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Taoism
is considered as an entity that defies
definition, which can be properly
understood only by experience. The most
approximate meaning with respect to
English language is “the way” or
“the path”.
Taoism corresponds to a power,
which envelops, surrounds and flows
through all things, living and
non-living. In simple words, it can be
considered as a way of spiritual living.
Origin
Taoism
evolved from both a philosophical
tradition linked with the Tao-te Ching
(Lao-tzu); Chuang-tzu,Lieh-tzu and other
texts, and a Taoist religious tradition.
(Tao-chiao). This religious tradition
has got an organized doctrine,
formalized cultic activity and
institutional leadership. Both these
traditions are well connected though
there are some conflicting ideas.
By tradition, Taoism is
accredited
to three sources- Yellow emperor,
Lao Tse’s Tao Teh
Ching
and Chuang Tse’s untitled work.
Many consider ‘I Ching’, the book of
changes as the original source of
Taoism.
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The
Shinto religion of Japan is considered,
along with Buddhism as the official
religion of Japan.
Over 80% of the population of
Japan is either Buddhist or Shintoist.
It is interesting to note that
while most weddings are performed by
Shinto priests most funerals are
conducted by Buddhist priests!
We
believe that Shinto was the earliest
Japanese religion.
Experts do not have much
information about the beginning of the
Shinto traditions, but we do know that
Shintoism started around the middle of
the first millennium BC.
As the Yamato dynasty
consolidated its rule over Japan around
the 6th century AD, the
adoption of the Shinto religion seems to
have accelerated. The
name, "Shinto" means "The
Way of the Gods" in Chinese - 'shin
tao'.
The
Shinto religion is unusual when compared
to other ancient spiritual traditions in
several key aspects.
For one thing, the Shinto
religion is not based on any body of
religious law.
Most religions can trace their
concepts back to one or more ancient
texts that define what laws are to be
followed, at the very least.
Some religions, for example
Buddhism have centuries of writings that
are rich in philosophy and
interpretation of the original teachings
of the founder.
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GANESHA
Ganesh,
the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva
and Parvati is the first and foremost
deity in the Hindu pantheon whom
devotees worship, prior to any important
undertakings. Whatever the devotee’s
desires, whatever he wishes to venture
into, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are
first sought.
GANESHA
ACQUIRES AN ELEPHANT HEAD
Legend
has it that once when Parvati wanted to
take a leisurely bath and requested her
son Ganesha to mind the entrance to her
chamber and prevent anyone from entering
the chamber. The obedient Ganesha did as
he was told. Soon, Lord Shiva himself
walked in, but was stopped by young
Ganesha. This enraged Shiva who in a fit
of temper, cut off Ganesha’s head!
When Parvati learnt of her husband’s
wrath and misdeeds, she was overcome
with grief and lamented her son’s
plight. Shiva realized his foolhardiness
and ordered his attendants to bring the
head of the first living creature they
found in the forest.
The
attendants gleaned through the forest
and the first creature they saw was an
elephant, whose head they severed and
brought to Shiva. Shiva fixed the head
on Ganesha and lo and behold, Ganesha
sprang back to life! Click
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Shiva-Nataraja
Shiva
the destroyer in the Hindu pantheon is
popularly known as the hermit of the
netherworld, as the one who resides in
cremation grounds. However, there is
another aspect to Shiva- as Nataraja.
Nataraja literally translates as the
Lord of the Stage.
The
western world is familiar with
Shakespeare’s words, “All the
world’s a stage and all the men and
women merely actors.” The soul assumes
a physical form only to perform certain
functions, duties, to give and receive
pleasure, learn karmic lessons, and
finally move on to a different realm. In
this gross body, we humans who are
supposed to be of a higher intellect are
merely players and puppets in the hands
of an unseen force called God.
Every
birth gives us new pleasures, even as it
gives us pain. We as living beings, are
caught in the grasp of illusions,
attachments, bonds that further pull us
towards more cycles of birth. Suffering
bothers man who ultimately seeks
salvation, and he finds himself
grappling with the results of his deed.
Even as the soul leaves one gross body,
it steps onto another womb, in the hope
of fulfilling unfulfilled desires, to
cleanse itself and perform certain
karmas.
Nataraja
in his cosmic dance form shows us the
path to liberate ourselves from this
continuous cycle of birth and death.
Shiva stands majestically on the body of
‘Apasmara purusha’ and performs his
dance. This body represents the ego,
ignorance, the soul’s illusions. By
trampling on it, Shiva is seen as
controlling this ego and urge. Click
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