.India is not just a place.
India is not just a people.
India is the celestial music,
And inside this music
Anybody from any corner of the globe
Can find the real significance of life.
And inside this music
Anybody from any corner of the globe
Can find the real significance of life.
India has always been the land of ever-renewing aspiration, from the time of the ancient seers and their lofty utterances of truth, to the revitalizing messages of the spiritual teachers of today. At Desi-indianz.blogspot.com we aim to give you a taste of the vast spiritual legacy India has left for mankind.
Here at Desi-indianz.blogspot.com we have:
§ New: Yoga section describing the three paths to enlightenment that have existed since time immemorial: bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and karma yoga. § Understanding the Darshanas: Information on the six great schools of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaiseseka, Samkhya, Patanjali's Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta.    |
Information on Indian saints, sages, and spiritual Masters such as:
For all living creatures, a human birth is indeed rare; much more difficult it is to attain full manhood; rarer than this is a Spiritual attitude in life.
Sri Sankaracharya, also called Adi Shankara (8th century approx.) was a philosopher and Spiritual Master. Shankara advocated philosophy of Advaita, or non-dualism, regarding man and God as aspects of the same unified consciousness. His philosophy sought to avoid dogma and ritualism and restore the greatness and importance of the Vedas, placing particular emphasis on the Upanishads. Shankara's teachings contributed to a renaissance in Hinduism at a time when Buddhism and Jainism were gaining popularity. He is considered the founder of the Dasanami sannyasin, an order of Hindu renunciants.
Biography of Sri Sankaracharya:
Sri Sankaracharya (also called as Adi Sankara or Shankara) was born in a small village, Kaladi, in Kerala. His father Shivaguru was a learned Brahmin. His mother Aryaamba was a remarkable woman. Shivaguru and Aryaamba were well educated and devoted to God. But they did not have any children. At the suggestion of a close friend they went to Trichur and offered prayers to Lord Shiva at the Vrishaachaleshwara temple. At the same time Lord Shiva also appears in a dream to Aryaamba and tells her that her son would be a great sage. Shortly after this a son was born to them and they named him Shankara. It is believed that Shankara was born in the year 805 AD.
Shivaguru died when Shankara was only five years old. Therefore Shankara was raised under the loving care of his mother. From his childhood Shankara turned out to be a prodigy in every respect. It is said that when he was only one year old he learnt Sanskrit. When he was five years old he was sent to nearby Gurukula (school). By the time he was twelve years old he had mastered all the branches of knowledge. After completing his education at the Gurukula, Sankara returned home. Here he was serving his mother who was ill and also teaching some pupils. Sankara wanted to take up sanyasa. His mother was unwilling to let her only son take up sanyasa. Since the purpose of Shankara's life was much greater than taking care of his mother, a miracle happened. When Shankara was taking bath in the Purna river, a crocodile caught hold of his leg and started to drag him into the river. Shankara felt that his life would soon come to an end. He loudly called out to his mother. Aryaamba rushed to the scene. Since every Hindu is supposed to enter the phase of Sanyasa before his or her death, Shankara requested the permission of his mother to become a Sannyasin. Seeing her son's plight, Aryaamba gave her consent. The crocodile let go of his leg and swam away.
He also started on a tour of India to establish his philosophy. Soon he established himself as the authority on Vedanta philosophy. His vast knowledge and deep spiritual insights won him many disciples and debates. He met the leaders of different schools of thought. He went to all the celebrated seats of learning. He challenged the learned men to discussion, argued with them and defeated them. The most famous debate that Shankara won was the one he had with Mandana Misra, who was the chief Pundit of the court of Mahishmati. Mandana Misra was an authority on Karma Kanda (the ritualistic portion of the Vedas). Since Shankara taught Jnana Kanda (the path of knowledge), he agreed to have a debate with Mandana Misra. At first Mandana Mishra was skeptical about having a philosophic debate with a sannyasi. Once the debate started he began loosing on every point of argument that was raised and finally he had to accept defeat.
He also installed the Sri Chakaras in many temples such as the Kamakshi temple of Kanchi, Nara Narayana temple of Badri and Guhyesvari temple in Nepal. He placed Sri Sureswaracharya at the head of the Math in Sringeri, Sri Padmapada in Dvaaraka, Sri Totaka in Badri and Hastamalaka in Purii.
Shankara finally proceeded to Kedarnath higher up in the Himalayas. He became one with the Linga in his thirty-second year. This happened around 820 A.D.
· Swami Brahmananda
Be humbler than a blade of grass,Be patient and forbearing like the tree,
Take no honor to thyself,Give honor to all,Chant unceasingly the name of the Lord - Sri Chaitanya.
Take no honor to thyself,Give honor to all,Chant unceasingly the name of the Lord - Sri Chaitanya.
Swami Brahmananda (1863-1922) was born in Sikra near Kolkota (Calcutta) Rakhal Chandra Ghosh. He was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, who recognised him as his 'spiritual son'. He became the first president of the Ramakrishna Mission, the monastic order founded in the wake of Sri Ramakrishna's passing, and was largely responsible for its initial development.
Swami Brahmananda Biography:
Brahmananda Saraswati was born into a Brahmin family in the village of Gana, near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India. He was called Rajaram in his younger days and was also known as Maha Yogiraj. At the age of nine, Rajaram left his home unannounced to follow a spiritual path of renunciation but was soon after returned to his parents by a policeman.[3] Upon returning home, he asked his parents for their permission to leave home and begin the life of a recluse. His parents wanted him to marry and live the life of a householder and asked their family guru, or panditji, to convince Rajaram to forget his dream of a recluse life. However, the family guru was so impressed with Rajaram's advanced state of wisdom and spiritual evolution, that he gave up any attempts to change the boy's mind. The parents then also acquiesced and gave their permission for Rajaram to leave. Two days later, Rajaram formally renounced his family life and left his boyhood home in search of solitude in theHimalayas.
Rajaram traveled by foot to the town of Haridwar and then on to Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas. Here he began the search for a suitable guru or spiritual master. Rajaram met with many wise sages, but none of them met his requirements of life long celibacy and an intimate knowledge and experience of the Vedas.
Five years later at the age of fourteen, in a village in Uttar Kashi, Rajaram found his chosen Master and became a disciple of Dandi Swami Krishnanand Saraswati. At that time, Rajaram was given the name of Brahma Chaitanya Brahmachari. He then became the favorite disciple in his master's ashram and, according his master's instructions, he retired to a cave, resolving not to emerge until he had attained enlightenment.
At the age of twenty-five (25), having achieved his goal, the Brahmachari emerged from his cave and permanently rejoined his Master at his ashram.
In 1904, at the age of thirty-six (36) Brahmachari was initiated into the order of "Sannyas" by his Master at the great Indian celebration called Kumbh Mela. At that time, Brahmachari was formally ordained in the ascetic order and given the name Shri Swami Brahmanand Saraswati Maharaj.
· Ramana Maharshi
"O my mind, cast aside your long-treasured arid reason. Welcome the ever-virgin faith. Possess the naked sword of conscience. Far above the storms of fear you are destined to climb. Stay no more in self-created somber shadows of death. Don the golden robes of simplicity, sincerity and purity. Permit not the gales of disbelief to extinguish your inner mounting flame. Yours is the arrow of concentration. Yours is the soil of lightning intution. Yours is the unhorizoned peace. Behold the Supreme! He crowns you, O mind of mine, with the laurel of His infinite Bounty."
Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950) is widely regarded as one of the greatest saints of Hinduism. He lived on the sacred Arunachala hill near Tiruvannamalai. The core of his teachings was the practice of self-inquiry: asking Who am I?
Ramana Maharshi Biography:
Ramana Maharshi was born on 30th December, 1879 in a small village called Tiruchuli about thirty miles from Madurai, in Tamilnadu, south India. That day the Arda Festival was being celebrated. The Nataraja or the dancing Shiva image was being displayed to commemorate the event. Just as the Nataraja image was being put away the child was born. It is said that just as the baby emerged the midwife attending his birth saw a brilliant light. His parents Sundaram Iyer and Alagammal were God-fearing and kind hearted. He was the second of three sons. The child was named Venkateswaram after the family deity and was popularly called Venkataramana.
When Venkataramana was sixteen years of age, one day a guest came to their house. On enquiring the guest replied that he came from Arunachala. The mere mention of the word Arunachala had a magical effect on the boy and he made up his mind then and there to visit this place soon. Shortly after this Venkataramana read Kulothunga's Periya Purana. Here the stories of Shaiva saints are narrated. The stories of these saints and their renunciation left a deep impression on the mind of Venkataramana. He longed to become like one of them. From that day on he began to meditate on God.
One day in his seventeenth year, Venkataramana had a very profound experience that was to become the turning point in his life. As usual he was in the first floor of his uncle's house in a mood of deep thought. All of a sudden he was seized by the fear of death. He started asking himself what death is and what happens to him after he dies. He lay down with his arms stiffly to his sides as if dead, held his breath and pretended to be dead;
"Now death has come but what does it mean? What is it that is dying? The body dies and is carried off to the cremation ground and reduced to ashes. But with the death of the body, am I dead? The body is now motionless, but still I have knowledge of my individuality. If so the 'I' in me is not merely my body; it is a deathless spirit."
"Now death has come but what does it mean? What is it that is dying? The body dies and is carried off to the cremation ground and reduced to ashes. But with the death of the body, am I dead? The body is now motionless, but still I have knowledge of my individuality. If so the 'I' in me is not merely my body; it is a deathless spirit."
One of Venkataramana's uncles came to know about his whereabouts. Alagammal sent this uncle to bring Venkataramana home. The uncle came to Arunachala to take the boy home. But he had to return disappointed. At this Alagammal herself went to Tiruvannamalai along with her eldest son. Venkataramana did not say a word to her. She cried and wept but he kept silent. Finally at the request of one of the pilgrims Venkataramana wrote on a piece of paper the following,
"Everyone has to work according to Prarabdha Karma (fruits of the actions done in the previous incarnations). However much one may strive, what cannot happen will not happen. In the same way, however much one may resist, what has to happen will happen. Therefore, the one and only way open to every person is to carry out his duty."
amana Maharshi's health began to decline from the year 1947. A small tumor was found growing on his left forehand. It was operated and removed. But it appeared again. An expert doctor suggested that the left hand itself should be amputated. The Maharshi refused. He said, "There is no need for it. This body itself is a big disease. Such being the case why should the hand itself be cut off? Let any thing happen. Let this hand die naturally." The tumour grew bigger and Ramana Maharshi's condition became worse. He finally breathed his last at two o'clock in the night of April 24, 1950.
India The Golden Bird
The Golden Bird
India: The Golden Bird Her Spiritual Values and Scriptures
India is not just a place.
India is not just a people.
India is the celestial music,
And inside this music
Anybody from any corner of the globe
Can find the real significance of life.
India is not just a people.
India is the celestial music,
And inside this music
Anybody from any corner of the globe
Can find the real significance of life.
India is the oldest civilization in the world. Spirituality seeps into every facet of Indian life and down through the ages, India has sent forth the message of peace, love and truth. India's national flag with its tricolor of deep saffron, white and green clearly conveys India's commitment and adherence to spiritual values. The color saffron on the flag stands for courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation; the white for purity and truth; green for faith and aspiration. In the center of the white band on the flag, there is a wheel in navy blue to indicate the Dharma Chakra or the wheel of law.
For the last 4000 years despite invasions, persecution, European Colonialism and political upheaval, the spiritual and social structures that define India's identity have remained intact.
On his return from the tour of the West Swami Vivekananda said:
On his return from the tour of the West Swami Vivekananda said:
?I loved my motherland dearly before I went to America and England. After my return, every particle of dust of this land seems sacred to me.?
The architect of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remarked:
?There is something unique about this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls?.
The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus, which flows 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. Originally the word "Hindu" was the name that the ancient Persians used to apply to the river Sindhu. Whenever in Sanskrit there is an s in ancient Persian it changes into h, so that sindhu became Hindu. This word Hindu referred to people living on the other side of the river Indus, regardless of their faith. Gradually in course of time, Hindus started being identified as people practicing the faith "Hinduism".
Historically, the Indus valley civilization (3000 BC to 1500BC) is considered the first civilization in India. This was followed by the Vedic period (1500BC to 500 BC). The Mauryan Empire is the first Indian empire. The Gupta, Pratihara, Pala, Chalukya, Chola, Pandya dynasties followed this. The Muslim period was established in the 9th century and was followed by the arrival of Europeans, mostly British in the 17th century. India attained independence on August 15, 1947.
In India, Hinduism is the oldest living spiritual tradition. Hinduism was originally referred to as Sanatana Dharma, which in Sanskrit means "Eternal Law". Hinduism does not have a founder or creator. Most of its principals and scriptures were formulated over thousands of years by many different "seers" or rishis, as well as avatars, or incarnations of God. One of the most unique features of Hinduism is its ability to evolve and update itself to suite changing times and people. This has helped to sustain Hinduism for thousands of years through many difficult times. To quote the world famous words of Rig Veda:
?Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.?
According to Hinduism there is only one, all-pervasive God or Supreme Being. God is both transcendent and immanent in all things and has unlimited names and forms. This Supreme Being is the fundamental reality and the purpose of human life is to realize this underlying reality. Sri Chinmoy states:
?The ancient Indian seers felt that religion, nay, dharma, must release man from that which binds him, i.e., his own ignorance. Man's awakened consciousness must do away with ignorance, or to be precise, must transform ignorance into the knowledge of Truth."
Infinite tolerance is the hallmark of Hinduism. Though worshiped in different ways in different religious and spiritual paths, there is only one God. As stated in the Rig Veda:
Infinite tolerance is the hallmark of Hinduism. Though worshiped in different ways in different religious and spiritual paths, there is only one God. As stated in the Rig Veda:
?Truth is one, the wise call it by various names.?
This tolerance of other people's cultures, religions and views is one of the most beautiful aspects of Indian spirituality. Within the framework of this tolerant spirituality is a tremendous spiritual freedom that encourages and provokes Hindus to think, learn, explore and look inside themselves for the meaning of life. The Hindu philosopher puts more emphasis on intuitive insight coupled with reason. According to President S. Radhakrishna,
?In the history of the world, Hinduism is the religion, that exhibits a complete independence and freedom of the human mind, its full confidence in its own powers. Hinduism is freedom, especially the freedom in thinking about God. In the search for the supernatural, it is like traveling in space without boundary or barrier.?
Scriptures
Hindu Scriptures are broadly classified into Shruti, Smriti and Nyaya. The Sruti scriptures are of divine origin, whose truths were directly revealed to ancient rishis (sages) in their deep meditations. Smriti refers to what was written down and remembered. The Smriti scriptures are of human origin and were written to explain the Sruti writings and make them understandable to the common man. Nyaya means logic. The four Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita constitute the shruti. The Itihaasa-s (epics), Puraana-s (moral stories), and Angamas (emanated scriptures) are known as smriti. The Vedanta-sutras (Vedanta aphorisms) are classified as Nyaya.
SRI HARIMANDER SAHIB:
The Vedas are the most authoritative texts in the Sanatana Dharma. The word Veda literally means "knowledge". In ancient times the Vedas were passed on from generation to generation orally, because the sages believed that the eternal truths of the Vedas could be contaminated, manipulated, or erased if they were ever written down. In all there are four Vedas: Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. The Upanishads also called as the Vedanta, are the philosophical parts of the Vedas and are found at the end of the Vedas. They expound on the spiritual essence of the Vedas.
THE TEMPLE AT KHAJURAO:
The Smritis have lesser authority than the Shrutis. There are many smriti scriptures. The most popular among these are the Manu Smriti, the Ithaasas and the 18 Puranas written by sage Vyasa. The Ithaasas comprises of the two epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata. These two epics are by far most popular among the Hindus. Ramayana was written by Valmiki while Mahabharata was written by Sage Vyasa. The Bhagavad-Gita is the crest- jewel of Hindu philosophy and is found in the Mahabharata. In the Puranas are recorded the ancient Hindu history as well as a collection of fables and stories with moral, ethical and spiritual lessons.
There are six philosophical schools of Sanatana Dharma broadly classified as the Darshanas. These six schools of philosophical thought are: Jaimini's Purva Mimanasa, Patanjali's yoga, Gautama's Nyaya, Kanada's Vaisheshika, Vyasa's Uttar Mimansa, and Kapila's Sankhya.
TAJ MAHAL:
India's Offering to Humanity
The greatest offering of India to humanity has been the continuity of the line of her spiritual seekers and spiritual Masters. They are men who have a burning desire for truth, the courage to explore the unknown and have declared to the world the reality of spiritual values. It is because of these men that India in spite of the threatening darkness of the centuries, has held on to the ideals of the spirit - the love of God and the service of humanity, has shared with the world the message of universal peace and has always worked towards the unity of mankind.
?Today's India is poverty-stricken. But tomorrow's India will be prosperous. She will be a mighty wave of hope and faith. Her very thought will be stirred with a new vision. Infinite will be the possibilities on her horizon. Her sacrifice will build a more durable foundation for mankind. She will continue within herself nationalism and internationalism, becoming the true symbol of spirituality in action.
India, with her spiritual power, will wield a tremendous influence on the future generations. This is no imagination, but vision in operation.?
CULTURE OF INDIA
The term culture refers to a state of intellectual development or manners. The social and political forces that influence the growth of a human being is defined as culture. Indian culture is rich and diverse and as a result unique in its very own way. Our manners, way of communicating with one another, etc are one of the important components of our culture. Even though we have accepted modern means of living, improved our lifestyle, our values and beliefs still remain unchanged. A person can change his way of clothing, way of eating and living but the rich values in a person always remains unchanged because they are deeply rooted within our hearts, mind, body and soul which we receive from our culture. |
Indian culture treats guests as god and serves them and takes care of them as if they are a part and parcel of the family itself. Even though we don’t have anything to eat, the guests are never left hungry and are always looked after by the members of the family. Elders and the respect for elders is a major component in Indian culture. Elders are the driving force for any family and hence the love and respect for elders comes from within and is not artificial. An individual takes blessings from his elders by touching their feet. Elders drill and pass on the Indian culture within us as we grow.
“Respect one another” is another lesson that is taught from the books of Indian culture. All people are alike and respecting one another is ones duty. In foreign countries the relation between the boss and the employee is like a master and slave and is purely monetary whereas in Indian culture the relation between the boss and the employee is more like homely relations unlike foreign countries.
Helpful nature is another striking feature in our Indian culture. Right from our early days of childhood we are taught to help one another in need of help and distress. If not monetary then at least in kind or non-monetary ways. Indian culture tells us to multiply and distribute joy and happiness and share sadness and pain. It tells us that by all this we can develop co-operation and better living amongst ourselves and subsequently make this world a better place to live in.
Even though India is a country of various religions and caste our culture tells us just one thing 'phir bhi dil hai Hindustani '.
The History of India's culture:
Ancient civilization in India reveals marvelous facts about our heritage. It is a eye opener as to how kingdoms ruled and how people went about life in a logical way. Though medieval, it is actually amazing to find how people transacted and went about building dams and tended to the chief occupation which was agriculture. Dance and rituals were always a part of Indian culture and this was the chief mode of entertainment.
Indian culture is also about respecting elders, honoring heroes and cherishing love. It is a land of aspirations, achievements and self reliance. Indian culture has a very high level of tolerance and hence the advent of so many external cultures was not restricted. Adaptation to any culture or embracing a religion was always the democratic culture. Indian history is about war heroes during Indus valley civilization and the initial time when currency was coined. Indian history talks a lot about self reliance especially in terms of food and agricultural produce. This was the great effort put in by the farmers and support received through irrigation. The modern agriculture also shows a lot of indigenous methods of preserving the produce. The Chola dynasty, the great
Indian culture is also about respecting elders, honoring heroes and cherishing love. It is a land of aspirations, achievements and self reliance. Indian culture has a very high level of tolerance and hence the advent of so many external cultures was not restricted. Adaptation to any culture or embracing a religion was always the democratic culture. Indian history is about war heroes during Indus valley civilization and the initial time when currency was coined. Indian history talks a lot about self reliance especially in terms of food and agricultural produce. This was the great effort put in by the farmers and support received through irrigation. The modern agriculture also shows a lot of indigenous methods of preserving the produce. The Chola dynasty, the great
ASHOKA THE GREAT:WAR VIDEO
King Emperor Ashoka and the secular era of Emperor Akbar will always be green in our memory. Several books are written on the rich Indian culture wherein the saints preserved the Vedas and scriptures.
There are shlokas and mantras i.e. chants that can evoke positive energy and revoke enthusiasm in life. The rich culture of yoga as a part of life and the goodness of ayurveda has now got an universal lifestyle approach. Our roots are strong and despite the westernization and access to technology, the distinct Indianness is still maintained whilst celebrating Diwali or observing the Shravan fast. This is also believed to be a land of Lord Rama which is Ayodhya or the birthplace of Sri Krishna is considered as Mathura. The birth of Sikh religion and the reverence felt by all Indians is still intact. Indians are extremely secular and especially in the metros there is seamless blending of Indians during Xmas and Id.
Attires in Indian culture :
Ethnic charm is exuded in simple outfits in India. The tropical climate is well adapted to the range of muslins and cottons. The mixed variety in cotton goes from viscose, polycot and also cotton silk which has a sheen of its own. Attires are very much about the region and climate. The Himalayan costume is suited for the environment where the dress is a blanket wrap in red and black secured with a ethnic pin. The ornaments or jewelry is a festive adornment with a big red bindi to complete the outfit.
The sari happens to be the most versatile drape with its amazing styles of draping and design. The sari is the traditional dress of India which also modifies as per material, drape and style with each region. This has also gone up to international drape style followed by ranking designers on the ramp shows. The chungari sari of the south has the tie and dye pattern that finds its counterpart in the bandhi print of Gujarat. There are embroidery types that seem to be the intrinsic talent of certain regions.
The cardigans and shawls are hand-woven from the North especially the Himachal and Arunchal belt. This displays the rich handicraft culture of India. The modernization in winter wear is seen with details like pockets, zippers, blends of fabrics and easy feel wear. The gota work of Rajashtan and Punjab is skilled golden zari strips woven or fixed on to the main garment like a sari or the dupatta. The most comfortable dress is the salwar kameez that radiates Indianness and is also comfortable.
The south Indian Kerala set-saree is the beautiful print in cream and golden which can be teamed with colored blouses. The navvari sari or the nine yard drape of Mahrasthra is usually found in leaf green color that is symbolic of the newly married bride. The colors also seem to be in mauve, red or blues and the sarees happen as Narayan peth, paithani and various other Belgaum prints.
The padavai is the ghagra choli for young girls in the south that is incomplete without the gold jewelry especially the kaashi gold chain and jhumki earrings. This is also modified as ghagra choli is simple cottons for daily wear in the villages and designed as the lehenga choli in designer wear in the metros.
The cardigans and shawls are hand-woven from the North especially the Himachal and Arunchal belt. This displays the rich handicraft culture of India. The modernization in winter wear is seen with details like pockets, zippers, blends of fabrics and easy feel wear. The gota work of Rajashtan and Punjab is skilled golden zari strips woven or fixed on to the main garment like a sari or the dupatta. The most comfortable dress is the salwar kameez that radiates Indianness and is also comfortable.
The south Indian Kerala set-saree is the beautiful print in cream and golden which can be teamed with colored blouses. The navvari sari or the nine yard drape of Mahrasthra is usually found in leaf green color that is symbolic of the newly married bride. The colors also seem to be in mauve, red or blues and the sarees happen as Narayan peth, paithani and various other Belgaum prints.
The padavai is the ghagra choli for young girls in the south that is incomplete without the gold jewelry especially the kaashi gold chain and jhumki earrings. This is also modified as ghagra choli is simple cottons for daily wear in the villages and designed as the lehenga choli in designer wear in the metros.
Values in India :
Tradition in India is about values that transcend down generations automatically. These are genetic traits and simplicity is the main ingredient. Ancient culture believed in a lot of dogmas and rituals that can be termed as false beliefs and Indians are an intelligent lot to traverse these paths and modify the social requirements. Indians are highly flexible in the sense they would like to imbibe the changes dictated by western influence and yet clearly affirm their belief in traditions.
It is customary to respect elders and touch their feet as to seek their blessings. Occasions or festivals demand a lot of participation in terms of rangoli drawing, diyas and an array of yummy treats made in the authentic variety as per the caste and geography. Hindu rituals are a lot about song and dance and each family has a natural way to adjust to these formats. It is a ritual to pray to the Goddess of learning Ma Saraswathi to achieve success. Similarly business people always insist on drawing the Swastika which marks prosperity and worship the Goddess of wealth.
With the advent of technology and women emancipation there is a trend to mingle free with the western concepts of dress, belief, work and also get into a secular concept. But one can feel a distinct Indianness and most of our brethren abroad miss their homeland. Indians all over the world are known for their hospitality and high level of tolerance. Their adaptation power is high and hence they are able to scale heights in the international arena. Putting oneself on the global map, Indians are seeking new vistas of communicating their beliefs and tradition. The gift of health and well being through yoga and meditation is a great source of Vedas in the rich Hindu tradition which has actually benefited the world.
The values in India is about living life with a zest and observing the belief that there is one God prevailing despite so many religions.
Respecting elders, understanding cross culture traditions, free mingling to accommodate tolerance, staying interested in rural welfare are the values of India. The artifacts, cuisine handicrafts, attire and lifestyle of the rural folks is still followed and preserved by Indians.
Family Culture of India :
Family is about joy and sharing. In India, the family culture is all about love and patience. A girl weds into a family and adjusts herself seamlessly to the rituals, routine and cuisine. Of late, one can see a lot of love marriages i.e. cross border mingling which is also being accepted by the elders in the family.
Association with religious beliefs and sects is also followed by families as many families believe in a particular Guru or saint who guides them in their spiritual path. Families are also getting nuclear owing to independent lifestyle preference and also the concept where in both husband and wife is working and has demanding careers.
This is quite common in metros where families are independent in their upbringing and yet love and respect the elders who reside separately. The earlier homes housed themselves together in very large families where one can actually see three or four generations put up together.
Certain families observe a matriarchal concept i.e. the groom resides in the house of the bride or also follows a tradition as per the bride’s ancestors. Generally India is patriarchal in the sense the children get the surname of the father and the wife changes her surname to follow that of the husbands. It is also a tradition in certain families that the wife changes her maiden name but again this concept is also changing. Indian families are very accommodating and willing to accept change.
It is a concept to observe the karva chauth or the raksha bandhan with great aplomb. There is an occasion for gifting and seeking the blessings of elders. It is important to respect and hold certain family traditions which are unique in terms of cooking, rituals and beliefs. Families give a lot of importance to lighting the diya in the evening and also each person in family has a habit of doing the puja in his own way.
Metros are also seeing a lot of family value in celebrating birthdays and anniversaries by observing the rituals and also entertaining outdoors. The Indian culture has imbibed the right mix of western influence and yet maintaining the ethnic family tradition. There is more love in every family while blowing candles on the birthday cake and also lighting the diya to observe an Aarti for the birthday person.
Dance forms in India :
Folk music and tradition is the rich heritage of modern India. Despite the advent of technology, open communication and developments in all fields, the area of fine arts still gives a proud picture of our India. Dance is a part of celebration and is the intrinsic part of Indian glory.
There are folk dances which are distinct and distinguished as per the geography. This also calls for a lot of make up talents and attire which only enhances the beauty of the dance and song.
Indian dance forms have traveled internationally and there are many academies of Indian dance forms abroad. The participation is a great impetus to the tradition of India and a boon for the NRI’s who love associating themselves with Indian culture. Bharatnatyam is the most renowned form of dance from the South. Kept alive by sincere efforts of traditional gurus and the allegiance of many students, this is a dance form which is almost a religion to many who revere it. The Bharatanatyam dance is usually done with bent knees in a forward position and has the opportunity of display the Nav Ras or the emotions. The make up style and attire is very typical and hence allows a lot of expression. Kuchupidi is a characteristic dance form again from the south. Kathakali and has a lot to do like enacting a play and the use of mask, gear and get up. There are many schools that impart training and seeking this form of dance knowledge is a journey by itself. British-Indian musician Panjabi MC, original name Rajinder Singh Rai who made it big in Britain with his energetic bhangra beats, says Punjab's cuisine and music have fans across the globe.
'Punjabi music has a different hold on the music lovers and same is the case with the food from the region. Elements of Punjab really impress people worldwide.'The beats, the power, the mode of communication that... BHANGRA EMPIRE |
The ghumar dance of Rajashtan is a lot about rotation and typical palm movements. The ghungrus and the ghungat impart more style to this type of dance. The Lavani of Maharasthra is now being revoked by sincere people and the type of dance is now again getting traditional in its concept without being polluted by other influences. The gharba dance which was a form of raas by the gopis and Krishna is now being followed in all parts of India. There is enough commercialization in the 9 day festival in metros and the participation is done on a wide scale.
The Manipuri and Oddissi dance is very ethnic in its concept.
There are a number of folk dances which still happen in the villages where the authentic lifestyle of rural India is displayed. Dance is the main form of artistic entertainment along with folk songs and other influences that is brought in by cinema. Acknowledging the subtle distinguishing points, the essence of Indian dance form is pure and unique.
Manipuri dance is one of the major Indian classical dance forms. It originates from Manipur, a state in north-eastern India on the border with Myanmar (also known as Burma). In Manipur, surrounded by mountains and geographically isolated at the meeting point of the orient and mainland India, the form developed its own specific aesthetics, values, conventions and ethics. The cult of Radha and Krishna, particularly the raslila, is central to its themes but the dances, unusually, incorporate the characteristic cymbals (kartal or manjira) and double-headed drum (pung or Manipuri mridang) of sankirtan into the visual performance.[1]
Manipuri dancers do not wear ankle bells to accentuate the beats tapped out by the feet, in contrast with other Indian dance forms, and the dancers' feet never strike the ground hard. Movements of the body and feet and facial expressions in Manipuri dance are subtle and aim at devotion and grace.
HIP HAP DANCE HAD ALSO RISE IN INDIA: The flow is the rhythm in which your words meet the instrumental. For instance, if the rhythm of the instrumental has a faster drum sequence then your lyrics are going to have to be faster paced, in order for your lyrics to splice well over the beat.
One of the best ways to distinguish your flow is to listen to popular hip hop songs, and use a mc flows as a reference. Remember, always be original, and NEVER copy the flow from another song. I’m simply telling you to use the song as a reference Intel you get a feel for how to flow on curtain instrumentals. Another way is trial and error. Write lyrics, and try them on various beats Intel you find one that clashes correctly. To tell that you’ve found the right one just listen, and if it sounds like the rhythm of your lyrics “rides” the rhythm of the instrumental then you’ve found the right one.
HIP HAP DANCE HAD ALSO RISE IN INDIA: The flow is the rhythm in which your words meet the instrumental. For instance, if the rhythm of the instrumental has a faster drum sequence then your lyrics are going to have to be faster paced, in order for your lyrics to splice well over the beat.
One of the best ways to distinguish your flow is to listen to popular hip hop songs, and use a mc flows as a reference. Remember, always be original, and NEVER copy the flow from another song. I’m simply telling you to use the song as a reference Intel you get a feel for how to flow on curtain instrumentals. Another way is trial and error. Write lyrics, and try them on various beats Intel you find one that clashes correctly. To tell that you’ve found the right one just listen, and if it sounds like the rhythm of your lyrics “rides” the rhythm of the instrumental then you’ve found the right one.
At last we would say that India is continuously increasing the position in the world chart list of corruption.Internal disturbances like Maoist activities and naxalites are on rapid acceleration.The dying spirit in adults for doing good for the country is now a born quality.Corruption activities can be seen in every sector like in politics(loot of mines by MP,support in stealing national treasury etc).Poverty is on rising state though many programmes had been introduced and put in motion by the government.Unemployment is accelerating.Student are not getting proper education in schools.
So, we should all join to make a vast glory of india.
