pls give the summary of Ch 8 (Devotional Paths To The Divine
Answers
Hey mate it is a very easy but lengthy chapter.
Alvars and nayanars were the saints devoted to Shiva and Vishnu respectively. They preached ardent love to Shiva and Vishnu. According to them the path of salvation lies in B
Shankara
Philosophers of Kerala in 8th century
Advocate of Advaita or doctrine of oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God which is Ultimate Reality
Considered world as illusion or maya
Preached renunciation of world or adoption of path of knowledge to understand Brahman & attain salvation
Ramanuja
Born in Tamil Nadu in 11th Century
Influenced by Alvars – devotion of Vishnus
Propounded doctrine of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness in that soul even when united with Supreme God remained distinct
Virashaiva Movement
Initiated by Basavanna and his companions like Allama Prabhu and Akkamahadevi
Connection between Tamil bhakti movement and temple worship
It began in Karnataka in the mid-twelfth century
Equality of human beings
Against Brahmanical ideas of caste
Against ritual and idol worship
Saints of Maharashtra
13th-17th century – saint poets – in simple Marathi
Janeshwar, Namdev, Eknath and Tukaram (wrote abhang – Marathi devotional hymns)
Sakkubai & Chokhamela (women) - “untouchable” Mahar caste
Focused on Vitthala (a form of Vishnu) temple in Pandharpur
Rejected ritualism & outward display of piety and social differences based on birth
Rejected the idea of renunciation and preferred to live with their families
Religious Development in North India
Kabir and Baba Guru Nanak rejected all orthodox religions
Tulsidas and Surdas accepted existing beliefs but wanted to make these accessible to all
Tulsidas – Wrote Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi (language of eastern UP) – Rama Devotee
Surdas – Krishna devotee - Sursagara, Surasaravali and Sahitya Lahari
Shankaradeva – Vishnu devotee – Assam – established namghars or houses of recitation and prayer
Guru Nanak Ideas
Worship of one God
Caste, creed or gender was irrelevant for attaining liberation
Idea of active life with social commitment
Used terms nam, dan and isnan for the essence of his teaching, which meant right worship, welfare of others and purity of conduct
Teachings known as nam-japna, kirt-karna and vand-chhakna, which explain right belief and worship, honest living, and helping others
Hope it will help you