Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Of late, I noticed less and less Indians wearing the religious mark on their foreheads. Probably they are not Hindus, but Christians or Muslims. Or perhaps there are other reasons.
Perhaps its an indication that people may not be praying or they even don’t have much faith in the vague thing called religion.
What do you think? Do you wear any such religious marks on your forehead? Do vote in the poll at the sidebar.
Its good ur carrying out such a poll which may trigger as a reminder for some, since Hindus are under attack with many postings (only at Indian/Hindu groups) promoting No Race/Religion etc.
Thanks Neela. It may trigger a reminder for some, but I’m actually curious on why this is becoming common. Its possibly some sort of awareness or enlightenment?
@poobalan, After reading some other comments, I agree dat using vibuthi doesnt make u more/less Hindu n doesnt reflect de values of a person.
Same as attending Thaipusam doesnt make u more/less Hindu, yet many Hindus attend to get something, maybe some spilt blessing from hilltop, meet peers or atleast cheap clothes. There is some benefit for evryone.
Therefore, I personally believe using vibuthi gives me an identity n blessed feeling of being part of a religion beyond description.
Yes, we need to create awareness. Some sort of trial-run 1 month, then stop if they dun feel de ‘something’ attained.
trial run?? That’s something new!!!
What defines an hindu? I believe it is not by the things we wear or put on our forehead. Same goes with the believe of God, it is not because we believe and we prayed, we have to expose to everyone that we did so by wearing vibuthi.
Even if I don’t pray often, I mention Gods name often…at least in my heart. As far as I know, most of us pray just to ask things from God which we have not achieved yet in life. Sometimes many of us forget to pray to say thanks to God.
Frankly speaking I dont wear vibuthi much, except when I go to temple or have some occasion at home. Wearing or not wearing is not important. Praying or not praying also not important. The important thing is to be a good person. I live my life simple.
Nice topic btw. 🙂
Hi Veena,
Thanks for dropping by!
does being a Hindu need definition? Or some sort of identity? Saffron-color clothes and big “patte” on the forehead? 🙂 Perhaps wearing vibuthi is not the only identifier, but one of many. How do we identify an Hindu man or women or child? A string around the wrist? By their attitude or characteristics?
What you may think of “exposing (or “revealing” is a better word?) to everyone”, why not think of it as an affirmation to ones own self? I mean, that’s the original purpose of wearing vibuthi right? as a self-reminder? do correct me if I’m wrong coz I’m not religious expert.
I think everyone have their own reasons to pray – be it for asking things, for thanking God, or just going through the motion everyday. We can’t really know why they pray.
I too don’t wear vibuthi at times, especially when rushing. But, personally, i feel there’s a difference when leaving home after seeing the deity and not seeing the deity. I think there’s some correlation between wearing vibuthi and praying, but not sure about it. Let’s see what the poll says.
some people may say that having such a thinking – “Wearing or not wearing is not important. Praying or not praying also not important” is what that makes the Hindus weak and the religion losing support. The slow loss of identity is the first step towards destruction of the entity. The first thing is to “know”, then to “practice”. But for some, its straight to “practice” without the “knowing”? Others, of course deny it, saying that Hinduism is beyond all the superficial things like praying, festivals, speech, clothes, and adornments. Perhaps they are higher level souls?
To be “good” person is a great aim. many people may have their own definition of being “good”. i’m not sure if there’s standard definition of a “good person”. its too vague, and thus not simple, in my opinion. I try to be good, and still end up on someone’s bad books. 🙂
Namaskarm!
I’m happy that at least someone from us taking initiative to reminding all of us where go wrong.
There’re various reason for marking our forehead.
To me its very important as Hindu to mark and wear the simbol that outlined in the scripture accordingly.
Such poll or inverstigation not only should be done by and individu but those who claim to be a responsible (such as MHS).
Thanks, Rasa (from JB)
Hi sir/madam,
thanks for your comments. i like to clarify that its not a matter of “where we go wrong”. its a genuine curiosity of mine that made me come up with this poll.
i noticed you mentioned “wear the simbol that outlined in the scripture accordingly”. Is it possible to explain further on that?
Secondly, as some Hindus may say, wearing vibuthi is not important, but being a Hindu is more than just wearing vibuthi. is that due to higher awareness (better soul) or ignorance of the religion (maybe they have been indoctrinated by enemy of the religion- super theory!).
Thanks to Mr. Poobalan for your various topics which triggers public interest. As for vibuthi I think its very personal. Applying vithbuthi doesn’t makes you God or better person. I think we need to share good human values to another mankind.
Thanks sir for your comments. Agree that applying vibuthi doesn’t make one God or better person. But can it help in a small way? Or not applying vibuthi will make a person Devil or evil person?
“good” human values exist across religion and culture, but what signifies/identifies a particular religion?
Poobalan
Good topic that certainly provoked various reactions.
I think even the question “what defines a Hindu ? ” is not an easy question to answer. In fact it is hard to define Hinduism though many tend to use Vedanda as a guideline (which while being somewhat useful is not technically correct).
I don’t consider as a very religious person and I only wear vibuthi when visiting temples.
However, my comment on this is slightly different. How can we manage such things as vibuthi wearing in a plural society such as this ? I think wearing vibuthi is OK but sometimes some Hindus create negative images by wearing highly visible and elaborate ones. I think to some non Hindus this comes across as rather like a Muslim lady covering head to toe in black (ie religious extremism).
In my view, we can wear it as long as it is small and not too “loud”.
What do guys think ?
Hi killer,
definition of hinduism is problematic as different branches hold different view, plus we have some “new” Gurus/groups who may have their own enlightenments.
so, you equate vibuthi with religious level? i.e. one is very religious if wears the vibuthi?
i too agree with you that one should not over do it, by covering the whole forehead (but some say that is the correct way of applying vibuthi). its a choice alright, but i guess more and more people are choosing not to apply vibuthi. hence the reason to find out why.
Poobalan
I think the more generic and correct name is tilak rather than vibhuti (which is a specific type of tilak)
Wearing vibhuti is not an universal Hindu practice at all asthis is more associated with Saivism. If you notice the other sects don’t even use it while the Vaishnavism use tilak which is called as thiruman (made of clay). The third major sect, Shaktism, don’t use it at all I think (some one please confirm this).
So equating one’s religious level with vibhuti/tilak might not be correct. In my personal opinion, wearing tilak/vibhuti is associated with prayer parctices (like other rites associated with prayers). And in a plural society this might not be a good idea. And finally the level of religious adherence lies in our heart and not on the top of our forehead.
Unfortunately (I could be mistaken here), I find some of the worst criminals and crooks tend to be very liberal with tilak/vibhuti. And I am not talking about Tamil movies but from personal experience.
thanks for the info. I think Shaktism uses the kumkumam (red) pottu. The Amman temples usually provide to devotees at the altars.
I think we should celebrate the diversities in a plural society, including religious diversity. People should be allowed to wear/apply religious artefacts like the vibuthi, string around the wrist, cross, turban etc as long as its not provocative or threatening (like a security concern).
and i wholly agree with your last comment. My wife always tell the similar thing – never trust the holy looking person. The “holy” looking persons end up being the worst criminals at times!
Dear Mr. Poobalan,
I agree with Veena in her comment. I would like to add some of my points. From my understanding, hinduisme has been mixed up by some scientific proof and some living style culture.
What I mean that, nowadays people just follow what has been told by the others without knowing the reason. Some will do just to strengthen theirself to just succeed in their wishes. They does not want to know the reason behind the prayers scientifically.
For me, hinduisme is not a religion and actual term it is the way of life. Everything been included in this ocean. As time passing decades by decades, century by century, people are trying to add some new way of prayers in hinduisme until we does not know which is correct and which one to follow.
Some of the activities were carried out to just strengthen their mind (scientifically no meaning). Some yes, as there is meaning behind the activities scientifically.
Wearing vibuthi is part of our prayers culture. But until now I didnt find any scientific proof to allow this activity is good for human being. I will say that wearing vibuthi is just to symbolize yourself to others that you are religioustic and in another way to show your love to the God. Maybe you can correct me if I am wrong.
So, I would like to suggest to current generation to explore real meaning of activities that we are practising in Hinduisme. Please get the meaning scientifically as I believe Hinduisme and science cannot be separated.
Thanks.
Hi there,
Thanks for the views. people nowadays are more exposed/inquisitive, thus they tend to question. not only religion, even politicians have problem controlling the people!
I’m interested to know, how did you arrive at the conclusions that you made – “hinduisme has been mixed up by some scientific proof and some living style culture”, “hinduisme is not a religion and actual term it is the way of life”, and so on. did you learn it from a Guru or books, or through attending religious classes (if yes, which branch of hinduism), or through meditation/deep thought? i hope that you can clarify so other readers can follow up on this.
but i agree that wearing vibuthi not only for showing that one is pious or religious, but also as self-awareness tool.
i hope some learned people can give the scientific explanation on the vibuthi use.
Poobalan
I agree with Punithan on his point that Hinduism is a way of life. In this it is similar to Islam as it encompasses the whole spectrum of life. Certainly even the term Hinduism was a label assigned by British (which is not even a correct term BTW). The more accurate term is Sanathana Dharma.
The reason why Hinduism is a way of life is that the various Hindu epics deal with every facet of life and not just religion. In Hinduism, the role of a person is defined not just on the religious affairs but how one should conduct the entire life.
I am not sure about the scientific part (except may be those things about Ayurveda, Yoga and some scientific research). In my view religions and science are mutually exclusive as none can stand up to rigorous scientific scrutiny. And this also includes Hinduism.
If you want to know more about Hinduism, the best English book I can recommend is “Am I a Hindu ?” by Ed Vishwanathan. This is the best I have read among the dozens that I have read (Tamil and English). I think this should be a required reading for all Indians in Malaysia.
I bought this book in Klang (the book shop in Tengku Kelana, can’t recall the name). It covers the entire spectrum of Indian culture, religion, philosophy,etc. The added bonus is that the writer is a South Indian (and an US citizen now I think) so the perspective is much more global and less Indian. As such this is more relevant to ovearseas and educated Indians such as Malaysian Indians. If you can’t find the book, let me know.
Hinduism is a way of life. Temple worship is one way; but many if not all of us have altars at home making temple going in my opinion a social event. Indeed altar making is now big business since there is a demand. There are some who work in places where there are nearby temples and they do visit them everyday to pray. There are others who owe allegiance to one particular temple believing it gives them the security and make daily visits come what may.
I adorn vibuthi whenever I visit temples which has now become rare as they are far from where I live and commuting to the temple is increasingly becoming difficult. I opt to pray at home and do not adorn vibuthi when I leave home.
Dear Poobalan,
This matter has been a concern amongst parents for a long time. When children do not use the vibuthi, they are labelled as non religious. This practice is purely cultural and not religious anymore. In fact it’s hard to follow sometimes, especially in a multi racial country like Malaysia. Imagine dressed in a tie and going for an interview with vibuthi / kunkumum on your forehead, especially if you are going to a Chinese or Bumi company.
So why do people use it ? Some people lack confidence and prayer alone is not enough for them. They need the vibuthi on their forehead as an acknowledgement from God that he has heard their prayers. Then again , like what other readers have mentioned, some use it to impress others and misuse the trust . Not to forget those who think they are God’s disciples once they use vibuthi on their foreheads.
Hinduism is also a philosophy of life . Hindus are the only lucky people who have a deity for each different type of requirement, e.g. Shiva for Knowledge, Laksmi for Money, Ganesha for Strength, Amman for Marital matters, etc. If you notice, those who follow one deity, will soon adopt characteristics of that deity. Look around and see for yourself next time. Ladies become beautiful like Mahalaksmi , or fierce looking if they are praying to Kaliamman. Men who pray to Ganesha , tend to have big tummies and are usually very strong minded, yet so gentle . Sorry , no offence meant to anyone, just sharing my observations. If it makes you feel good, I pray to Ganesha and have a big tummy myself !
I have done a research on this and have many interesting facts but will not be able to tell all here. My understanding of Hinduism is very different but I do not go to temples or attend the prayers held for various purposes. But my faith in God is very powerful and I am proud to ba a Indian and a Hindu.
Every human being in this world is born a Hindu until he gets converted to the religion which his parents belong or which he embraces later in life. Again, no offence to my brothers and sisters of other religions .
To conclude, its not the vibuthi that makes a good or bad Hindu. It’s your faith and observance of the disciplines taught that will mould your character.
So Love God, Love Hindusim and most of all, Love all creations of GOD and last but not least , Love yourself as a Hindu.
Dear Dr,
Thank you for the insights. I would like some clarifications:
1. “This practice is purely cultural and not religious anymore” – How can it be cultural? The non-Hindu Indians don’t apply such marks. Do you mean to say its applicable to certain Hindu sects/caste/academic-level/economic-level/urban-rural level?
2. “it’s hard to follow sometimes, especially in a multi racial country like Malaysia”. I’m interested with this statement (and the next one too). So, being in an multi-racial community affects one’s decision to practice or “showcase” their own religion? Is it because we value our “peaceful” and “harmonious” country, or we are just scared? I’m not sure if the westerners or other non-indian asians also have this problem of wearing vibuthi/thilak/marks due to the “difficulties”.
3. “Imagine dressed in a tie and going for an interview with vibuthi / kunkumum on your forehead, especially if you are going to a Chinese or Bumi company”. I find this unacceptable. A person’s religion does not in any way reflect his/her professional capabilities. Does it mean one will reject a candidate who wears the songkok or turban? That would be discrimination right? Yes, in reality, it may be the norm in Chinese/Bumi companies, but does it mean we can forsake an identity? Or is it “adjust and live with it policy” is better?
4. “Some people lack confidence and prayer alone is not enough for them.” Yes, sir. This is highly possible. Not every soul is equal. Some needs extra support/reaffirmation. It may be sign of lack of confidence, or on the other hand, it may be a identification mark to remind other Hindus as well. Sure, there are people who “dress” up and become “holy” to con others, but is the fault with the vibuthi or the person?
5. “Hindus are the only lucky people who have a deity for each different type of requirement” . Actually many other less-known religions have (or had) the same – The Greeks, Romans, Mayans, Japanese, Chinese, Native Americans, Native Australians, Africans etc. So many of them. Only the “new” religions from middle east, Sikhism etc, proclaim one God. But I’m intrigued by your observations on the characteristics of the follower duplicating the deity. I never thought of that! I do have a slight tummy, partly due to praying to Vinayagar most of the time, and I do look youthful due to praying to Muruga! 🙂
I apologise if my questions sounded harsh or negative, but since you have done research and all, I hope maybe you can provide more explanation. If its very long for the comments section, you can also email me and I’ll post it as an article. No problem with that.
Finally sir, Hinduism is “Way of life”, is “philosophy”, is “very deep”, is “this and that”….. So, its very abstract and encompasses basically everything under the sun. So, how does one ensures one is an Hindu? How to identify one’s self as Hindu? Maybe there’s none because a “good” human being is an Hindu? But other religions also say the same – “good” human is Muslim, Christian, Buddhist etc.
Anyway, I think most of the comments are going off-tangent into religion whereas my initial question is does one wear vibuthi etc or not. 🙂
I asked a friend of mine about the vibuthi thing, and below is the reply (via email):
Dear Poobalan,
I have done articles its in:
http://scientificindianritual.blogspot.com/2009/09/wearing-vibuthi-and-praying.html
Now English being edited and final version will be updated by today.
All, yoga, meditation, spiritual, ritual related articles should be address as source from http://www.ancientyogaconsulting.com
All Brain Power development related articles should be address as source from http://www.universeawareness.com
Thank you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Indian as among the most civilize as well fully active tradition and culture exist in practice. All Indian’s practice back real scientific fact, benefits and specific purpose.
In between two eye brows or better know as 3rd eye spot in English and Ajna Chakra in Indian language, Pituitary gland in medical arena.
This is place directly link with Pituitary Gland and subsequently connected with Pineal Gland in head which important for intelligent growth and brain development. Those also 2 glands which get effect and can control effects of other major about 11 endocrine glands.
It’s always a case massage or polishing any part of body or by focusing the mind awareness with specific location of body with feeling it will enhance functionality and performance of the organ or related body parts. For example if a sports people massage leg & hand then thy will get better walk/running performance.
Every human brain also can be developed using the same principle massage, polish, awareness with feeling on say specific endocrine glands.
The simple, safe, powerful, ethic, moral, highly result oriented method to activate the say both gland is using Kundalini Yoga Meditation after Initiation of a daring and experience Spiritual Mahaguru.
Many people lake opportunity of obtaining and accepting this initiation directly from living enlightenment Mahaguru’s.
From time immemorial our Ancient Indian Siddhar’s, Yogi always futuristic & broadminded thinker of all possibilities and design this “Wearing Vibhuti and Praying System as part of culture”. Which Vibhuti or “kungkumum pottu” which made on chalk red in color wet and once apply once apply the period of its getting dry a sensation will be created to be felt by individual. This gives secondary and each time temporary benefits of Kundalini Initiation & Kundalini Yoga Meditation. Where else if any individual obtain Kundalini Yoga Initiation from experience living enlightenment Mahaguru’s then the sensation stay forever, which become primary feeling in body. Those Vibhuti & Pottu technically not required yet it produce 1000+ times superb results.
I certain part of world some people practice operate 3rd eye spot and insert a kind of dry chalk to give touch feeling.
In this Kundalini Initiation & Yoga Meditation all are practice as real and no visualize, imagination, mantras needed. This is real time, biological, scientific experience in this physical plane as 3rd dimensional sensation using human’s normal five basic senses (touch, side, hearing, smell, taste).
Important thing to be consider. This 3rd eye spot location having 1/10 the size of hair as “needle hole”. It’s only advisable to use natural powder Vibhuti or Kunggumum Pottu. Never use the color/design plastic Pottu which will be disadvantages for energy flow in between 2 eye brows.
Since this provide scientific intelligent advantages knowingly or un-knowingly many culture’s and religious background communities around world adopted this as style and fashion.
For training of Kundalini Yoga Initiation & Kundalini Yoga Meditation email enquiry to paramahamsamahaguru@gmail.com
[Santhosham]
Elanggovan Thanggavilo
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Hai,
In modern world , one no need tell every body that he is praying and religios person by having vivuthi in his fore head. What for ? A highly educated man or saint wil not advertise of him. IN same manner one is adversiting him/her self by wearing vivuthi. Most of the time the one who do the bad things is are more religous. Because they always think that god will forgive them. Please come out from the MYTH.
Thanks.
Hi,
I think the “What for” has been answered in previous comments – as a self-reminder, related to the chakra, and also some healing properties. The problem is that the view one takes -you may consider the mark as “advertisement”, while others may not. So, which is correct?
How does confirm its a myth or not? Based on own intelligent deduction or based on some irrefutable investigation results?
Taken from various resources:
Vibhuti (meaning glory) or Bhasma (that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered) is the holy ash that Hindus apply over their forehead and body. This holy ash is created by burning cow dung along with milk, ghee, honey, etc. It is a principle sacrament in the worship of Lord Siva, representing His burning away of our ignorance to ashes.
The cow dung is obtained from a cows that are fed sixteen varieties of medicinal leaves. The dung of these cows are collected after allowing sufficient time for digestion. The collected dung would then be formed into flat cakes and dried in the sun. 108 types of herbs, and twigs [‘Samithi’] of high medicinal value are used in the homa (http://www.hindunet.org/homa) in which the dried dung cakes are added. Six types of medicinal leaves are burnt along with these. The significance of using ash from the homa is that the impurities – physical and mental (ego, desires) are burnt off in the fire, and what remains is now pure – and the application of this ash serves as a reminder of this. The vibhuti we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth and death.
Applying vibhuti is a much more common practice amognst Shivites.
Vibhuti or Bhasma has medicinal properties and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headches.
url: http://www.hindunet.org/faq/fom-serv/cache/28.html
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Why do we apply the holy ash?
Many forms of tilakam are applied with holy ash (vibhuti) especially amongst the Shaiva schools of theology. Holy ash is also a form of prasada and so applying sacred ash is an act of purification and submission. Some people also say that holy ash also contains antiseptic qualities.
url: http://www.sanskrit.org/www/Hindu%20Primer/rituals.html
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The ash has several symbolic meanings.
* When eaten, Vibuthi imparts the blessings of the divine.
* Placed on the forehead of devotees, it serves as a sectarian mark (tilaka).
* In worship connected with Lord Shiva it is a symbol of purity and is one of the main sacraments given at p?j? in all ?aivite temples and shrines.[2]
* The ash thus serves as a reminder to the believer to cast away selfish and worldly desires that wrap the self in maya, and calls to mind the story of how Shiva burned Kama (the god of desire) to ashes when Kama attempted to break Shiva’s focus on the Divine Truth
url: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibhuti
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Why do we apply the holy ash?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is
the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other
herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as
abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.
Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the
body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many
consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.
The word bhasma means, “that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is
remembered”. Bha implied bhartsanam (“to destroy”) and sma implies smaranam (“to
remember”). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and
remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means “glory”) as it gives
glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects
the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.
Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering
or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and
selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from
such actions.
Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and
inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification
with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be
misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact
that time and tide wait for none.
Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body.
Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center,
the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire
seen and unseen universe).
Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs
excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads say
that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the
forehead.
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
“We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in
our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly,
like the fall of a rip brinjal from its stem.”
from: uploaded file in MHS Yahoo Group (MyHinduSangam)
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Why do we wear marks on the forehead? E-mail
Hindu Practices
The tilak or pottu on the forehead of Hindus invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a religious mark, but is also cultural symbol of Indians. Its form and colour vary according to the form of the Lord worshipped.
In earlier times, the four castes based on varna or color – Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra – applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or spiritual nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior class. The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Furthermore, Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of “U,” while Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma. Devi worshippers wear a red dot of kumkum.
The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer
May I remember the Lord.
May this pious feeling pervade all my activities.
May I be righteous in my deeds.
Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on others reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves – the forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable “stick bindis” is therefore not beneficial spiritually, but serves the purpose of decoration.
url: http://www.mamandram.org/hindu-practices/why-do-we-wear-marks-on-the-forehead.html
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Yea balan, after reading all de misconceptions above like using vibuthi for protection, confidence, advertising n etc, I seriously think we need to create awareness among these ppl.
Let em hv a 1-month trial run n experience de feeling themselves.
De ‘complete’ feeling as if theyre having a piece of wat was abishegam-ed on their favourite deity.
Ahhh ‘abishegam n deity’! hope theres no reply about ‘wat so special about abishegam’ or ‘wats a deity’?
Maybe trial run is a new strategy, but i realise dat ppl prefer new things rather than wat was practised since ancient times.
Hi Friends,
This is an interesting discussion. Perhaps you guys would want to visit the below site. It has really good explanations on lots of things on our culture & practices.
http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/
Happy reading
🙂
Essense and substance… which is which?
Culture & religion… which is which?
I guess at the end of the day, it comes back to us… to be or not to be.
err, also depends on who decides which is essence and which is substance. each group has its own claim. and is substance relevant to the essence, and vice versa? can’t have one without the other?
in case of Hinduism, is vibuthi culture or religion? i think religion because there are many references in various Hindu groups/sects referring to vibuthi.
@poobalan,
Essense & substance is universal… it is not decided by anyone or any group. The concepts of substance and essence are among the most fundamental in metaphysics; philosophy.
They are also among the most sharply questioned, in both Eastern and Western philosophy.
Please read more on this in philosophy… I am sure you will enjoy it.
Vibuthi, this is cultural… it is practised by some Hindu cultures.
If it was religious, it will be universal in all other cultures that practise Hinduism.
The concept of OM is religious, as it is common to all Hindus, vibuthi is not of such.
I am not against people who don’t use the “vibuthi”.They may be of other religion.What about the hindus,as they claim to be.It is not only the sacred ash but the “kungumam”.Where has it gone on some girls and ladies.Even our announcers on TV programs appear without it.See “kaithyin dairy” and you will know it.Is she of other religion.
sagayam,
i think the kungumam is considered as a trend or culture that’s out of fashion. some ladies don’t wear it due to various reason – awkward at workplace, rules, sensitive skin, not presentable, modernity, no reason to wear it, and so on.
Hi, a true Hindu, according to Bhagavad Gita is those who practice patience, the one who tolerates any kind of person or situation, one can accept changes. Please read and understand the Bhagavad Gita. A religious mark is not stated there. The way of living with heart full of truth and politeness to others must show that this person is a Hindu. Science is accepted so that this marks and accessories takes place. Even ‘thaali’ does not exist during Ramayana or Silapathikaram even in Vedas. The Kaliyuga brings in all the marks and accessories related to science into Hinduism for their own good health and reasons. Now people are going back to Satyugam. We are in the transition period. Again, why a Hindu doesn’t follow Bhagavad Gita as other religions follow the precious scriptures. Get one and read please.
Moreover, you must have noticed that nowadays, most of this powder (kungumam, vibhuti, sandhanam) contains chemical which causes burn marks in the forehead in long run. This also could cause skin cancer. Read about it at http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/hare-krishna-forum/430544-importance-sindhoor.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindoor
http://www.originalsprout.com/phytoestrogens.html