Here’s the link, just in case.
We learned about the Upanayanam ceremony from this video, created for us by Raj and Vignesh. We were able to ask Raj some of our questions via Skype.
How does this video connect to the central idea? (Values and beliefs of a society are reflected in the way they commemorate coming of age)
Do you have any further questions for Raj and Vignesh? They will answer here on the blog!
I think the central idea connects with this video because we have been learning about coming of age and the video is coming of age just in different culture.
This video connects to the central idea because it’s about growing up in another culture and it’s about a ceremony that is about beginning adulthood.
When someone dies, what happens to their strings?
It connects to the central Idea, because in the video they talk about what they belief and In the central Idea they talk about how it reflects of the soicety.
i think it conects because its them growing up. we all have bat-mitzvah & bar-mitzvah it’s the same just there own event and calture. they also have an age limite .
this video connects to the central idea beacuse it’s the coming of the age for the hindu’s,And Raj I’ve got a question for you.Do you have any holy book like we have a torah and the cathalic’s have a bible ?
I think it connects to our central idea because the Hindus coming of age shows and reflects the cultures traditions and what they believe in.
I think it connects because its their own unique way of the coming of age just like every reliegion. Tradition. It’s a highlight in our new inquiry and in the video. Raj, How long has this coming of age cermemony been goign on for? Is it compulsory?
I think it has connected to the central idea because it is a ceramony of the culture they respect. It all connects to every culture including the jewish culture that there are many cultures out there and we should respect every one of them. They each mean a lot to the worshipers of that culture.
1. It connects because we are learning in J.S about different culture and beleifs and how we express ourselves in differnt ways.
2. What will happen if the boy does not have a auntie ??
I think the Hindu ceremony connects to the central idea because it shows how Hindu society commemorates the coming of age.
And raj, I have a question why do you have to have this ceremony when the number of your age is an odd number?
It connects with the central idea becuase they having values to
g-d and beliefs in what they do.
I think that this video connects to the central idea because it is coming of age ceremony just like the other cultures and religions
I think this video connects to the central idea because this is a ceremony that represents the coming of age for Hindus and coming of ages for all different cultures are all different. For example, The sacred thread ceremony, and a bat/bar-mitvah, the ceremonies in themselves are very different but the meaning’s are all the same, they are all representing their coming of age.
I found the coming-of-age ceremony really facinating and different to what we do. It is interesting how they make sacrifices and how they represent different things. It is also different when they use the threads to represent how old they are and can identify how old they are.
I don’t really have any questons, the video had really good explanations and I understood it.
I think this connects to the ceneral idea a lot bacause everyoune has their own beleifs and values and have different ways of commemerating coming of age.
I think this vidio gave me a good sence of culture to me so I know about othere traditions besides my own and there change
This doesn’t just connect to the central idea, this is what the central idea is all about! I think it’s really great that we are learning about other cultures because even if we go to a jewish school, the world if full of all kinds of people. And of course, like our barmitzvahs and batmitzvahs, it’s so interesting hearing about the celebration of coming of age in the hindu faith Upanayanam, as well. I am greatful that we have the opportunities, not only to learn about the ceremonies themselves, but the spiritual meaning, to have a deeper understanding.
Raj and Vignesh, thanks for showing us the video! Can I ask, what level of importance do you hold religion on a daily basis? What kind of a part does it play in your lives, and in general?
-Matthew
This video connects to the central idea because this is the central idea. This is a coming of age ceremony in a ‘Hindu’ culture. I would like to ask whether taking the sacred thread off is breaking the law of Hindu.
- Cassie
Hi, I’m the mother of Vignesh, whom you all might have seen in the video shot by Raj. Would like to answer a few of your queries as far as my knowledge on Hinduism takes me to.
1. When someone dies, what happens to their strings?
Ans: We burn the dead body along with his strings after a man’s death.
2. Do you have any holy book like we have a torah and the cathalic’s have a bible ?
Ans: Yes, there are several sacred texts in Hinduism. The main ones are the
(i) Vedas(4 in number)
(ii) Mantras (words of super-power)
(iii) Agamas( the rules of worship and rituals)
(iv) Puranas (ancient tales Ramayana & Mahabaratha)
3. What will happen if the boy does not have a auntie ??
Ans: In today’s scenario, we just adapt to the situation, and take a cousin sister to play the role of an auntie, when the boy doesn’t have his own auntie.
4. why do you have to have this ceremony when the number of your age is an odd number?
Ans: There is no proven text to show that the age should be an odd number. Generally it is performed when the boy is just 7 years old, as he is just ready to take up his studies and be on his own at his teacher’s place. In ancient days, the boys were left at the teacher’s house (Gurukulam) for years together after their Upanayanam ceremony to gain knowledge from their teachers.
5. Can I ask, what level of importance do you hold religion on a daily basis? What kind of a part does it play in your lives, and in general?
Ans: Hinduism is a way of life. We do lead a life where boys who had their Upanayanam done are expected to perform certain duties every day like worship God, read religious scriptures, Contemplate on the teachings of the sages, saints, holy men and women, and one’s forefathers, Provide food for those who are in need and Serve guests with love, respect, and reverence .
6. I would like to ask whether taking the sacred thread off is breaking the law of Hindu.
Ans: Yes, taking off the sacred thread is like throwing away the status of being a Brahmin anymore.
Hope I have cleared most of your doubts. Do write if you still have queries.