Cultural Mythology - Research Paper Example

Cultural Mythology (Indian Culture) Outline Introduction Meaning and purpose of myths 2 Indian Mythology and Religious Diversity 2 Indian Epic Poetry 3 Verdict Mythology 4 Hindu Mythology 5 Buddhist Mythology 6 Indian Religious Mythology 7 Conclusion 8 Works Cited 9 Introduction The truth of myths is derived form reality, and they tackle tangible world issues, which affect the lives of people using imaginary events and characters. Myths are believed to reflect the beliefs, philosophies and values of a culture. This paper will explore the extent to which myths could be regarded as significant to the culture of the Indian who live in India, as well the uses of the mythology among the Indians. The key focus of this paper is to determine the significance of the religious myth in the Indian culture, as well as the ability of mythology in Indian culture to reflect the values, beliefs and philosophies, which guide the daily lives of people, in India. Religious mythology is an essential component of Indian culture, and Indians hold it dear to their lives. Meaning and purpose of myths Myths are tales and stories, which are used to enlighten people and guide them by sharing collective knowledge and encounters. The facts of myths are obtained from reality and handle real world problems affecting the lives of individuals by the use of imaginary characters and events. Myths tend to explain survival of natural phenomena or beliefs, tribal customs, describe the establishment and origin of rituals, proper behavior instruction and entertainment (Joseph Campbell Foundation par. 13-16). Primarily, myths serve the purpose of giving vivid explanations of cultural and natural phenomena. The evolution of mythology owes its credit to the quest and desire of people to develop a deep understanding about the world. Secondly, myths serve the purpose of justifying, validating, and explanation of the continuation of social systems and traditional customs and rites. It is imperative to note that myths have secondary purpose, which includes instruction vehicles and tools and source of healing among others (Joseph Campbell Foundation par. 13-16). Indian Religious Myth and Diversity There are diverse religious activities and beliefs in India, and the socio-cultural habits in that region of the planet tend to be equally rich and diverse, as they incorporate many nations with religious backgrounds that tend to be extremely vivid. Indian mythology analyzes the entire myths associated with Buddhist, Jain and Hindu among other scriptures (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). Evidently, the richest element of the Indian culture is the Indian mythology; the mythology can be termed as essential in modeling the Indian culture, as well as the beliefs. The stories and encounters of the Indian mythology have been passed from one generation to the next, either through keen story telling or systematically written books and articles. It is vital to note that Indian mythology cannot be separated from the religion of India; the myths describe the religious goddesses’ and gods’ accounts for the vast Indian population (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). It is imperative to note that oral transmission of Indian mythology has become the most effective because people believe in the religious teachings given orally. Further, Buddha mythology and Hindu mythology form part of Indian mythology, and they will be discussed deeply in the course of the paper. Jatakas include tales that contain the legends and myths, related to Buddha, as well stories of the birth of Buddha, his life and his Nirvana attainment (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). Indian Epic Poetry The mythology of India and Indian epic poetry also relate to one another and married to each other. The two interrelate on various grounds, which show the significance of the rich reserve of poems written in India. Epic poetry describes a long poem, which narrates the daring exploit of a person in ways, which tend to be basic to the culture and beliefs of Indian people. Epic poems are laden with adventure elements, majestic language, superhuman deeds, craftsmanship and polyphonic compositions (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). These poems include the ancient poems and works created in ancient times, which act as pillars to Hindu sculpture. The inclusion of the epic poetry in Indian mythology makes the Indian mythology reach the summit of its development and completeness; the poems occupy a central position in Indian mythology (Frykenberg 523-550). The epics placed in different periods, in Hindu mythology and Ramayana, demonstrate the times and life of Lord Rama, and it happens in the Treta Yuga. Further, Mahabharata describes the times and life of the Pandavas and they do it in Dwapara yuga period of the birth of Lord Krishna. Sanskrit epic poetry encompasses both Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the two refer to the scriptures of Hindu; they take a massive stature in the religious and literary circle. Also, included in these scriptures are the stories of Hindu goddesses and gods contained in Puranas that succeed the epic tradition (Frykenberg 523-550). Verdict Mythology Verdict mythology forms an essential part of the Indian mythology, and it describes the rituals and religious terms, which could be considered vital in the evolution and development of Hinduism. The verdict culture produced from the Indus civilization ruins and the Indian mythology mentions the existence of Veda called Yajur Vedas, Rig Veda, Atharva Veda and Sama Veda (Indian child par. 1-4). Verdict mythology developed for the Vedas, which refers to the truth, meaning and wisdom. Indian people believe that Vedas existed before the creation of any organism in the form of vibrations in space (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). The belief in Vedas is strongly held by holy men and religious leaders, and the teachings of the same were transmitted from generation to generation through oral lessons. It is imperative to note that Vedas forms an integral part of the religious life of the Hindu as it spells out the requirements and offerings, which have to be made to guide the daily life and conduct of believers. Sama, Rig and Yajur Veda provide people with a set of guidelines and rules, which should be employed in making day to day decisions in daily life. It is noteworthy that verdict rituals are always completed with sacrifices and offerings, which have to be consumed with a fire (Indian child par. 1-4). Further, marriage ceremonies are conducted in a similar manner like the Vedas; they involve lapse beside a fire for seven times by the couple while holding hands and these elaborate practices are referred to as Saptapadi. The effect of verdict mythology on sociology is that it guides ceremonies such as marriage ceremonies, as well as cultural practices such as sacrifices. Psychologically, verdict mythology impacts on the behavior of Indian people and imparts in them values of the Indian culture as contained in verdict mythology (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). Hindu Mythology Hindu mythology is another component of Indian mythology, which describes a hulking mass of literature (Indian). This literature comprises of divine incarnations, deities, ethical and moral connotations and legends that tend to be full of philosophical discourses. Hindu mythology is loaded with the entire ethos and beliefs, which originated from verdict religion (ancient). Further, religious cosmology is also a component of Hindu mythology, which explains the universe, and the religious evolution (Pattanaik 8-35). Hindu mythology describes the universe belief, which appeared form Hiranyagarbha, as well as the earth and heaven evolution. Indian mythology describes the weapons employed in disputes and fighting of wars; these wars were mentioned in Hindu mythology, which used to be characterized with numerous disputes that led to horrifying wars. The weapons mentioned in Hindu mythology used to be assigned to gods, and they held the belief that each god used to be perfect in using certain weapons (Frykenberg 523-550). Hindu mythology introduces the concept of 14 worlds, which are divided into seven low worlds and seven high worlds. The governance and ruling of the 14 worlds are done by different deities, and they include the justice lord and lord of death among others. Divine incarnation and discussions on evil and magnanimous deeds and the soul are all elaborated in Hindu mythology. Sociologically, Hindu mythology explains about the origin of the universe, and all that is found in it. In psychological terms, it indicates some strong belief about the fourteen worlds, to which the Indian people are attached (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). Buddhist Mythology The Buddhist mythology is another key component of Indian mythology, and the myths of Buddha indicate that he was enlightened while sitting in a lotus posture under a Peepal tree (Indian Child par. 1-4). It is imperative to note that Buddha went through a lot of pain and long periods of waiting. Evidently, there conflicting facts exist about Buddhist mythology; Buddha is depicted as talking about the existence of gods and total belief, in these gods. Contradicting information is encountered when Buddha imposes a tribe to commit to and obey ancient rites, as well as discouraging sacrifices (Pattanaik 8-35). The most significant aspect of Buddhism is that it introduces a rich diversity in the beliefs and cultures in the Indian mythology. The Indian mythology has been trendy among masses, and the effects of the same can be evidenced by varying religious tales and functions, which the old people tell children. The virtues of the Indian culture have always been typified by the gods’ conduct, and the majority of the modern symbols and signs have emerged from the religious beliefs and mythology of the Indian people. The traditional way of living is always inferred from the Indian religious beliefs, which acts as the reference for the staunch believers of the Indian culture and ways of life (Mackenzie par.1-4). Those people dedicated in following the ways of the Indian mythology teachings and philosophical beliefs strongly believe in obeying and following the customs and the underlying rules and regulations (Joseph Campbell Foundation par.13-16). The Indian essence is contained in the Indian mythological characters like Sita, Ram and Ravana among others. In the modern times, the characters of the Indian mythology can be seen in animation movies and films, which facilitate the education and maintenance of Indian values among the current generations in this region of the world (Mackenzie par.1-4). These films play a central role in ensuring that every Indian child is aware of the popular mythology and religions of India. It is an obligation that every Indian citizen takes to respect and preserve the precious heritage of Indian mythology for the benefit of the future generations. Indian Religious Mythology Indian religious mythology prompts the followers to believe in Rama as a historical person and god. Most Indians believe that the story of Ramayana is a fact; this incidence is supported by the fact that India did not have recorded history before the Britons went to India. Indian religious mythology is extremely ingrained in shrines and temples, which are all over India, and Ramayana is seen as omnipresent. Hindu religious mythology has a prominent myth of creation, which indicates that the creation act was perceived in several manners (Pattanaik 8-35). The most prominent myth of creation in Hindu is the myth of the cosmic egg. All things were created from Purusha’s mangled limbs. Vishnu had the shape of a boar, and he jumped into the cosmic waters, and this formed the earth. Prajapati was the father of all creation, and he was the only creature in the world. Prajapati divided himself into two beings, which formed a wife and a husband (Indian Child par.1-4). However, the wife was not impressed by the arrangement, which seemed incestuous and she escaped from the marriage and turned into female animals of all species. Prajapati pursued her and turned into respective male counterparts of these animals, and that is how the animal kingdom was created. Shiva and Vishnu were the destroyers and preserves of the creation respectively. Therefore, the Brahma created the universe and Vishnu preserved the work that was done, by Brahma to ensure that everything remained intact, in the universe. On the contrary, Shiva did the contrary of destroying and demolishing the creation and the universe to prepare it for the following creation (Lauhitya Kingdom par. 1-15). Conclusion While concluding this study, it is worth noting that the Indian mythology has had an influential and memorable impact on the historical, social, cultural and religious aspects of these people. Based on Indian mythology, India has been formed on a foundation, which stands in the beliefs, traditions and rituals of Indians. The Indian history and religion vastly covered in the Indian mythology played a central role in the installation of values in the Indian culture. The stable and strong structures laid by the Indian mythology to her people ensured that every person gained the merits of Indian culture without discrimination, as well as comprehend the values of Indian society. Therefore, the influence of Indian mythology in fostering Indian beliefs, philosophies and cultures were central and unquestionable. Indian mythology played it role effectively, and it continues to do the same to future generations through efficient preservation of Indian values and beliefs. Works Cited Frykenberg, Robert. Constructions of Hinduism at the nexus of history and religion. Journal of Interdisciplinary History 23.3 (1993): 523-550. Print. Indian Child. Religion and Mythology, 2000. Web. 31 Oct. 2012 http://www.indianchild.com/religion_and_mythology.htm Joseph Campbell Foundation. Myth and Meaning in Contemporary Times, 2011. Web. 31 Oct. 2012 http://www.worldchanges.com/myth.html Lauhitya Kingdom. Indian myths: Know about Hindu Mythology, the hindu way of life, stories and legends of various gods and goddesses, 2008. Web. 31 Oct. 2012 http://www.indianetzone.com/3/indian_myths.htm Mackenzie, Donald. Indian Myth and Legend, 1913. Web. 31 Oct 2012 http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/iml/index.htm Pattanaik, Devdutt. Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent, Vermont: Inner Traditions * Bear & Company, 2003. Print. Read More