S
Sagefrakrobatik
Guest
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The main ritual of adolescence is the Vedic initiation rite called upanayana (the “thread ceremony”). It is regarded as a ‘birth’ into the adolescent stage of life, in a sense that they are considered ‘spiritually born’ on the other side of the ceremony. It is comparable to the Christian tradition of confirmation within the church at the age of adolescence. The Hindu children are accepted into the social system. It also assists with creating expectation for the young person (men in this case) to grow and mature.
This stimulates believing in their growth, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The young boy wears a girdle of deerskin, carries a wooden staff, and is given finally the Sacred Thread. It consists of three cords, each of which is made by twisting three strands. It is stated that this cord is the link to the one single source of the universe, Atman. Atman is the Hindu word for God. The thread is used much throughout the ceremony as a central element. After the ceremony, the young man and the priest put wood into a sacred fire. This is considered a sacrifice.10
In older times, what followed this ritual was a period of several years at the teacher’s house with no status, rank, or property. Living only in humility, obedience and chastity. In present times this ritual is done before going to college, or before they get married. In modern times they only live with the teacher if they wish to devote their life to a study of the scriptures.
Metaphysically, I see that this ritual starts with connecting together into one cohesive whole the three elements of creation. Akasha, Prana, and creative mind. This ritual and tradition brings the conscious mind of the participant to how connected they are with their high self, with everyone around them, and imprints into their minds the importance of staying connected and focused for the rest of their lives. At this age, with the kundalini energy so active, it is important to give the conscious mind a strong direction to create. Three is the number of creation, because it does involve the combination of energy, substance, and the intelligence to direct that energy.
When the student returns, another ceremony involving a ceremonial bath (similar to baptism in Christian tradition) after which the man becomes a full-fledged member of the community. He is considered ready to marry and become a householder.
The water represents in the universal language of mind the conscious life experiences. It is a sealing and final outward validation and verification of the process that was begin before going to school. It is the finalization of the adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. Immersing your body in water is symbolic of being fully committed and immersed in your life’s experiences for growth and learning on a spiritual level in growth toward enlightenment. **
The main ritual of adolescence is the Vedic initiation rite called upanayana (the “thread ceremony”). It is regarded as a ‘birth’ into the adolescent stage of life, in a sense that they are considered ‘spiritually born’ on the other side of the ceremony. It is comparable to the Christian tradition of confirmation within the church at the age of adolescence. The Hindu children are accepted into the social system. It also assists with creating expectation for the young person (men in this case) to grow and mature.This stimulates believing in their growth, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The young boy wears a girdle of deerskin, carries a wooden staff, and is given finally the Sacred Thread. It consists of three cords, each of which is made by twisting three strands. It is stated that this cord is the link to the one single source of the universe, Atman. Atman is the Hindu word for God. The thread is used much throughout the ceremony as a central element. After the ceremony, the young man and the priest put wood into a sacred fire. This is considered a sacrifice.10
In older times, what followed this ritual was a period of several years at the teacher’s house with no status, rank, or property. Living only in humility, obedience and chastity. In present times this ritual is done before going to college, or before they get married. In modern times they only live with the teacher if they wish to devote their life to a study of the scriptures.
Metaphysically, I see that this ritual starts with connecting together into one cohesive whole the three elements of creation. Akasha, Prana, and creative mind. This ritual and tradition brings the conscious mind of the participant to how connected they are with their high self, with everyone around them, and imprints into their minds the importance of staying connected and focused for the rest of their lives. At this age, with the kundalini energy so active, it is important to give the conscious mind a strong direction to create. Three is the number of creation, because it does involve the combination of energy, substance, and the intelligence to direct that energy.
When the student returns, another ceremony involving a ceremonial bath (similar to baptism in Christian tradition) after which the man becomes a full-fledged member of the community. He is considered ready to marry and become a householder.
The water represents in the universal language of mind the conscious life experiences. It is a sealing and final outward validation and verification of the process that was begin before going to school. It is the finalization of the adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. Immersing your body in water is symbolic of being fully committed and immersed in your life’s experiences for growth and learning on a spiritual level in growth toward enlightenment. **
