jain architecture has greatness. They constructed Sthupis,
(Tombs) and temples. They kept full length statue in temples
and worshipped. The Gomtishwar statue at Shravanabelagola
in Karnataka is made from single stone.
The sculptures carved at rocks near Gwalior, the sculptures
in Udaygiri, Adikumba, Ellora are the examples of Jain
architecture.
Bhavpuri temple, Rajagiri and Tilwara temple at Mount Abu,
Chitaud Jain tower are exhibiting the beauty of Jain arts and
Jain architecture.
As Jainism teaches ahimsa (non-violence), the sacrifice of
animals were reduced.
The most important philosophy of living in Jainism is called
Nav Tatvas.
1. Jiva - Soul, who eliminates good things and evils and
understands it by himself as it is.
2. Ajivan - Non living matters, anything which does not have
soul.
3. Punya - Benefits from good thinking, good action and good
words.
4.Sin - Bad results from evil thinking, evil action and evil
words.
5.Asrava - The results (goodness or evilness) of pap(sin) and
punya(good deeds)
6.Samvar - The process by which the influx of karman
particles
(paap and punya benefits) like paap and punya is stopped.
7.Bandh - The binding of karman particles (paap and punya
benefits) from mind, action, words and five senses (paap and
punya benefits) with soul. it occurs when we attached to
anything of this world.
8. Nirjara - The process of shedding the attachment with the
karma is called Nirjara. It stops the binding of the paap and
punya and eliminates other things also.
9. Moksha - Getting rid of desires of 5 senses and benefits of
good doings and results of evil doings and attaining salvation
is Moksha.
Norms for Saints in Jainism
1. Jain saints should follow hard asceticism.
2.They should follow simple detachment (celibacy)and
sacrifice normal activities of life.
3. Should do fasting frequently and in the end sacrifice the life
by starvation.
4. Should follow non-violence in day to day life compulsarily.
5. Should close the nose with veil.
6.Should have peacock feather always with them. Should not
harm any living things even with the footsteps of the saints are
the rules for jain saints/sages.
Buddhism
It is one of the main religion originated from India. It is the main
religion of Japan, China, Korea, SriLanka and Myanmar.
Superstitions in society, rituals, complex practices, and
inequalities prevailing in other religions was the reason for the
emerging of Buddhism. Due to the personality of Buddha, easy
principles and supports from the rulers made easy spread of
Buddhism. Buddhism is the religion found by Buddha on the basis
of his teachings. It is called as Sakiya religion in Tamil. It is also
called as Pali Buddhism, Veda Buddhism, Southern Buddhism,
Thera vad and Sthaviravad.
Buddha
His original name was Siddhartha. He was born at Lumbini, Kapila
Vasthu in today’s Nepal to Maya Devi and Suddhodana. After the
death of his mother he was raised by foster mother Gautami
Prajapathi. That is why he is called as Gautama. He belongs to
Sakiya sect, so he was called as Sakiya Muni and as he attained mei
gnanam (absolute truth) he was called as Buddha in spiritual circle.
The 4 scenes he saw during his visit in the city changed his life for
ever. He saw the sufferings of an elderly man, a patient, a dead body
and a saint and wanted to remove their sorrow. So he sacrificed
everything belonged to him and became monk. He then set out for
the quest for liberation/ absolute truth/wisdom. He sat in meditation
under the Bodhi tree (peepal) in the town of Bodh Gaya and attained
"Awakening"(Bodhi). He got awakening after a big sacrifice so he
was called as Buddha. He gave his first lecture at the Deer park in
Saranath. It is called as Dharmacakrapravartan sutra or wheel of
sutra .
Principles of Buddhism
Arya truth – 4 noble truths
1.Disease, sickness, old age and death are the sufferings that following us continuously.
2. Desire of happiness and selfishness are the reason for all sufferings.
3. If one sacrifice selfishness there won’t be any sufferings.
4.If one follow the eight fold paths for salvation sacrificing his desires, he will attain Nirvana/liberation.
Eight fold path/ Ashtanga Marg
In Buddhism, the society was important, but importance was given
to the moral behaviour of the individuals. It is not enough to say that
desire is the cause of all sufferings. So Buddha showed 8 path ways
to remove sorrow.
1. Right pathways
2. Right thought
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
Golden Path
There is no place for over eating and leisure happy life in Buddhism.
But it also insists that no need for fasting and awaking by torturing
oneself. Avoid tough stand and follow simple way to achieve
liberation/Nirvana is what Buddhism shows. This is called golden
path.
Some of the principles of Buddhism
Buddhism sought to correct the moral o humans as a whole. Budha
neither accepted the existence of god nor denied. And he did not say
anything about god, live and rituals. And he never told to worship
him. He gave his opinion and theories to attain liberation or
salvation only.
Nirvana/Liberation
According to Shuddha Pitaka, to sacrifice desire is MahaNirvana.
Pitakas tell that one should follow 8 paths to liberate from the
sufferings of birth and death and attain Nirvana.
Karma(Doings)
Buddha had faith in Karma and its results. He said that no one will
be escaped from Karma. There are rules in Buddhism to follow for
people in family life and abstinence.
For family life
1. Not desiring other’s belongings
2. Not telling lies
3. Not killing any life
4. Not desiring other’s wife or husband
5. Not drinking liquor
For people in abstinence
1. Not participating in entertainment (singing and dancing)
2. Not using luxury items like perfumes
3. Not eating at untime
4. Not sleeping in a luxurious bed
5. Not accumulating wealth
Literature of Buddhism
Buddhist literature are mostly written in Pali language. The sacred
book of Buddhism is called as Tripitaka, means 3 baskets. They are :-
Shuddha pitaka – Package of Buddha’s preaching.
Vinaya Pitika – Male and female’s rule of conducts.
Abhithamma pitaka – Philosophical explanations for concepts of
Buddhism.
According to Maha Vamsam, a book about Buddhism, the Tripitaka
was written in the course of time and Sri Lankan King Vattak
Kamini Abhayan compiled those notes and published as a book.
Mahavamsam and Dipa vamsam are books written in pali language
but in Sri Lanka.
Jataka Stories – These are stories are about previous birth of Buddha
and was written based on the incidents happened in the life of
Buddha. Tera stories were written by male Buddhist monks and Teri
stories were written by female Buddhist monks.In Tamil language,
Manimekalai, Virasozhiyam and Kundalakesi are Buddhist literature.
Division of Buddhism
During the ruling of King Kanishka, Buddhism was divided into two
Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana means small carrier and
Mahayana means larger carrier. They both have difference of
opinion about Buddha and his theories.
Then a new sect of Buddhism appeared as Vijrayana. It means
diamond carrier. It recommended sorcery in Buddhism. Tibet and
Bhutan are following this division of Buddhism.
Buddha samaj (Institution/organisation)
Those organisations who spread Buddhism are called as Buddha
samaj or sangam. The male monks are called Buddhist monks
(Bhikku) and female monks are called as Bhikkuni. In this
organisation family members were also allowed and they are called
Upasakas.
The memorial buildings of Buddha and Bothi Satva was decorated
stone made stupas (Tombs) are the Buddhist type of architecture. In
Viharas and memorials beautiful sculptures telling the life stories of
Buddha was carved. They made cave temples also. Famous Sthupas
of Bharhut, Sanchi and Amaravati and cave temples are in Kanheri
and karle are great symbols of Buddhist art and sculpture. Gandara
art was originated in Kaniska’s period only.
As Buddhism was originated in India, the peculiarities of Indian
culture was also spread with Buddhism in foreign countries. Those
who went to foreign countries carried Indian culture along with
them and due to that Indian culture was spread in China, Mangolia,
Manchuria, Korea, Japan, Burma, Java, Sumatra and Indonesia.
Those who were following Buddhism came to India for pilgrimage.
Because of that the greatness of Indian culture spread in other
countries.
Java
Borobudur stupa in Java is the greatest symbol of Buddhism in Asia.
It is a wonder of architecture and sculpture of Buddhism. Here the
Buddhist sculptures were made from gold, silver, Ivory and wood.
Thailand
Thailand is considered as the land of Buddhism and Buddhist
sculpture. Buddhist art of sculpture is day by day growing in
Thailand.
Sri Lanka
Chancellor Asoka spread Buddhism in Sri lanka. A museum in
Anurathapuram, Sri lanka is having the statue of standing Buddha
made from limestone, during the 4th century CE.
Contribution of Buddhism
It is one of the biggest religion of the world.
Buddhist hated sacrificing of animals. They worshiped human
beings as god.
The working pattern of Buddha Vihars were reflected in Saiva and
Vainava monasteries proceedings.
Buddha literature were written in Pali and tamil.
Through the books like Maha vamsam and Deepa vamsam we learn
ancient India and Sri Lanka’s history.
Gandhara art and Madura art are contribution of Buddhism to India.
Buddha’s great theories and concepts are the foundation of Indian
culture.
It was not only rebuttal of Vedic religion but also brought social
changes in India. Busha denounced caste differentiation.
Buddhism is not a Shastra (fundamentals) which is difficult for the
common man to follow but as a living guide for people.
Structural system of religion was first developed by Buddhism only.
And the result of that system was sangam(Samaj, religious
organisation) these organisations provided education to all the
sections of the society. Due to that the universities like Nalanda,
Takshashila, Vikramashila became world famous.
As Buddhism spread in foreign lands, the relation between India and
China, Sri Lanka like counties were improved. Buddhism became
the cultural bridge between these countries.
Zoroastrianism
It is named after the founder Zoroaster. It is also called as Mazdayasna or Parsi religion. According to the beliefs of Iranians Zoroaster is the messiah of God. His real name was Spitama and after the vision of God he got shining like gold, and that is why he was called as Zoroaster.
Ahura Mazda
Ahura Mazda is the god insisted by Zoroaster. Mazda god is the embodiment of Sun, fire and light. The central concept of Zoroastrianism is the continuous struggle between the good and evil things.
Religious concepts
God
Zoroastrians worshiped many gods as per old customs. Zoroaster denounced this practice and positioned the worship of single god (‘Ahura Mazda’) practice. God is incomparable and he created heaven, earth and he is the centre of all natural things is their policy.
Life
According to Zoroaster life/soul is the reason for happiness and sorrow. Good soul will reach salvation.
Salvation/Liberation
Zoroastrianism mentions 3 commands for the soul to get liberation:-
1.Humatha – Good thoughts
2. Huxta – Good words
3.Huvarshta – Good deeds
God will watch these 3 and will give judgement accordingly. Those who have good thoughts, good words and good deeds will only get liberation.
Zent Avesta
It is the religious book of Zoroastrianism and given by god Ahura mazda. Through the Zoroastrian disciple Visthapa this holy book was given to the world. Zent means commands and Avesta is a book. It was written in Avesta language with Bahalavi letters.
Unique Identities of Parsis
Even thought Parsis are living with other Indian religious people, their culture and worship methods are not affected by the surroundings and stand unique only.
They follow the worshiping of fire temple. In houses also they make fire and worship it.
If any Parsi people is dead, their dead body is neither cremated not buries but put it in the peace tower to be eaten by animals and birds. But this practice is now seeing some changes.
Parsis contribution to Indian culture
Even though they came from foreign lands, they are not distorting Indian culture, but integrating themselves with the culture of our country.
They live as Indians with patriotism.
Living in India as a significant business community following business ethics.
Parsi community played a major role during the 19th century social reforms.
Dadabhai Nauroji, Naoroji Furdunji were eminent freedom fighters played a major roles in Indian freedom fight.
Islam
Islam is an Arabic word and its indirect meaning is obedience, surrender. But direct meaning is peace. If one surrenders his soul and body politely to Allah, he will get peace is the meaning of the word Islam. Islamic people obeys and acts according to the rules of Allah. According to Abul A'la Maududi, anyone belongs to any race, any community, any country and any tribe, if he has the above quality in him, he is a follower of Islam.
Islam has 2 fundamental resources.
1. Allah’s holy book Koran
2. The path/way introduced by Muhammad Nabi – Hadith
Muhammad Nabi
He was accepted as a prophet by Islamic people. He was born in Mecca, to Amina and Abdulla couple. He married Kateeja and did penance at Hira cave. Then he was visited by Gabriel in the cave and told him the holy words of Allah to him. The collection of these is called the Holy book of Koran.
Theories
God (Allah)
God is one and he is none other than Allah is the basic theory of Islam.
Prophets
Islam believes that world’s first messenger from god was Adam and last was Muhammad Nabi.
Fate
According to its theory, fate is beyond our knowledge and god only understands it. Koran refuses the thinking and arguments about destiny/fate.
Duties
There are 5 rules to be followed by followers of Islam. Those are called 5 pillars of islam.
1.Kali-ma (Shahada) – Commitment. Believing the concepts that 1. There is no God than Allah 2. Muhammad Nabi is the messenger of God.
2. Salat - Namas – Every Muslim should do 5 times of namas (prayer) everyday. They should salute towards the Kaliba in Mecca.
3.Zakat – (Charity) – It is a compulsory contribution. Every Muslim should give away1 part of his/her wealth to poor peoples.
4. Sawn – Fasting – Every year according to the Muslim calendar, fasting during the month of Ramadan. From dawn to dust, they should not eat food or drink liquids. It is one month fasting.
5.Hajj - pilgrimage -The 5 th duty of a Muslim is to visit Kabha in Mecca at least once in their life time.
Islamic sects
The two sects in Islam are Sanni – Who accepts that Gabriel told the words of Allah to Muhammad Nabi, and Shea – Whose religious head or Imams are prophets who accepted the holy words of Allah and followed it to attain the sanctitude.
Festivals of Islam
Ramzan, Bakrid and Milad Nabi are celebrated by Muslims.
Contribution of Islam to Indian culture
All are equal in front of God is the main concept of Islam.
Islam scholars contributed Sufi movement to Indian culture and helped Hindu - Muslim unity.
Through Sufi movement Islam contributed concepts like removing of casteism and superstitions, brotherhood and equality to our Indian culture.
Their embroidery designs, flower patterns in tailoring, flower like sculptures in tombs, metal and gold works are artistic fine arts that increase the value of Indian culture.
Sports grounds, ( Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi) Entrance of cities (Charminar, Hyderabad), Gardens (Shalimar gardens-Agra),Forts (Red Fort, Delhi), Masjids, (Jumma Masjid-Delhi), Architures (Agra and Fat-eh fur sikhri) Taj Mahal ( Made from colour stones in the method of beauty deora) are considered as the special features of Indian culture.
The special features of Indian culture such as Mathematics, astrology, medicines and algebra were spread through Arabians to European countries and made India proud.
Yunani, a practice of medicine was introduced by Muslims in India.
Christianity
Christianity is followed by most of the countries in the world. From
the word Jesus Christ, Christianity came. It follows the great
theoretical features of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the pioneer of Christianity. He was born In
Bethlehem in Israel. His parents were Mary and Joseph.
Religious doctrines
Human beings should love God with pure heart and good thoughts.
To attain the God in the heaven or eternal world, one should follow
love, justice and duties. The words spoken in the world are
belonging to god is their belief.
Festivals of Christianity
The birth day of Jesus Christ is followed on 25th December every
year. Further Waster, Good Friday and New Year are also celebrated.
Festivals spread brotherhood, equality, love and friendship.
Works of Christianity
They established orphanages and old age homes.
During natural calamities like flood, drought and earthquakes they
do relief works.
Christian organisations built hospitals and serve people.
Even in remote places they established schools with free education,
food and lodging to students and teach them morals, discipline and
ethics.
They learned local languages and translated many Indian literary
works into English and contributed to the growth of Indian language
and culture.
Printing press was introduced in India by Christians only.
Contributions of Christianity
Christianity not only did religious works, but also did social works.
Their educational institutions and hospitals are popular among
people.
The evangelists not only spread Christianity, but also did literary works. Caldwell wrote A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South-Indian family of languages. G.U.Pope translated Thiruvasakam and Thirukkural in English.Viramamunivar wrote Paramartha Guru stories in Tamil.
Christianity played a great role in connecting Indian culture with western culture. And it also adopted some of Indian rituals.
Sikh religion
The word Sikhism originated from the Punjabi word Sikh, meaning disciple. It was emerged in India during end of the15th century CE. Sikhs should follow their religious head and they are their guide.
Reason for the formation of Sikhism
Disparities in society.
People welcomed the opinions of Gurunanak and Kabir.
The popularity of devotional(Bhakti) movements
Many invasions were done through Punjab and this impacted greatly in Punjabi’s life. Because of this they had unique identity with valour and courage.
Gurunanak – CE 1469-1538
Gurunak Ji founded Sikhism. One day when he was taking bath in the river Bein, he attained enlightenment. He wanted to found a religion for everyone and so found Sikhism.
The preaching of Gurunanak
God is one.
All are equal.
Raman, Krishnan and Muhammad Nabi are messengers of God.
On one will get goodness in idol worshiping, fasting and pilgrimage. Donate to near and dears and poor people. That is the way to attain god.
Earn money in an honest way without cheating others.
Doctrines of Sikhism
Sikhism is explained by dividing into two concepts, Gurmat and Gurdarshan. Gurmat refers to Sikhism and Gurdarshan refers to principles of Sikhism. His preaching consisted qualities like Discipline, Humility, Honesty, Quality, Truth, Kindness. The duties of Sikhs are always pronounce the name of god and obeying the Guru/teacher/religious head. His concept is to sing god’s name with rhythmic music to have clean heart and mind.
God (Satnam)
God is only one and he is neither two nor many. He doesn’t have image,/form/figure but his vision/light can be seen in and out of all the creations. God is called as Ek Omkar.
Gurunanak
Sikhism mentions that god can be attained through guru only. He is next to god.
Salvation/Liberation
Such khand and shunya like words are describing salvation in Sikhism. It means changing process of human beings to god. This religion tells that by truthful living, one can attain salvation.
Holy book Adi Granth
The teachings and devotional songs of Gurunanak were spread by mouth only. The 5th guru of Sikhim, Arjun Singh compiled those and it was called as Adi Granth (words of god). It is in Gurmikhi letters. Now it is called as Guru Granth Sahib meaning ‘words of guru’.
Gurudwara
The places of worship of Sikhs is called as Gurudwara. It means the way to attain god. Adi Granth will be there. And Langar, a place where free distribution of food to all will also be there.
Two division of Sikhism
1. Namdhari (Those who received guru’s words) – It was founded by Baba Ram Singh.
2.Nirankari (The principle of Idol-less worshiping) – It was founded by Baba Dayal das.
Kalsa foundation
Kalsa means purity. Those who joined this foundation is called as Akali (immortal).
The 10 guru of Sikhism, Guru Govind Singh founded this. The 9th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Tej Bahadur was killed by Aurangzeb. Guru Govind Singh got angry and changed the Sikhism into a military organisation. That is called as kalsa.
Contribution of Sikhism to Indian culture
The unity and integration between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs is the contribution of Sikhism. It is a symbol of multi faced India.
They have intense struggling lifestyle. So they are doing major role in the Indian Army with patriotism.
This religion preaches, love, charity, tolerance, rejecting rituals.
It protects the symbols of Indian culture from foreigners till today.
Sikhs living in various countries propagate/promote the goodness of Indian culture to the world.
England and America have Gurudwaras.
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