:S I wasn't too sure either...and I'm not sure how to set it out
The boy bathing before the ceremony/sprinkling the sacred thread with water represents the Hindu value of purity. Hindus consider the value of purity very important as one must be pure of soul to attain moksha. Water, a natural cleansing agent, is used to represent the cleansing of pollution and therefore purity. Therefore, sprinkling the sacred thread - a symbol of gaining knowledge (???) - with water is a symbol of purity.
The three obligations that child makes represents Hindu values. One of the obligation is to study. This involves learning the scriptures such as vedas and upanishad. This is important for self realization which eventually leads to achieving moksha. In this sense,this obligation represents Hindus value of moksha.
Another obligation is to respect elderly. This represents the Hindu value of respecting one another.It is a children's duty to pay respect to their elderly for they are wiser.
Another obligation is to contribute to the community. This represents the Hindu value of the society. They believe that everyone should in one way or the other support the community. This is especially important as the child develops into the stage of Grihastha where they have to give money to charity as part of their contribution.
The sacred thread ceremony represents Hindu values as it marks the stage of brahmacharya. Brahmacharya is one of the four important stages of ashrama. Ashrama to Hindus is extremely important. It is a major part of their lives.
:S I wasn't too sure either...and I'm not sure how to set it out
ReplyDeleteThe boy bathing before the ceremony/sprinkling the sacred thread with water represents the Hindu value of purity. Hindus consider the value of purity very important as one must be pure of soul to attain moksha. Water, a natural cleansing agent, is used to represent the cleansing of pollution and therefore purity. Therefore, sprinkling the sacred thread - a symbol of gaining knowledge (???) - with water is a symbol of purity.
The three obligations that child makes represents Hindu values. One of the obligation is to study. This involves learning the scriptures such as vedas and upanishad. This is important for self realization which eventually leads to achieving moksha. In this sense,this obligation represents Hindus value of moksha.
ReplyDeleteAnother obligation is to respect elderly. This represents the Hindu value of respecting one another.It is a children's duty to pay respect to their elderly for they are wiser.
Another obligation is to contribute to the community. This represents the Hindu value of the society. They believe that everyone should in one way or the other support the community. This is especially important as the child develops into the stage of Grihastha where they have to give money to charity as part of their contribution.
The sacred thread ceremony represents Hindu values as it marks the stage of brahmacharya. Brahmacharya is one of the four important stages of ashrama. Ashrama to Hindus is extremely important. It is a major part of their lives.
hope it is ok :)
ReplyDeleteThe vow taken by the boy emphasizes Hindu values: "may this sacred thread increase my understanding and destroy my ignorance".
ReplyDeleteHe is given a staff, to find true from false - also possibly a symbol that the boy must stand on his own.
Passage from the care of the mother into that of the father - emphasis that this is a different stage of life, as Tim said.
Hair shaved (except for a tuft on the crown) - symbol of removal of pollution.
Introduction to the teacher - shows that the teacher will be a guiding force in the student's life?
Only top three castes can take part in this ceremony - importance of spiritual purity in Hinduism.
Thread is worn for the rest of the boy's life - lifelong committment to Hinduism and the values that Tim mentioned above.
I think that's enough...