" The Upanishads are the solace of my life . They will be my solace after my death ."
Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher , 1788-1860.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Samskaras or Sacraments
The Samskaras or sacraments vary in number from 11 to 48 , depending on the different Sutras ( or guide books )by different ancient authors . However a list of 16 is popular . These rituals are done at various stages of an individual's life to invoke divine blessings .They are compulsory . However nowadays not all are performed by all people , and some are combined to be performed together . For example , it is common to combine nos 2 &3, 4&5, 6&7, 10&11&12, etc .
They are
Pre Natal Samskaras
1. Garbhadhana ( conception )
2. Pumsavana ( "quickening a male child ")
3. Simantonnayana( the parting of the hair ( of the pregnant mother ))
The Samskaras of Childhood
4. Jatakarma ( rituals after birth )
5. Namakarana ( Naming ceremony)
6. Niskramana ( first outing )
7. Anna prasana ( first feeding of rice )
8. Chuda Karana ( tonsure)
9. Karnavedha ( ear boring )
The Educational Samskaras
10. Vidyarambha ( learning of the alphabet, the beginning of education)
11. The Upanayana ( initiation , through the thread ceremony )
12. Veda-rambha ( beginning of the study of the vedas )
13. Kesanta ( first shaving of the beard)
14. Samavartana ( graduation , end of studentship )
The householder's Samskaras
15. Vivaha ( marriage)
16. Antyeshti (funeral rites)
Some authors add the five pancha maha yajnas to the above list as well as the 21 compulsory fire sacrifices , taking the list to 42. Other authors add more , to take the list to 48 . Some of the educational Samskaras are performed only for males .
They are
Pre Natal Samskaras
1. Garbhadhana ( conception )
2. Pumsavana ( "quickening a male child ")
3. Simantonnayana( the parting of the hair ( of the pregnant mother ))
The Samskaras of Childhood
4. Jatakarma ( rituals after birth )
5. Namakarana ( Naming ceremony)
6. Niskramana ( first outing )
7. Anna prasana ( first feeding of rice )
8. Chuda Karana ( tonsure)
9. Karnavedha ( ear boring )
The Educational Samskaras
10. Vidyarambha ( learning of the alphabet, the beginning of education)
11. The Upanayana ( initiation , through the thread ceremony )
12. Veda-rambha ( beginning of the study of the vedas )
13. Kesanta ( first shaving of the beard)
14. Samavartana ( graduation , end of studentship )
The householder's Samskaras
15. Vivaha ( marriage)
16. Antyeshti (funeral rites)
Some authors add the five pancha maha yajnas to the above list as well as the 21 compulsory fire sacrifices , taking the list to 42. Other authors add more , to take the list to 48 . Some of the educational Samskaras are performed only for males .
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Pancha Maha Yajnas or the Five Great Sacrifices
The five great sacrifices are to be performed daily by all householders ( the head of each family)
They are
1. Deva Yajna - sacrifices to the Gods
2. Pitr Yajna - sacrifices to the ancestors
3. Bhuta Yajna - ( food) offerings to animals
4. Manusha Yajna - ( food ) offerings to other humans , guests, the poor etc
5. Brahma Yajna - recitation of the Scriptures ( Brahma also means the Vedas ) .
The five great sacrifices are also part of the list of 40 Samskaras or sacraments .
They are
1. Deva Yajna - sacrifices to the Gods
2. Pitr Yajna - sacrifices to the ancestors
3. Bhuta Yajna - ( food) offerings to animals
4. Manusha Yajna - ( food ) offerings to other humans , guests, the poor etc
5. Brahma Yajna - recitation of the Scriptures ( Brahma also means the Vedas ) .
The five great sacrifices are also part of the list of 40 Samskaras or sacraments .
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