Sushmajee
Dictionary Of Hindu Religion | Dictionary
Dictionary-M | |
Math |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P-Q R S T-U V-W-X Y-Z Math or Mutt
is a term for monastic and similar religious establishments of Hinduism
and Jainism.
One of the important features of the democratic order is that while it has recognized the importance of tradition, it has also made possible change and modification of tradition. Primitive and earlier societies were often held back by a single body of tradition which tended to be rigid and unbending. In modern states, individuals live in a multi-traditional society. Diverse or even incompatible beliefs and practices exist. Different models for belief and conduct are available. An individual can make a choice between them. This is the product of freedom-related ideas. The basis of tradition is reason and experience. Experience is perhaps as important or more important than reason. Experience extends beyond reason and mental horizons and embodies factors which people only dimly perceive and cannot rationally explain but which contain elements of truth and understanding, based on accumulated experience. The problem with traditions is that since they have been handed down over a long period of time, the rational bases are either not known by those who uphold them or cannot be lucidly explained. There are often reasons to support traditions but, to the extent that tradition is based on experience and observation, it cannot always be effectively rationalized. Traditions develop gradually over centuries and keep on developing - a spiritual and cultural dynamic growing out of the endeavours, sacrifices, experiences and trials of a people who possess an inborn sense of their ancestry, religion, social customs, language, literature, music, games etc. This way "core values" are established and passed on from father to son/mother to daughter, like name or property, and become a way of life that is both virtuous and enduring. We must cherish our yesterdays, but never carry them as a burden into the future. Each generation must take nourishment from the other and give knowledge to the one that comes after. Shankar's Math
|
Created by Sushma Gupta on 3/15/06
Contact: sushmajee@yahoo.com
Updated on
10/08/13