DOCSLIB.ORG

Critical Analysis of Bala Samskara Wsr to Developmental Milestones in Children

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2018 Critical Analysis of Bala Samskara w.s.r. to Developmental Milestones in Children : A Review Study Anukriti Guar,1 Nisha Kumari Ojha2 1Post Graduate Scholar, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Kaumarabrutya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. A B S T R A C T Samskaras are a religious right, rituals sacrifices and a religious ceremony. Samskara also build a wakefulness of the attainment of social status and rights for the individual. In Ayurvedic aspect Samskara Samskaro hi Gunaantaradhanam is “ ” which means qualitative improvement carried out by incorporating the precise qualities (transforming of the qualities). Any process which brings continuous positive changes in a given material (Dravya), physical body (Shareera), intellectual capacity (Mana) and the personality (Atma) is called Samskara. These are significant in perspective of child health and provide chance for routine examination of growth and developmental milestones of child at regular intervals. A thorough review of childhood Samskara reveals that they were aimed at preparing the baby for proper feeding habits, ensuring adequate nutrition, preventing diseases, adapting baby to environment, gave individual identity and educated the child. Samskara signifies growth and development and the ceremonial announcement of milestones achieved providing with periodical screening. Ayurveda also describes different Samskaras in the different period of life to mark or to announce attainment of different milestones thus ensuring proper growth and also to differentiate them from the child with developmental delay. Key words: Samskara, Growth and development, developmental milestones, Ayurveda. INTRODUCTION improvement carried out by incorporating the specific [1] According to Indian culture, each and every important qualities (transforming of the qualities). The word activity is linked with ritual to signify it. If the best Samskara is being used for several meanings for qualities and characteristics are cultivated in them example in sense of education, cultivation and right from their childhood then it impact throughout training a purificatory rite or ceremony to change the his life. Many principles of Ayurveda are related with qualities or intrinsic worth. Physician can also assess religious rituals of ancient India. In Ayurveda, the the proper growth and development of the child while performing these Samskaras.[2] Samskara ceremonies word Samskara is introduced as “Samskaro hi invite many persons including spiritual gurus, learned Gunaantaradhanam” which means qualitative persons, elderly ones and other people which provide Address for correspondence: [3] Dr. Anukriti Guar a great opportunity for them to get a look of child. Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Kaumarabrutya, National The learned one instantaneously notices any Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. irregularity or lack in developmental milestone. There E-mail: [email protected] are many anatomical changes occurring in neonate Submission Date : 18/03/2018 Accepted Date: 20/04/2018 Access this article online while coming from intrauterine life to extra uterine Quick Response Code life, which are necessary for survival. These changes Website: www.jaims.in are in synchronized manner and are achieved within certain range of time period. Samskara prepare one for the next stage of growth. DOI: 10.21760/jaims.v3i02.12094 Samskara aim in the first instance at material gain to the individual. During some ceremonies prayers are Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2018 | Vol. 3 | Issue 2 89 Anukriti Guar et.al. Critical Analysis of Bala Samskara w.s.r. to Developmental Milestones in Children ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2018 offered to gods for health, wealth, children, intellect age thread initiation) etc. which contribute to family and social happiness. Vedarambha (beginning Samskaras also build a wakefulness of the attainment of Vedic study) of social status and rights for the individual. Samskaras bring about cultural gains. The various Yuvavastha (in Samavarthana (end of ceremonies related to the Samskaras help in the adulthood) studentship) formation and development of personality. Samskaras Vivaha (marriage convey a higher sacredness to life. Various Impurities ceremony) associated with the body are cleared by performing Samskaras. Vanaprastha (renouncing the Classification of various Samskaras householder's life) The number of Samskara varies in different Hindu Sanyasa (leading the Dharma Granthas, it is about 16-40 but the applicable life of a monk) Samskara are 16 in number.[4] These are; Antyeshti (death Vaya (different stages of Shodasha Samskaras cremation) age) Critical Interpretation of various Samskara Garbhavastha Pre-natal Garbhadana (sacrament mentioned in Balyavastha (in pregnant period of impregnation or The detailed analysis of Samskara, classical lady) conception) description and their significance in examination of Pumsavana different developmental and growth milestones is as (engendering a male follows; issue) Jata Karma Samskara Seemantonayana (hair- The wo means born or brought into parting) rd ‘Jata’ existence.[5] Immediately after birth Jatakarma is Neonatal Jatakarma (birth rituals) indicated. According to Acharya Charaka, after the period initial stabilization of baby (Prana Pratyagamana) and Namakarana (naming cord cutting, Jatakarma should be performed. First of ceremony) all, the child should be given Madhu and Ghrita. There after, milk from the right breast should be given to the Balyavastha (in Infantile Nishkramana (first child.[6] Acharya Sushruta has opined Jatakarma as childhood) period outing or outing cleaning the vernix on newborn`s body, clearing ceremony) newborn`s mouth by Saindhava and Sarpi and placing Karnavedhana (piercing a ghee soaked cotton on baby`s head. This is followed the earlobes) by cutting of umbilical cord at distance of eight angula Annaprashana (feeding from baby`s skin and tying it by thread which is tied to [7] ceremony) baby`s neck. After this baby is make to lick gold Bhasma mixed with honey and ghee. Pre- Choodakarana (shaving Analytical interpretation school / of head) School ▪ Jatakarma is the birth rite which helps the baby Upanayana (sacred exceed from intrauterine life to extra uterine life. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Mar - Apr 2018 | Vol. 3 | Issue 2 90 Anukriti Guar et.al. Critical Analysis of Bala Samskara w.s.r. to Developmental Milestones in Children ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE Mar-Apr 2018 This provides an opportunity to examine the baby cleft palate, natal teeth, fissured tongue, immediately after birth. Cleaning the vernix ankyloglossia, tracheo-esophageal fistula etc. provides tactile stimulation to the baby to make it Namakarana Samskara breath or cry.[8] It is a religious ceremony conducted by the family ▪ Swarnaprashana given to baby as a mixture of members to keep name for the newborn child which gold Bhasma, honey and ghee. Gold Bhasma gives gives personal identity to the child. physical protection to baby, immune booster, enhances brain development and is in nano Timing of Namakarana Samskara varies a lot as per particles which is easily absorbable by baby`s different Ayurvedic texts; intestine. ▪ Charaka - 10th day onwards ▪ Honey is a rich source of fructose to yield energy ▪ Sushruta - 10th day after birth and also presence of hermin prevents from ▪ Vagbhatta - on 10th day along with Sutika Utthana respiratory infection. Kashaya Rasa of honey or on 12th, 100th day or 1st year. clears the Strotas also. Honey also serves as a mild allergen, which gives the first opportunity to The Sutika mother should take bath with baby`s body to start the synthesis of antibodies. Sarvagandhodaka, Shveta Sarshapa and Lodhra, wear clean, holy white coloured dress and decorate herself ▪ Ghrita is high caloric diet helps to a new born with various desirous ornaments. The father should baby instant energy with lubricating effects. keep two names for his son by worshipping the Kula Giving Madhu and Ghrita in equal quantity is a Devata like Nakshatrika name and Abhiprayika name. Samyoga Viruddha which may help in developing The Nakshatrika name should be of same Nakshatra immunity. in which the child is born. In Abhiprayika name, Aadi, ▪ Also this first feed fulfils the criteria of Trophic Madhya and Antya Akshara should be arranged in feed (a minimum amount of the feed given to the special fashion. Aadi Akshara should be Ghosha Varna baby to initiate intestinal movements and to while Madhya Akshara should be Kanthastha Varna activate the gut). like and Antya Akshara should be Ushma Varna. Sons ▪ This Lehana (licking of medicine preparations) also name should have even letters and daughters name [10] gives an opportunity to physician to assess the should have odd letters. rooting, sucking and swallowing reflex of neonate. Analytical interpretation Breast feeding is to be given on the first day so as ▪ Namakarana Samskara is a special procedure to ensure proper nutrition and protective practiced in paediatrics, in which a newborn child immunoglobulin present in colostrums. is given with name. This looks like a simple ▪ Placing cotton soaked in ghee on head maintains procedure but name gives personal identity to a temperature of the baby and provides insulation. child which has got its own significance in future It prevents heat loss from baby’s head, which has life. It is an important tool for socialization
Recommended publications
  • A Physiological Study of Adhara Vega L Study Of

    A Physiological Study of Adhara Vega L Study Of

    INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, (ISSN: 2320 5091) (September, 2017) 5(9) A PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY OF ADHARANEEYA VEGA W.S.R. TO APANAVAYU VEGA Gugulothu Ramesh1, Yadav C.R2 1P.G. Scholar, 2Asst. Professor P.G. Dept. of Sharira Kriya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Many diseases which are prevalent in the present time are because of the improper life style of the people. Vegadharana and Udheerana are the two such faulty lifestyle practices which are responsi- ble for many diseases. This information is often missed during the history taking. Even though it is one of the fundamental concepts of Ayurveda, it is very less understood. Understanding the physiol- ogy of Vegapravartana, study of Vegarodhajanya and Udeeranajanya symptoms and analyzing them in the study of pathology of various diseases are really helpful to plan the complete treatment. In addition, to this topic designed to give special reference to Apanavayu Vega. In the current clinical practice of Ayurveda, we come across many diseases related with the Apanavayu. We treat them without analyzing the Nidana part. So many disorders reoccur even after the proper medication for the fact that Nidana has not been addressed properly. So in view of understanding physiology of Apanavayu Vega and its applied physiology this study has its own significance to revalidate this as- pect. Keywords: Adharaneeya vega, Apnavayu vega, Vegadharana, Udheerana INTRODUCTION To maintain the health and to protect from the Vihara includes Dinacharya,and Ritucharya. diseases Ayurveda has described Ahara and Anitya Kaliana Vihara includes Vegadharana, Vihara in detail.
  • Gandhi's View on Judaism and Zionism in Light of an Interreligious

    Gandhi's View on Judaism and Zionism in Light of an Interreligious

    religions Article Gandhi’s View on Judaism and Zionism in Light of an Interreligious Theology Ephraim Meir 1,2 1 Department of Jewish Philosophy, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; [email protected] 2 Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa Abstract: This article describes Gandhi’s view on Judaism and Zionism and places it in the framework of an interreligious theology. In such a theology, the notion of “trans-difference” appreciates the differences between cultures and religions with the aim of building bridges between them. It is argued that Gandhi’s understanding of Judaism was limited, mainly because he looked at Judaism through Christian lenses. He reduced Judaism to a religion without considering its peoplehood dimension. This reduction, together with his political endeavors in favor of the Hindu–Muslim unity and with his advice of satyagraha to the Jews in the 1930s determined his view on Zionism. Notwithstanding Gandhi’s problematic views on Judaism and Zionism, his satyagraha opens a wide-open window to possibilities and challenges in the Near East. In the spirit of an interreligious theology, bridges are built between Gandhi’s satyagraha and Jewish transformational dialogical thinking. Keywords: Gandhi; interreligious theology; Judaism; Zionism; satyagraha satyagraha This article situates Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s in the perspective of a Jewish dialogical philosophy and theology. I focus upon the question to what extent Citation: Meir, Ephraim. 2021. Gandhi’s religious outlook and satyagraha, initiated during his period in South Africa, con- Gandhi’s View on Judaism and tribute to intercultural and interreligious understanding and communication.
  • Preliminary Damageandloss Assessment

    Preliminary Damageandloss Assessment

    The 15th Meeting of The Consultative Group on Indonesia Jakarta, June 14, 2006 Preliminary Damage and Loss Assessment Yogyakarta and Central Java Natural Disaster A joint report of BAPPENAS, the Provincial and Local Governments of D.I. Yogyakarta, the Provincial and Local Governments of Central Java, and international partners, June 2006 MAGELANG (KOTA) BOYOLALI MAGELANG PURWOREJO SLEMAN KLATEN SUKOHARJO YOGYAKARTA (KOTA) KULON PROGO BANTUL WONOGIRI GUNUNG KIDUL The 15th Meeting of The Consultative Group on Indonesia Jakarta, June 14, 2006 Preliminary Damage and Loss Assessment Yogyakarta and Central Java Natural Disaster A Joint Report from BAPPENAS, the Provincial and Local Governments of D.I.Yogyakarta, the Provincial and Local Governments of Central Java, and international partners, June 2006 i FOREWORD The May 27, 2006 earthquake struck Yogyakarta and Central Java. Yogyakarta is a center for Javanese traditional arts and culture, the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, and is home to a royal family whose lineage goes back to the Mataram era in the 16th century. It is also a center of Indonesian higher education. Striking in the early morning hours, the earthquake took over 5,700 lives, injured between 40,000 and 60,000 more, and robbed hundreds of thousands of their homes and livelihoods. As if the devastation of the earthquake were not enough, the disaster may not be over. The increase in Mount Merapi’s volcanic activity, which began in March 2006, is producing lava flows, toxic gases, and clouds of ash, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. This report presents a preliminary assessment of the damage and losses caused by the earthquake.
  • LESSON: Understanding Nazi Symbols NAME: ______WORKSHEET: Symbols

    LESSON: Understanding Nazi Symbols NAME: ______WORKSHEET: Symbols

    LESSON: Understanding Nazi Symbols NAME: ______________________________________________ WORKSHEET: Symbols INSTRUCTIONS: Using the definitions, classify different symbols in the table below. Emojis: a small digital symbol used to express an idea, emotion, etc. ​ Symbols: ● an authoritative summary of faith or doctrine ● something that stands for or suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance ● a visible sign of something invisible: the lion is a symbol of courage ​ ● an act, sound, or object having cultural significance and the capacity to excite or objectify a response SUMMARY OF Star of David = FAITH/DOCTRINE Jewish faith STANDS FOR OR SUGGESTS = WiFi SOMETHING ELSE A VISIBLE SIGN OF lion = courage SOMETHING INVISIBLE OBJECT WITH bald eagle = CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE America; patriotism Symbols | 1 of 1 ​ LESSON: Understanding Nazi Symbols NAME: ______________________________________________ WORKSHEET: History of the Swastika Key Facts ● The swastika was long used as a symbol of well-being in ancient societies, including those in India, China, Africa, America, and Europe. ● Adolf Hitler designed the Nazi flag in 1920. He combined the swastika with the three colors of the German Imperial flag (red, black, and white). ● As a symbol, it became associated with the idea of a racially “pure” state. By the time the Nazis gained control of Germany, the connotations of the swastika had forever changed. ● Nazi symbols, including the swastika flag, are banned in a number of countries today, including Germany. Questions for group research: 1. The swastika was the official symbol of Nazi Germany, representative of Nazi ideas. What did Nazi Germany stand for? 2. What rights did the Nazis revoke during the Third Reich? History of the Swastika | 1 of 3 ​ LESSON: Understanding Nazi Symbols NAME: ______________________________________________ WORKSHEET: History of the Swastika 3.
  • Jain Award Boy Scout Workbook Green Stage 2

    Jain Award Boy Scout Workbook Green Stage 2

    STAGE 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. About the Jain Award: Stage 2 2. About Yourself 3. Part I Word 4. Part II Worship 5. Part III Witness 6. Jain Religion Information for Boy Scouts of America 7. Application Form for the Jain Medal Award 2 ABOUT THE JAIN AWARD PLAN STAGE 2 WORD: You will with your parents and spiritual leader meet regularly to complete all the requirements History of Jainism-Lives of Tirthankars: for this award. Mahavir Adinath Parshvanath RECORD Jain Philosophy Significance of Jain Symbols: Ashtamanga As you continue through this workbook, record and others the information as indicated. Once finished Four types of defilement (kashäy): your parents and spiritual leader will review anger ego and then submit for the award. greed deceit The story of four daughters-in-law (four types of spiritual aspirants) Five vows (anuvrats) of householders Jain Glossary: Ätmä, Anekäntväd, Ahinsä, Aparigrah, Karma, Pranäm, Vrat,Dhyän. WORSHIP: Recite Hymns from books: Ärati Congratulations. You may now begin. Mangal Deevo Practices in Daily Life: Vegetarian diet Exercise Stay healthy Contribute charity (cash) and volunteer (kind) Meditate after waking-up and before bed WITNESS: Prayers (Stuties) Chattäri mangala Darshanam dev devasya Shivamastu sarvajagatah Learn Temple Rituals: Nissihi Pradakshinä Pranäm Watch ceremonial rituals (Poojä) in a temple 3 ABOUT YOURSELF I am _____________________years old My favorite activities/hobbies are: ______________________________________ This is my family: ______________________________________ ______________________________________
  • The Swastika: a Prophetic Symbol

    The Swastika: a Prophetic Symbol

    ! THE SWASTIKA: A PROPHETIC SYMBOL. BY WILLIAM THORNTON PARKER, M. D. (Formerly Surgeon U. S. Indian Service.) SAINT PETER, the Martyr, writing- on the earth with his rapidly ebbing life-blood the great Catholic word of faith, "Credo," is but a link in the perfect chain of devoted Christians who have sacri- ficed their lives willingly for the God-given religion they have re- ceived. In the earliest days of persecution when only the gloomy Cata- combs could be counted on for asylum, the hunted Christians made use of secret symbols to safeguard the disclosure of themselves to friends and brothers in Christ. The ichthus I-X-0-Y-2, fish, is a well-known illustration of this ; and so also perhaps the swastika, the most ancient prophetical symbol of our Blessed Lord's coming, was also found of value in concealing the sign of the cross from those ready to betray or destroy any Christian whose profession became known. Men need a symbol. Nations have their flags ; great associa- tions have their different devices. All these are symbols that repre- sent to men what is dear to them. Symbols, then, seem to be necessary ; and how powerful they are is known to every one. They are rich with sacred memories ; they touch the heart and evoke the liveliest enthusiasm ; around them men have fought and have shed their blood, even as eighteen thousand of the flower of knighthood perished in defence of the relic of the most Holy Cross. Christ's cross is the glorious symbol of the world's redemption ; all other symbols are as nothing if opposed to the religion which He in mercy founded The pagan type of Christ, the Hindu "Agni," or God of Fire, whose symbol is the oldest form of the cross known, was in general use in all the ancient pagan world, from India to 54° THE OPEN COURT.
  • Pakistan Heritage

    Pakistan Heritage

    VOLUME 8, 2016 ISSN 2073-641X PAKISTAN HERITAGE Editors Shakirullah and Ruth Young Research Journal of the Department of Archaeology Hazara University Mansehra-Pakistan Pakistan Heritage is an internationally peer reviewed research journal published annually by the Department of Archaeology, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan with the approval of the Vice Chancellor. No part in of the material contained in this journal should be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the editor (s). Price: PKR 1500/- US$ 20/- All correspondence related to the journal should be addressed to: The Editors/Asst. Editor Pakistan Heritage Department of Archaeology Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan [email protected] [email protected] Editors Dr. Shakirullah Head of the Department of Archaeology Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan Dr. Ruth Young Senior Lecturer and Director Distance Learning Strategies School of Archaeology and Ancient History University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH United Kingdom Assistant Editor Mr. Junaid Ahmad Lecturer, Department of Archaeology Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan Board of Editorial Advisors Pakistan Heritage, Volume 8 (2016) Professor Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, PhD Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison,WI 53706-USA Professor Harald Hauptmann, PhD Heidelberg Academy of Science and Huinities Research Unit “Karakorum”, Karlstrass 4, D-69117, Heidelberg Germany Professor K. Karishnan, PhD Head, Department of Archaeology and Ancient History Maharaj Sayajirao
  • Decoding the Elements of Human Rights from the Verses of Ancient Vedic Literature and Dhar- Maśāstras: an Exegetical Study

    Decoding the Elements of Human Rights from the Verses of Ancient Vedic Literature and Dhar- Maśāstras: an Exegetical Study

    Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 29 July 2021 doi:10.20944/preprints202107.0648.v1 Article Decoding the elements of human rights from the verses of Ancient Vedic literature and Dhar- maśāstras: An Exegetical Study Authors: Shailendra Kumara Sanghamitra Choudhurybcdef a Department of Management, Sikkim University, India b Department of Asian Studies, St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK c Department of History and Anthropology, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK d Hague Academy of International Law, Hague, the Netherlands e Centre for the Study of Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India f Department of Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, Sikkim University, Gangtok, India Abstract: This manuscript aims to provide a nuanced study of the idea of rights and duties prevalent in ancient Vedic society through Vedic literature and Dharmaśāstras . This manuscript delves into the exegesis of the Védas and Dhar- maśāstras to accomplish this. The archaic Vedic literature and Dharmaśāstra texts are the origin and backbone of Sanskrit literature. They have a plethora of ideas that, if accepted, could be quite useful for the protection of any person's human rights. In Védas and Dharmaśāstras, rights and duties complement each other, and rights are integrated by duties. According to these texts, rights and duties are correlated and the relationship between rights and duties leads to the core concept of dharma (constitutional laws). Dharma is a systematic Sanskrit con- cept that includes traditions, obligation, morals, laws, order, and justice. It was a unique concept of dharma that kept checks and balances on sovereign officials and prevented them from becoming autocratic and anarchist.
  • A Strategy for Evangelism Among the Bengali Folk Hindus of Calcutta

    A Strategy for Evangelism Among the Bengali Folk Hindus of Calcutta

    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2002 A Strategy for Evangelism Among the Bengali Folk Hindus of Calcutta Eric Kujur Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Kujur, Eric, "A Strategy for Evangelism Among the Bengali Folk Hindus of Calcutta" (2002). Dissertation Projects DMin. 470. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/470 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT A STRATEGY FOR EVANGELISM AMONG THE BENGALI FOLK HINDUS OF CALCUTTA by Eric Kujur Adviser: Gordon Christo ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A STRATEGY FOR EVANGELISM AMONG THE BENGALI FOLK HINDUS OF CALCUTTA Name of the researcher: Eric Kujur Name and degree of faculty adviser: Gordon Christo, PhD. Date completed: October 2001 The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to reach the unreached Bengali Folk Hindus of Calcutta. First, general information on the target group was presented. This included information on their lifestyle and traditional religious beliefs and practices. This is a large group of people who do not belong to the castes and do not enjoy the benefits of financial, educational, and political status. A brief review of what Roman Catholic and Protestant churches have done for the Folk Hindus of Calcutta, with their medical, educational, spiritual, and social services, helped us to understand the strengths and weaknesses of mission approaches to the target group.
  • Breaking Free: Reflections on Stereotypes in South Asian History

    Breaking Free: Reflections on Stereotypes in South Asian History

    BREAKING FREE Reflections on Stereotypes in South Asian History By Edith B. Lubeck or many students, regardless of age or educational background, the . while curried aromas study of South Asian history seems a daunting task given the com- and vivid textiles enrich F plex and often unfamiliar nature of the subjects under investigation. the learning environment, Of course, exotic and stereotypic images of snake charmers and mystics abound. It is often tempting to rely on mnemonically convenient formulae images of wandering (caste defined and held as a constant, a given, over millennia) as the basis mystics, snake charmers, for instruction to reduce this material to manageable proportions. Although fatalistic villagers, timeless cultural “sound bites” may be easier for the secondary school student to digest when time constraints are great and the area of study is so disconcert- and immutable caste ingly new, the risks far outweigh the benefits. The best intentions of the his- structures and religious tory classroom are undone as historical time is compressed and dynamic modes of human interaction are reduced to a flat, two-dimensional plane. hatreds leave little Threats against Muslims and Muslim-owned property in the aftermath of the room for contextualized attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have made crystal clear investigation in the study the importance of teaching the dangers of cultural stereotyping. In the article that follows I scrutinize those paradigms that continue to of South Asian history. hold a place of privilege in many textbooks despite fresh new research from numerous scholars working within the field of South Asian history over the past two decades.
  • Hindu Samskars 2 Main Aim of Marriage ❑Dharma ❑Praja Or Progeny ❑Rati, Kama Or Sex Gratification ❑Rina Or Debts ❑Socio-Cultural Continuity

    Hindu Samskars 2 Main Aim of Marriage ❑Dharma ❑Praja Or Progeny ❑Rati, Kama Or Sex Gratification ❑Rina Or Debts ❑Socio-Cultural Continuity

    Hindu Samskars 2 Main aim of Marriage ❑Dharma ❑Praja or Progeny ❑Rati, Kama or Sex Gratification ❑Rina or Debts ❑Socio-Cultural Continuity (c) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA - For internal use only 3 Hindu Samskars Action/thoughts -> Samskar -> Character -> Direction of Life The net sum total of the samskars at the end of this life is the force which gives a person the next direction after this life. In Hindu way of life, 16 major milestones are identified. Activities/procedures are prescribed to be done at each of these milestones and these are called 16 samskars. (c) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA - For internal use only 4 16 Samskars Before birth 1. Garbhadan: The first coming together of the husband & wife for bringing about conception. 2. Pumsvan: Ceremony performed when the first signs of conception are seen, and is to be performed when someone desires a male child. 3. Seemantonnayan (Seemant + Unnayan): Performed during the seventh month of pregnancy. By this time the heart, mind and brain of the baby are formed and functional. The parents to be and their relatives offer prayers to the Almighty for mental & intellectual growth of the child. (c) Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA - For internal use only 5 16 Samskars After birth in childhood 4. Jatakarma: After the birth of the child, the child is given a secret name, he is given taste of honey & ghee, mother starts the first breast-feeding after chanting of a mantra. 5. Nama-karana: In this ceremony the child is given a formal name. Performed on the 11th day. 6. Nishkramana: In this the formal darshan of sun & moon is done for the child.
  • Hindu Prayer Book.Qxd

    Hindu Prayer Book.Qxd

    The Hindu Prayer Book (in Sanskrit and Roman with English Translations) 1 2 Contents Hinduism ................................................ 5 Om .............................................................. 6 Havan Yagya ......................................... 7 The Pancha Mahayagyas ................... 8 The Five Yajnas (or yagyayas) ............ 8 Benefits of the Pancha Mahayajnas ........................................... 9 Havan Mantras .................................. 10 Prayer for purification Praanaayaam mantra .................... 11 Prayer for concentration and meditation Aachamana mantra ......................... 24 Indriyasparsha mantra .................. 25 Samaadhaan Mantra ...................... 26 Placing of firesticks Jalaprokshanam ............................... 28 Purifying with water Poojneeya prabhu hamaare ............. 37 Prayer to Yagya (Sacred Fire) Sarve bhavantu sukhinah ............. 39 May all be happy Hotaa hai saare vishva .................. 41 The benefits of Yagya A Prayer for Immortality ............... 45 Om aabrahman braahmano ............ 46 A Prayer for Universal Peace Braahman swaraashtra ................. 46 He prabho tum shakti ..................... 48 Shaanti Paathh ................................. 49 Prayers for peace 3 Contents Shree Hanumaan-chaaleesaa........ 50 Prayers to Lord Hanumaan Dohaa .................................................... 56 Veer hanumaanaa . 57 Lord Hanumaan Aarati . 59 Offering of light to God Govinda Prarthana . 62 O Lord make me your own Hey Naath Sab Sukhee