Bhakti-Sufi Traditions

Question
CBSEENHS12027242

Jyhat were the main principles of Bhakti Movement?

Solution

Main Principles of Bhakti Movement:

1.    God is One : The propagating saints of Bhakti Movement believe in a single God. He was of the opinion that the people utter the names of Rama, Krishna, Allah, Vishnu, Shiva etc. for their convenience. In reality, God is one.

2.    Sacrifice towards God : The saints of the Bhakti Movement were of the view that self dedication to God leads to renunciation. Lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego are detrimental to the path of total indulgence into Godlihood. Therefore, their sacrifice alone is beneficial.

3.    Devotion to God : The saints were of the opinion that a true heart, love, devotion and concentration ease the attainment of God. On surrendering himself to the will of God one gets liberated from the bondage of births and deaths.

4.    Praise of Guru (the teacher) : One cannot seek knowledge about the Lord without the help of the Guru, such was the opinion of the Bhakti saints. At places they treated the Guru at par with God. For instance :

The devotee falls into a dubious position whether he should touch the feet of God or that of his Guru whom should he give priority if both of them happened to stand together.

5.    Praise of Good Deeds : The saints of the Bhakti Movement laid special emphasis on good deeds. They held the opinion that mankind can improve both his worldly and other worldly life on the strength of forgiveness, satisfaction, service, truth etc. He will conquer rivalry and opposition in this world and God will also be merciful on him.

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Some More Questions From Bhakti-Sufi Traditions Chapter

What were the similarities and differences between the be-sharia and 6a-sharia sufi traditions?

Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.

Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.

Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the Sufis.

Analyse, with illustrations, why Bhaktland Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.

Read any five of the sources included in this chapter and discuss the social and religious ideas that are expressed in them.

On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).

Choose any two of the religious teachers/thinkers/saints mentioned in this chapter, and find out more about their lives and teachings. Prepare a report
about the area and the times in which they lived their major ideas, how we know about them, and why you think they are important.

Find out more about practices of pilgrimage associated with the shrines mentioned in this chapter. Are these pilgrimages still undertaken? When are these shrines visited? Who visits these shrines? Why do they do so? What are the activities associated with these pilgrimages?