Culture & Tradition of India

The main spiritual goal of Buddhism is to attain ‘Nirvana’, which means the spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Buddhism religion does not believe in the existence of god and questions the Hindu practice of elaborate ceremonies, image worship, suppression of women and the elevation of Brahmins. Its core lies in the philosophy that every one is …

Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha (“Buddha” means “enlightened one”), who lived and taught in northern India in the 6th Century B.C. The Buddha was not a god and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world-view. The teachings of the Buddha are aimed solely to liberate sentient beings from suffering. The Basic Teachings …

Buddhist ritual for celebrating the three-in-one occasion are naturally elaborate. The day falls in the Vaishaka month of the Indian calendar. For the Tibetans, it is the full moon day in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. On Buddha Jayanti, the Buddhist monasteries all over the world echo with prayers, sermons and recitations of Buddhist scriptures. In monasteries, religious …

Ganga, the River Goddess is the only living goddess in the Hindu pantheon. There are numerous stories regarding the birth and origin of this goddess. According to the beliefs, Ganga descends on the earth to rinse away the sins of the mankind. Ganga is the sacred river and has been referred to in the various ancient texts of Hindus. It is believed that Ganga …

Easter is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and the Christians offer prayers and services in the Churches. Easter is another important festival for Christians. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter, the festival of rejuvenation of life and living. In the …

In Jainism, a Tirthankara is a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment as an “Arihant” by destroying their soul-constraining (ghati) karmas, became a role-model and leader for those seeking spiritual guidance. Tirthankaras revitalize Jain Society by organisation of fourfold Jain Order consisting of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. Not all Arihants can become Tirthankaras. There are twenty-four …

Jainism doesn’t have a single founder. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara, which means a teacher who ‘makes a ford’ i.e. shows the way. Other religions call such a person a ‘prophet’. As great omniscient teachers, Tirthankaras accomplished the highest spiritual goal of existence and then teach others how to achieve it. In what Jains …

Bhaktamara Stotra Bhaktamara Stotra is the most famous of the Jain Sanskrit prayers. It was composed by Acharya Manatunga. The name Bhaktamara comes from a combination of two sanskrit names, “Bhakta” (Devotee) and “Amar” (Immortal). So, it is said that by recitation of this Stotra, a person gets free from the worldly bonds, attains salvation, and hence becomes immortal. As …

कष्ट न हो औरों को ऐसे जीएं जीवन रस बाटें सबको, खुद दुख पीएं। निर्मल करो ज्ञान को अपने त्यागो मोह, भय और अज्ञान राग द्वेष को नष्ट करो मिले मोक्ष सुख खान जीओ और जीने दो: भगवान महावीर भगवान महावीर का दार्शनिक दृष्टिकोण इसी आधार पर निर्मित हुआ था जो उनके युग में जितना प्रासंगिक था, आज भी उतना …

Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on Easter. The first Sunday after the first full moon, immediately after the vernal equinox, is the Easter Sunday. Easter is the time for self reflection and re-evaluation of oneself. The custom of Easter egg is historically associated with a pagan celebration of spring and fertility which was later incorporated into Christianity. No matter …