{"id":23,"date":"2018-01-30T12:45:20","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T12:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/?page_id=23"},"modified":"2018-10-30T13:02:53","modified_gmt":"2018-10-30T13:02:53","slug":"rites-of-passage","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/practice\/rites-of-passage\/","title":{"rendered":"Rites of Passage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Samskaras: Rites of Passage<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"

Almost all rites of passage involve a havan ceremony. Here a bride and bridegroom throw grains into the sacrificial fire<\/p><\/div>\n

Hindu rites of passage are not mere formalities or social observances, but serve to purify the soul at critical junctions in life’s journey. The word “samskara<\/em>” means “mental impression,” for the ceremonies help create a favourable mentality for stepping positively from one phase of life into the next. The samskaras<\/em> are considered essential for the three higher (twice-born) varnas, and neglect of any ritual might render a member “fallen” from his status.<\/p>\n

Significantly, the first samskara<\/em>, called “purification of the womb,” begins prior to conception. It aims at sanctifying the consciousness of both husband and wife before they try to beget a child. Scripture explains that the type of soul that enters the womb is largely determined by the mental states of both husband and wife, a notion graphically illustrated in the Mahabharata<\/em>. If “members of the twice born” neglected this ceremony, and acted on sex impulse alone, then the child conceived might not develop the attributes to become a qualified member of a higher varna<\/em>. Such offspring would then be called dvija-bandhu<\/em>, “friends of the twice-born.” This practice implies that the system of four varnas<\/em> was not hereditary, but based on individual merit. The rites of passage were considered essential for preserving the purity of the individual and of the social system.<\/p>\n

Although some traditions mention ten rites of passage, or up to sixteen \u2013 or occasionally even more \u2013 only four are currently popular, namely:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Jatakarma \u2013 birth ceremonies (plus others in childhood)<\/li>\n
  2. Upanayana \u2013 initiation (the sacred-thread ceremony)<\/li>\n
  3. Vivaha \u2013 marriage<\/li>\n
  4. Antyeshti \u2013 funeral and rites for the dead<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These are discussed later in this section.<\/p>\n

    Key Points<\/strong><\/h4>\n
      \n
    • Hindu rites of passage are called samskaras.<\/em><\/li>\n
    • They serve to purify the soul, and mark the various stages of life.<\/li>\n
    • They are considered essential for members of the three higher varnas.<\/em><\/li>\n
    • The first rite is before conception.<\/li>\n
    • Most traditions say there are a total of sixteen samskaras.<\/em><\/li>\n
    • Four sets of rites are commonly practiced: for birth, initiation, marriage, and death.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Related Concepts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
        \n
      • The soul (atman<\/em>)<\/li>\n
      • Reincarnation (life as one stage of an ongoing journey)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Related Values and Issues<\/strong><\/h4>\n
          \n
        • Life in the womb\/abortion<\/li>\n
        • Designer babies\/cloning etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Personal Reflection<\/strong><\/h4>\n
            \n
          • What is the meaning of rites of passage in your own tradition or other faiths?<\/li>\n
          • How does Hinduism compare? What are the similarities and differences?<\/li>\n
          • Meaning and Purpose<\/li>\n
          • The purpose of life’s journey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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