Lesson 7. Sadhus and Symbols: Meaningful Signs of Faith.

• Religious education
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC, GCSE

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symbolen

Sadhus and symbols

Sadhus are ascetic holy men in Hinduism who dedicate themselves to spiritual discipline, meditation, and detachment from worldly matters. They aim for spiritual enlightenment and are often recognized by their simple lifestyle, begging bowl (kamandalu), and sometimes striking body paint (vibhuti).

Babies are not cremated

During pregnancy, the woman must live separately.

There are 14 sanskars.

During Diwali, people smear each other with colors.

Only the hair of a boy is cut after the first year.

Holi takes place in March

Most marriages are arranged by the parents

Hindus typically cremate their deceased.

The name of the child does not have to match the caste.

What is incorrect here?

Click on the image to view it in full-screen mode.

Ganesha rides on a rat, not a chicken.

learning objectives

• You can explain what a sadhu is.
• You can describe the 4 stages in the life of a sadhu.
• You are able to recognize and name the main symbols within Hinduism.

Experiencing the divine more profoundly because the deity has manifested at that place.

Temple dedicated to the deity.

Which deity is believed to reside in the Himalayas?

Sacred places / Crossing places

The Ganges is believed to have originated from the locks of Shiva's hair.

Varanasi (Benares) – If you die there, you are said to no longer reincarnate.

Tirthas (crossing places) in Hinduism are sacred places where it is believed that a divine revelation occurred or where an important spiritual event took place. These places are considered holy and hold deep spiritual significance for Hindus. They serve as centers for pilgrimages and rituals, and they are associated with the presence or manifestation of divine energies.

Sacred places in Hinduism are essential for spiritual journeys and pilgrimages. These locations are imbued with spiritual meaning and attract believers due to their association with divine revelation, legends, or historical events. Some prominent sacred places in Hinduism include:

Varanasi (Benares): One of the oldest cities in the world and a holy place on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its spiritual significance and the ceremonial Ganga Aarti.

In Hinduism, Varanasi (also known as Benares) is considered a holy city where dying and being cremated is seen as a way to attain liberation and break the cycle of reincarnation. It is believed that a person who dies in Varanasi or whose ashes are scattered there can achieve freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara). This belief is rooted in the idea that the power of the holy Ganges River and the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi have a favorable influence on the soul of the deceased, allowing it to reach the ultimate spiritual liberation, known as moksha.

Haridwar and Rishikesh: Located at the foot of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, known for their sacred Ganges River and many temples and ashrams.

Ayodhya: Associated with Rama, where followers visit his birthplace and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

Mathura and Vrindavan: Associated with Krishna, where his childhood and life adventures are commemorated.

These sacred places attract millions of believers and pilgrims each year due to their spiritual significance and are considered crossing places where the physical and spiritual worlds converge.

Sadhu 

Not for men from the lower castes.

A Sadhu is a Hindu ascetic who has fully dedicated himself to achieving spiritual liberation through meditation.

What is the meaning of the word "sadhu"?

A Sadhu (also spelled Saddhu) is a holy man in Hinduism, an ascetic who dedicates his life to spiritual discipline, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Sadhus often lead lives of seclusion, self-sacrifice, and renunciation of worldly possessions and desires. They are considered seekers of truth and liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

The word "Sadhu" comes from Sanskrit and has several meanings, all of which relate to spiritual discipline and holiness. Here are some meanings of the word "Sadhu":

Holy person: A Sadhu is considered a holy man or woman who dedicates their life to seeking spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha) in Hinduism.

Ascetic: A Sadhu often leads a life of renunciation, giving up material possessions and worldly desires in order to focus on spiritual practices and service to God.

Good person: The word "Sadhu" can also be translated as "good person" or "virtuous person," someone who adheres to moral and spiritual principles.

Holy man: A Sadhu is seen as a wise and holy man in society, deserving of respect due to his spiritual knowledge and devotion to God.

In a broader sense, "Sadhu" refers to someone who dedicates their life to the spiritual quest and practice within Hinduism, often associated with an ascetic lifestyle and the practice of yoga, meditation, and prayer.

• Write down the four phases of a sadhu’s life in the correct order. 
• Briefly describe what each phase entails. 
• Start with the name of the phase.
• Explain the essence of this phase in one or two sentences. 
• You are allowed to look up the information on the internet. 

The four stages in the life of a Sadhu, which correspond to the traditional life stages in Hinduism, are:

Brahmacharya: The student phase, where the Sadhu dedicates himself to learning, studying, and gaining spiritual knowledge under the guidance of a spiritual teacher (guru).

Grihastha: The phase of marriage and family life. Some Sadhus may choose to skip this stage, while others live a family life before fully dedicating themselves to the ascetic path.

Vanaprastha: The stage of withdrawal from worldly obligations. During this period, Sadhus focus more on spiritual practices, letting go of material possessions, and preparing for a life of renunciation.

Sannyasa: The phase of complete renunciation, where the Sadhu dedicates himself entirely to a life of spiritual quest, detachment from worldly affairs, and striving for liberation (moksha).

Fase 1.

Phase 1

Receiving the sacred thread (second birth)

Education with a Hindu teacher.

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Phase 2

He establishes a family.

He withdraws (meditation) when the eldest son is old enough to start his own family.

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Phase 3

When he becomes a grandfather, he detaches himself from family and friends.

(Detachment)

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Phase 4

He is revered as a saint.

He travels from pilgrimage site to pilgrimage site.

No contact with family.

He is not cremated but buried in a lotus position.

4

He lives as an ascetic without a home and without possessions.

What does the word "ascetic" mean?

Why is a sadhu not cremated at the end of his life?

A sadhu does not have to be cremated but is often buried in a lotus position. His atman (soul) no longer needs to reincarnate.

An ascetic (or "sadhu") is someone who leads a life of simple and strict self-discipline, often with the goal of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Ascetics dedicate themselves to renouncing worldly pleasures and material possessions, focusing instead on spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and contemplation. They seek inner purification and strive for a higher spiritual state, often with the ultimate aim of liberation from the cycle of rebirth (moksha) in Hinduism.

Dit wordt met de meeste mensen gedaan.

The knight in chess moves 2 squares horizontally and 1 square vertically, or a movement of 2 squares vertically and 1 square horizontally.

A knight's move always creates an L-shape.

To give up worldly desires for a spiritual path.

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renounce

Shiva

Most are followers of Shiva.

They are recognizable by the horizontal stripes on their forehead.

Shiva is the god of hash. (Forever high)

Many Sadhus are devotees of Shiva in Hinduism. Shiva is one of the most important gods in Hindu tradition and is revered as the creator, destroyer, and transformative force of the universe.

Sadhus who follow Shiva are often called Shaivites. Shaivite Sadhus focus on meditation, yoga, asceticism, and chanting mantras in honor of Shiva. They may express their devotion to Shiva by adopting certain symbols, such as carrying a trident (trishula), painting their bodies with ash (bhasma), and wearing rudraksha beads.

They are recognizable by the horizontal line on their forehead, also known as "tilak" or "tilakam." This is a religious symbol commonly seen among Hindus and is used to indicate worship of certain gods or spiritual devotion. For followers of Shiva, known as Shaivites, the tilak is often applied with three horizontal lines of ash (bhasma) or white clay.

These three lines symbolize the three main aspects of Shiva: creator, preserver, and destroyer. It is a sign of devotion to Shiva and is considered sacred and protective.

Hashish, a form of cannabis, has historically been associated with certain sadhus in India, especially the Naga Sadhus who devote themselves to Shiva. This association stems from legends and stories in which Shiva is linked to the use of cannabis as a spiritual tool to reach higher states of consciousness. It is said that Shiva is a devotee of bhang (a drink made from cannabis) and is sometimes depicted holding a handful of cannabis leaves or a pipe. Within some sects of sadhus, the use of cannabis is seen as a means to get closer to Shiva and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Het paard in het schaakspel beweegt 2 velden horizontaal met 1 veld verticaal of een beweging van 2 velden verticaal met 1 veld horizontaal. 

Er ontstaat bij een paardensprong altijd een L-vorm.

Belangrijke bedevaartsplaats.

 crossing place.

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Varanasi

Ohm

Zou het eerste geluid zijn van de schepping.

Het staat symbool voor eeuwigheid, oneindigheid en het universum.

Ohm

 is considered the first sound of creation in Hinduism. It symbolizes eternity, infinity, and the universe.

Symbols

Swastika

A symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Often found at the feet of a Buddha.

In fact, the swastika is the same as the Nazi swastika, but rotated 1/8 turn.

Lotus Flower

Symbolizes beauty, eternal youth, and fertility.

The throne of the gods.

A symbol for the goddess Lakshmi.

Ohm Symbol (ॐ)

The Ohm symbol is one of the holiest symbols in Hinduism. It represents the universal name of the divine and the source of all existence.

Sound of the Universe: Ohm is considered the primordial sound of the universe, the primal sound from which all other sounds and forms of existence originate.

Three Sounds: It is often pronounced as A-U-M, with each sound having a 

Distinct meaning:

A (ah): Represents the creative force (Brahma).

U (ooh): Represents the preserving force (Vishnu).

M (mmm): Represents the destructive or transformative force (Shiva).

Symbolic Meanings:

The Three Stages of Consciousness: Waking (jagrat), dreaming (swapna), and deep sleep (sushupti).

The Transcendental State: The silence after the sound represents the fourth state of consciousness, known as Turiya, the ultimate goal of spiritual experience.

Visual Representation: The symbol consists of three curved lines, a crescent moon, and a dot:

The lower curve represents the waking state (jagrat).

The middle curve represents the dream state (swapna).

The upper curve represents deep sleep (sushupti).

The crescent moon and dot represent Turiya, the transcendental state of consciousness and the silence after the sound.

Spiritual Use: It is often recited or sung during meditation and prayers to center the mind and promote spiritual connection. It is also written and placed in sacred texts, temples, and as part of ritual objects.

Swastika

The swastika is an ancient and sacred symbol found in many cultures, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Meaning and Symbolism:

Hinduism: In Hinduism, the swastika symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and wealth. It is often used in religious ceremonies, temples, and homes to bring blessings.

Appearance and Direction:

Right-facing Swastika (卐): In many Indian traditions, the right-facing swastika is considered positive and auspicious. It symbolizes the sun, movement, and life.

Left-facing Swastika (卍): Sometimes used in various contexts but less common than the right-facing version. In some Buddhist traditions, it holds a specific meaning.

Use in Rituals: The swastika is often drawn or depicted during religious rituals, weddings, and other festive events to bring luck and prosperity.

Misuse and Negative Associations: Sadly, in the 20th century, the swastika was misused by the Nazis in Germany as a symbol of hate and racism, leading to negative associations in many Western countries. It is important to distinguish between the ancient sacred meaning in Eastern traditions and its misuse by the Nazis.

Lotus Flower

The lotus flower is a powerful and widely used symbol in various Asian cultures and religions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Meaning and Symbolism:

Purity and Enlightenment: The lotus grows from the mud yet remains clean and untouched, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the ability to rise above earthly pollution and suffering.

Creation and Rebirth: The flower closes at night and reopens at dawn, symbolizing rebirth and the eternal cycle of life, death, and reincarnation.

Divine Beauty: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus flower is often associated with gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Lakshmi, Brahma, and Sarasvati, who are often depicted sitting or standing on a lotus flower.

Religious Context:

Hinduism: Gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Sarasvati are often depicted with or on a lotus flower, symbolizing divine birth and spiritual evolution.

Buddhism: The lotus symbolizes enlightenment, with each phase of the flower (from bud to full bloom) representing the spiritual path to enlightenment.

Color Symbolism:

White Lotus: Purity and spiritual perfection.

Pink Lotus: The highest divine figures and enlightenment.

Red Lotus: Love and compassion.

Meditation and Yoga:

Lotus Position: A common posture in meditation and yoga where the legs are crossed and the feet rest on the thighs, promoting stability of the body and mind.

The knight in chess moves 2 squares horizontally and 1 square vertically, or 2 squares vertically and 1 square horizontally.

A knight's move always forms an L-shape.

This symbol is often misused.

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Swastika

My participation during this lesson.