Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Rituals

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Rituals

• Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma): Practices include Om chanting, puja (worship), yagnas (fire ceremonies), and lighting incense.
• Buddhism: Focuses on meditation, inner peace (nirvana), and offerings to Buddha.
• Jainism: Practices include meditation, fasting, and observing vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment.
• Sikhism: Key practices are Naam Japna (chanting God's name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).

Commonalities

• Devotion is a central theme across these religions.
• Ethical living guides the followers.
• Mindfulness practices are found in multiple traditions.

Art Forms Across India

• Mysore: Known for sandalwood elephants.
• Assam: Features wooden rhinoceros.
• Rajasthan: Has Madhubani paintings, Pichwai, miniature paintings, and Phad.
• Bihar: Known for Madhubani paintings.
• Maharashtra: Features Warli paintings.
• Telangana: Has Kalamkari.
• Odisha: Known for Pattachitra.
• West Bengal: Has Patua paintings.
• Himachal Pradesh: Known for Pahadi paintings.
• Madhya Pradesh: Has Gond paintings.
• Tamil Nadu: Famous for Tanjore paintings.
• Kerala: Characterized by mural art forms.
• Sawantwadi: Features realistically depicted fruits.

Yoga

• Practices: Meditation, dance forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and Bhangra are included.
• Cuisine: North Indian curries and South Indian dosas are mentioned.
• Spices: Turmeric and cumin are noted as Indian food staples.
• Cinema: Bollywood and regional cinemas are part of Indian culture along with international film festivals.
• Fashion: Sarees, Phulkari (Punjab), and Bandhani (Rajasthan) are mentioned as forms of clothing.

Architecture

• Key principles: Societal values, design harmony, functionality, and aesthetics are crucial elements.
• Ancient styles (North India): Nagara with shikhar (beehive-shaped tower).
• Ancient styles (South India): Dravida style features gopurams (towers).
• Ancient styles (mixed): Vesarara style.
• Landmarks: Kailasa Temple (Ellora), Harappa, and Mohenjo-daro.
• Brihadeshwara Temple

Guru Purnima

• Significance: Full moon day in the month of Ashadha.
• Guru selection criteria: Wisdom, character, skill, and reputation.
• Guru duties: Teaching, mentoring, administration, and discipline.

Telugu Language

• Timeline: From 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE.
• Script: Brahmi.
• Location: Rayalaseema district is associated.
• Rank: Fourth most spoken language.
• Dance: Kuchipudi dance originated from this region.

Tamil Language

• Characteristics: The oldest surviving classical language in India, with a history spanning from Sangam literature to the modern era.
• Historical influence: Associated with Chola, Pallava, and Pandya dynasties.
• Script: Brahmi.
• Duration: Has lasted over 2000 years.
• Dialects: Madras Bashai, Kongu Tamil, and Negombo Tamil are named.

Linguistic Heritage

• Influence: English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic have influenced India's languages.
• Preservation: Protection, preservation, and documentation are essential for language preservation.

Painting

• Paintings: Paintings serve as communication tools, artistic expressions, historical recorders.
• Timeline: Examples include those from 2500 BCE (Bhimbetka, Harappa), 600 CE (Ellora Caves), 1600 CE (Mughal portraits), and 1894 CE (Saraswati paintings).

Sanskrit Language

• Script: Devanagari.
• Rules: Sandhi rules govern merging sounds.
• Ancient script: Brahmi is the oldest known script.
• Other scripts: Sharda and Newari scripts are considered.

Nyaya, Samkhya, Dharma

• Nyaya: Logic system.
• Samkhya: Philosophy.
• Dharma: Duty and ethical behavior.
• Interconnection: The philosophies highlight interconnectedness between humans and animals.
• Yoga: Mind, body, and soul connection.

Vaisheshika Philosophy

• School of Atomism: Explores the concept of atoms (anu).
• Key figure: Sage Kanada.
• Root meaning: Derived from "vishésh."
• Categories: Guna (qualities), dravya (matter), karma, samanya (commonality), vishesh (specific attributes), samavaya (inherence), and abhava (non-existence).

Atman and Brahman

• Unity: Atman and Brahman are considered one.
• Self-illuminating substance: Atman is the only self-illuminating substance.
• Concept in Vedas: Brahman is found in Rigveda.
• Meaning in Upanishads: In Upanishads Brahman signifies the omnipresent.
• Paths to Brahman: Gyana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), karma (action), and dhyana (meditation) are the ways.

Samaveda

• Rank: Third in Vedic texts.
• Focus: Melody.
• Content: Melody based on Rigveda contents.
• Origin: Source of Indian classical music.
• Significant notes: Six out of seven swaras (musical notes) are present in Samaveda.
• Sections: Purvārchika (first part of a Soma sacrifice) and Uttarakrchika (remaining parts).