How Did Theisah Feel About Rituals?

The goals of worship in ancient Egypt were to preserve the cosmic order and perpetuate life through rituals that combated non-existence forces. The gods, known as ka, were entrusted with the task of feeding them after death, which was delegated to a specific group of priests. Rituals defined and promoted social groups in modern society by animating shared beliefs, establishing moral guidelines, and demarcating the boundaries of these groups. The text explores the three aspects of true ritual: immediate enlivening power, increased power through renewal and remembrance, and long-term sanctifying power.

The Torah holds a polemical attitude towards the ancient Near Eastern physical image of god, which some scholars argue is due to an embodied practice of engaged imagination. Rituals are embodied practices that allow for physical actions to spur the imagination towards envisioning values that are not yet realized. Xunzi’s reflection on ritual deals with the general characteristics of ritual, including specific Confucian rituals like death. Basavanna’s attitude towards ritual challenged the idea of caste and the pollution attributed to the Brahmanas, and questioned the theory of rebirth.

The traditional Chinese state’s attitude towards religious activities was an expression of its own religious commitments. Turning daily routines into rituals that inspire and motivate people can lead to life changes.

What are the principles of Basavanna?

Jagadguru Basaveshwara, a spiritual leader in South India, brought a social, religious, and economic revolution in the 12th century through his teachings of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience). His holistic approach to Lingangayoga (union with the divine) was praised by the Prime Minister on Basava Jayanti. His teachings influenced the socio-cultural reform movements of South India.

What were the social ideas of Basava?

Basava, a prominent figure in the Shaiva tradition, believed that every human being was equal, regardless of caste, and all forms of manual labor were equally important. He believed that it was not birth but behavior that determined a true saint and Shaiva bhakta. Basava’s Sharanas community welcomed anyone, regardless of their occupation, to convert and be reborn into the larger family of Shiva devotees. Basava insisted on ahimsa or non-violence and strongly condemned all forms of sacrifices.

Basava is credited with uniting diverse spiritual trends during his era. His Virashaivism movement, which combines Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita and Shankara’s Advaita traditions, is known as Shakti-Vishtadvaita, which is monism fused with Shakti beliefs. Basava’s spiritual progress is viewed as a six-stage Satsthalasiddhanta, which progressively evolves the individual through phases of the devotee, master, receiver of grace, Linga in life-breath, surrender, and complete union of soul and god (mukti). Basava’s approach differs from Adi Shankara’s emphasis on the path of knowledge, a monistic Advaita philosophy widely discussed in Karnataka during Basava’s time.

Basava laid the foundations of a movement that united Vedic with Tantric practice, Advaitic monism with effusive Bhakti devotionalism.

What are the three rules that monks had to follow?

In a monastery, monks are expected to remain there until death, with each taking turns working in the kitchens and waiting at tables. They must be engaged in manual work, study, and prayer, and remain silent unless necessary. The Abbot is responsible for guiding the community, holding meetings to decide monastery business, and obeying orders without argument. Monks must take a vow of chastity, no one should own anything, pray together seven times a day, and have a reading from the Bible at every meal. Care is also taken for sick individuals.

What were monks not allowed to do?

Monks and nuns live in a strict state of celibacy, prohibiting any sexual behavior, including suggestive speech or physical contact with lustful intent. This is to prevent scandalous gossip or misunderstandings, as monks and nuns are often accused of being a woman’s lover or a woman’s misunderstanding of their reasons for being with her. To avoid such misunderstandings, monks must be accompanied by a man whenever they are in the presence of a woman, on a journey, or sitting alone in a secluded place.

They also refrain from carrying on correspondence with women, except for matters pertaining to the monastery, travel arrangements, and providing basic information. This is to prevent inspiration and compassion from turning into attachment when teaching Dharma in a letter. The rule of total celibacy is rooted in the belief that one’s intent may not always be obvious or guarded, and that a male companion is present to understand conversations with women.

What is the ideology of Basavanna?

Basava, a social reformer, introduced Vachanaas, a form of poetry that spread social awareness. He rejected gender discrimination, superstitions, and rituals, but introduced the Ishtalinga necklace to everyone, regardless of birth, as a reminder of devotion to Shiva. Basava was a strong promoter of ahimsa and condemned human and animal sacrifices. As the chief minister of his kingdom, he introduced public institutions like the Anubhava Mantapa, which welcomed people from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane life questions.

Traditional legends and hagiographic texts claim Basava to be the founder of the Lingayats, but modern scholarship suggests he revived and refined an existing tradition. The Basavarajadevara Ragale, written by Kannada poet Harihara, is the earliest available account of Basava’s life and ideas. The Basava Purana, narrated in a 13th-century sacred Telugu text, is a full account of Basava’s life and ideas. His literary works include the Vachana Sahitya in Kannada Language.

What did monks vow to do?

Monks in the Benedictine tradition take three vows: obedience, stability, and conversatio morum. These are solemn promises made in the presence of the Abbot and community, as well as God and his Saints. St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of stability, as Benedictine monks do not join an Order but rather a specific community. They pledge to remain in their community for the rest of their lives, focusing on getting to know God and themselves better.

The monastic tradition teaches that the most fruitful response to difficulties is to stay with them and work through them in the battle line of the brethren. This vow expresses faith in God who has called monks to be monks.

What was basavanna’s attitude towards rituals?

Basavanna’s teachings challenged the traditional caste system and the concept of pollution, questioned the doctrine of rebirth, and advocated for post-puberty marriages and the cessation of funerary rites.

What are the ethical and political ideas of Basavanna?

Basava, a prominent figure in the 12th century, introduced a revolutionary social philosophy centered on the principles of equality, inter-caste marriages, and the eradication of the caste system. His objective was to elevate the status of the disadvantaged and untouchables.

What are the principles of basava?

Religion is essential for human beings, as it is a personal affair of Jiva, free from the recurring births and deaths. The tenets of religion, which have been rewritten by Sharanas in the 12th century, are simple and straightforward. They include the initiation of a child by a Guru, who provides the Istalinga, the symbol of Shiva, which is worn on the body and worshiped as the savior throughout their life. Compassion to all living beings, including the animal world, is also a fundamental principle. These tenets aim to provide guidance and understanding to those who practice religion.

What is the philosophy of basava?

Basava’s philosophy, “Kayakave Kailasa,” places significant emphasis on the divine nature of work and the importance of ethical means of work over self-employment. It posits that one should strive for a fulfilling life rather than solely relying on self-employment.