Sumadera (須磨寺) is a unique #temple full of iconographic #arts, at the western end of Kōbe (神戸). Perhaps because it's not in Kyōto or Nara, there is little information available online about Sumadera, even in #Japanese. It was founded in 886 and has its own branch of Kūkai's #Shingon#Buddhism: Sumadera-ha (真言宗須磨寺派). It is internationally active, and a place for #religious practices rather than an outdoor museum. By the same token, it's free to enter.
Suma appears in ancient waka poetry (和歌) of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables, and is associated with the Heike Monogatari (平家物語). I was determined to go, despite the rain, because I'd read an article clarifying wabi and sabi with a #waka coincidentally about Suma. The first photos show Sumadera's exchanges with #Nepal resulting in a display of Tibetan #Buddhist and #Hindu#iconography. Although there was light rain on the beach at first, later up at Sumadera the day turned bright.
I can't think of many things more counterproductive than #prayer. It's even worse than people deciding to do nothing because at least the clear display of apathy towards an issue could influence people who do care to take action, but if everyone is convinced that prayer works (which it doesn't) then what motivation would they have to do anything themselves if they believe they can solve their problems through magical incantations? #atheism#atheist#Christianity#Islam#Hinduism#Judaism
Riding a Blue Ram, he is looking out for the Sun or the Moon which he will devour to replace his head which was cut off by the #Hindu God #Vishnu for eating His food and thus causing #SolarEclipse2024 & Lunar eclipse some other time.
Apparently within Hinduism, some consider eclipses to be pretty terrible events and take great pains to not see them. I learned this from a student, who was worried because I had given an extra credit assignment to observe the lunar eclipse and the upcoming solar eclipse.
I'm not religious myself, but I teach at a Catholic school, so I feel like if we're talking about one religion, we should talk about all of them. I"ll have to think about how to deal with this respectfully in the future...
@sundogplanets Yep and it is getting worse owing to popular Gurus peddling pseudoscience and superstitions. During Solar eclipse many people choose to stay indoors and don't consume food!
Indian rationalists have long struggled against it.
Apparently in Delhi's siege during 1857 mutiny against Raj some soldiers gave up fighting during solar eclipse of 18 September considering it bad omen..
Food fights not new to India. Medieval texts show mud-slinging among Jains, Buddhists, Hindus
In the medieval period, meat was being eaten by most, irrespective of religion. And yet religious leaders were criticising others for doing so. Anirudh Kanisetty writes. (Article from May 2022)
Did Islam Become More Syncretic in India? An Interview With William Dalrymple
Can anyone talk of the land donated by Mughal emperors for temples, of them celebrating Holi and performing in Ram Leela, or the translations of Sanskrit classics into Persian, and the succession of marriages with Hindu wives?
To unravel the fascinating syncretic history of Muslim rule and Islam in India at the time, noted historian and chronicler William Darlymple talks to Vrinda Gopinath.
The Essential Vedanta: A New Source Book of Advaita Vedanta
This book will be of great interest to all students of Hinduism, students of both Eastern and Western philosophy, and spiritual seekers who wish to better understand this ancient Indian tradition of non-dualist thought.
ccelerated by technology and propelled by the paranoia of a volatile world, the ‘digital Vedic astrology industry,’ estimated to be $40 billion by the Trade and Business Council of India, is witnessing dramatic growth.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism: A New Look at the World’s Oldest Religion
The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Hinduism, Second Edition, contains updated and expanded information on how the religion developed from its very fragmented origins, the basic Hindu beliefs, and the multiple Hindu deities, as well as the sociological aspects of the religion including ethics, sacraments, dietary habits, the caste system, and much more.
A few more India photos from our last trip. This is the Ganesha Mandir just off of Connaught Place. I love the colours of the temple and how they contrast with the concrete.
Buddhism’s long fight against brahminism and caste
‘Dust on the Throne’ focusses on grossly overlooked aspects of Buddhism in Southasia and beyond, highlighting casteless and anti-caste legacies connecting ancient and modern Buddhists. Gajendran Ayyathurai writes.