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RELIGIOUS DYNAMISM: Contemplating Shastra & Artistic Freedom
- Amrapali Magazine
- Sep 11, 2024
- 17 min read
Religion and Dynamics of Culture delves into a vast and diverse realm of research, spanning from the exploration of ancient world religions to the investigation of contemporary religious trends and moral dilemmas in our increasingly diverse society. Our team is composed of experts from various disciplines, including theologians, religious studies scholars, historians, philosophers, sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists, all dedicated to exploring three key research themes.
This groundbreaking interdisciplinary study delves deep into the intricate symbiosis between religion and culture, meticulously examining their vibrant interplay throughout various historical and geographical settings. Religion, a cornerstone of culture, manifests as a profound institution steeped in rituals, beliefs, and communal customs, addressing fundamental inquiries about existence, mortality, and meaning. In turn, culture serves as the fertile ground where religious doctrines and practices flourish, mirroring the ethos, standards, and customs of a specific community. Through a robust qualitative research approach that draws from anthropology, sociology, history, and religious studies, this study meticulously dissects historical documents, academic papers, ethnographic materials, and case studies to unravel the intricate layers of the bond between religion and culture.
By synthesizing diverse disciplinary perspectives, this study aims to offer a nuanced comprehension of the intricate interdependence between religion and culture, unveiling fresh insights into how religion moulds cultural identity, societal conventions, and personal convictions. Moreover, by spotlighting the resilience and adaptability of cultural heritage in the face of religious influences, this study enriches our understanding of the intricate tapestry of human societies and the enduring impact of religion on cultural metamorphosis. Through its exhaustive analysis, this study underscores the imperative nature of exploring religion and culture as intertwined forces that shape human existence and selfhood across myriad contexts.
Sociological Outlook: Sociologists, exemplified by Peter Berger (1967), have extensively theorized the pivotal role of religion in shaping cultural dynamics. Berger's groundbreaking work, "The Sacred Canopy," asserts that religion acts as a fundamental social institution, offering significance and steadfastness to culture by grounding societal values and norms in shared beliefs and rituals. This viewpoint highlights religion's vital function as a potent cultural influence that shapes collective identity and fosters societal unity.
Psychological Outlook: Psychological research delves deeply into the individual experiences and psychological impacts of religious and cultural identity. Many pioneering studies by scholars confidently assert that religious beliefs and cultural affiliations play pivotal roles in shaping personal identity and psychological well-being. These profound insights underscore the intricate intersection of religion and culture in molding individuals' self-concept and worldview.
Historical Outlook: Historical analyses provide profound insights into the evolution of religious traditions and their dynamic interactions with cultural contexts throughout history. Scholars through their researches have showcased on how religious practices adapt within cultural frameworks while preserving their transcendent essence. Through historical studies, we gain a deep understanding of the socio-cultural impacts of religious movements, highlighting the transformative effects of religious innovations and adaptations on cultural evolution.
Anthropological Outlook: Anthropological studies offer profound perspectives on the manifestations of religious beliefs and rituals across various cultural landscapes. Religion serves as a vital cultural system, providing crucial symbols and practices that shape and influence social conduct.
PROF. RAVINDRA NATH SRIVASTAV | Author
The complex relationship between religion and culture shapes the structure of society and its developmental processes. At the heart of these relationships is religious dynamism, which seeks to understand the process of religious beliefs, traditions, and their changes over time. Religious dynamism directly impacts various cultural aspects of society, such as scriptures, dance, literature, and other forms of artistic freedom. This essay examines the concept of religious dynamism and attempts to understand how this dynamism is expressed and influenced through scriptures, dance, literature, and art.
Religious scriptures are the backbone of any religion. They not only codify the principles of that religion but also determine the cultural and moral values of society. Scriptures contain detailed explanations of rules, ethics, and religious rituals. Although traditionally considered stable and immutable, the reality is that they have changed over time to adapt to the evolving needs and circumstances of society. History bears witness to periodic revisions and reinterpretations of scriptures. For example, in Hinduism, the development and changes in the Vedas, Upanishads, and Smritis occurred across different historical periods.
Similarly, religious texts like the Bible and the Quran have been interpreted and adapted according to various cultures and times. Through the different versions and updates of these scriptures, the process of religious dynamism can be understood. Several factors drive these changes in scriptures, one of the primary reasons being the cultural and social changes in society. As new challenges and circumstances arise in society, scriptures also need to be adapted accordingly. This process reflects religious dynamism, which symbolizes an ongoing dialogue between scriptures and society.
The relationship between scriptures and religious dynamism is extremely complex. Scriptures present religious rules and principles in a fixed form, while religious dynamism is the process of changing and adapting these principles over time. This dialectical relationship inspires changes in religious thoughts and beliefs, which play a crucial role in the cultural dynamism of society. The moral and religious instructions inherent in religious scriptures shape the cultural behavior of society. However, as time passes and new challenges and circumstances emerge in society, traditional interpretations of scriptures are also questioned. In this context, religious dynamism reflects the process of reinterpreting and innovating scriptures, leading to changes in the cultural and moral fabric of society.
Dance is an ancient and universal form of human expression that is deeply connected with various cultures and religions. Dance is not only an art form but also an integral part of religious rituals and celebrations. Through religious dance forms, a complex dialogue is established between religion and culture, reflecting religious dynamism.
In a country like India, where religion and culture are deeply intertwined, dance holds a special place. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, etc., are inspired by religious narratives and rituals. These dance forms convey religious stories and principles to the masses. Bharatanatyam, a major classical dance form from South India, narrates the stories of Hindu gods through its performances. This dance is not only part of religious rituals but also promotes religious teachings and morals. Similarly, Kathakali, a traditional dance form from Kerala, depicts stories from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
There is also a noticeable tension between artistic freedom and religious traditions in dance. Often, innovations in dance forms face opposition from religious organizations. This opposition is driven by the desire to preserve religious purity and traditions, while dancers seek to incorporate new ideas and elements through artistic freedom. For instance, the inclusion of modern elements in Bharatanatyam and changes in its traditional form have sometimes provoked the displeasure of religious institutions. This conflict reflects the tension between the immutability of religious scriptures and artistic freedom.
Innovations and changes in religious dance forms are also an important aspect of religious dynamism. As time passes, new elements are incorporated into dance forms, presenting religious narratives and rituals from a new perspective. This process establishes a dialogue with religious scriptures and traditions, reflecting religious dynamism. Through these innovations in dance, religious stories and principles are presented in a new context, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of society. This is a significant feature of religious dynamism, which not only highlights the relationship between religion and culture but also defines the cultural identity of society.
Religious literature plays a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious identity of any society. This literature is not only part of religious scriptures but also propagates religious ideas, beliefs, and morals. Through literature, the process of understanding and expressing religious dynamism becomes possible.
The development of religious literature is a continuous process that reflects the religious and cultural dynamism of society. From religious texts to the compositions of Bhakti poets, this literature works to spread religious ideas and morals in society. In India, the compositions of Bhakti poets like Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai gave religious literature a new direction. These poets works provide a simple and clear description of religious principles, making them accessible to the common people. These compositions challenged the traditional interpretation of religious scriptures and opened up new possibilities in religious thought.
Through religious literature, rebellion against religious ideas and scriptures has also been expressed at times. Literary works often contain examples of religious criticism and challenges to traditions. Kabir’s compositions show a strong contradiction against religious hypocrisy and pretence. Through his couplets, he challenged the widespread religious superstitions and bigotry in society. Similarly, poets like Milton and Dante in the West also challenged religious principles and the authority of the Church.
In modern literature, the relationship between religious dynamism and modernization can also be seen in depth. Through literature, an attempt is made to understand and express the complex relationship between religion and society. The relationship between religious dynamism and scriptures on one side and artistic freedom on the other is a complex and profound subject of study. Religious dynamism means how religious traditions, beliefs, and rituals change over time. It involves not only the development and alteration of religious ideas but also the emergence of new religious movements, sects, and socio-religious perspectives.
Scriptures, which are collections of religious principles, rules, and guidelines, generally present a stable and unchangeable form of religion. These scriptures play an important role in controlling various aspects of society and transmitting religious beliefs. Artistic freedom emphasizes that an artist should have the freedom to express their thoughts and creations, even if they go against religious traditions or scriptures. Throughout history, there have been instances where artists have tried to view religious subjects from a new perspective, leading them to face opposition from religious institutions.
The tension between religious dynamism and scriptures on one side and artistic freedom on the other creates a space where ideas, traditions, and cultural values clash. Through this clash, new ideas, art forms, and cultural movements emerge, which have the potential to change the religious and cultural structure of society. Thus, this dialectic between scriptures and artistic freedom not only helps to understand religious dynamism but also highlights how significant and intricate the relationship between religion and art is in society.
Creativity, artistry, and freedom form a triangle that connects various aspects of human expression and culture. Creativity is an inner motivation that gives rise to new ideas and expressions. Freedom is the space where this creativity reaches its full potential, and art is the medium through which this creativity and freedom are presented to society. Creativity is the capacity of an individual or society that enables them to generate new ideas, concepts, and artistic forms. It is not only important for an artist or writer but is equally essential in scientific, philosophical, and business fields.
The best example of creativity can be seen in art, where artists present their imaginations and ideas in a tangible form. Creativity works without any preconceived framework; it is unpredictable and unique, and it is these qualities that make it invaluable. The relationship between creativity and freedom is deep and inseparable.
Freedom is the medium that allows creativity to flourish. Without freedom, creativity is in a limited and confined state, where it cannot manifest in its full form. Freedom means that individuals or societies have the right to express their thoughts, emotions, and artistic expressions without any hindrance. When an artist is given freedom, they can present a deep perspective on various aspects of society through their creativity.
Art is the most powerful medium of expression for creativity and freedom. It is a field where individuals can present their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without any interruption. Various forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, literature, music, and dance, are the results of the union of freedom and creativity. Without freedom, the true form of art cannot be revealed. History provides many examples where artists were not given freedom, and censorship was imposed on their art. In such times, art could not be presented in its true form and was manifested in a limited and distorted manner.
The combination of creativity, freedom, and art has a profound impact on society and culture. This triangle plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural, moral, and intellectual framework of society. Through creativity, new ideas and concepts emerge in society, which inspire cultural development. Through freedom, these ideas could be expressed, and through art, these ideas reach all sections of society. Thus, the combination of creativity, freedom, and art is necessary for change and progress in society. This triangle has the ability to give society a new direction and take it to new dimensions.
Creativity, freedom, and art are three pillars that inspire the progress and development of human civilization. These three are complementary to each other, and without them, human society is incomplete. Creativity gives rise to new ideas, freedom provides the opportunity to express these ideas, and through art, these ideas are presented to society. This triangle has a broad and deep impact on society, leading us not only towards a better future but also connecting us with our cultural and moral roots. Therefore, understanding and protecting the importance of creativity, freedom, and art is our responsibility so that we can build a rich and dynamic society.
JAHNAVI RAO | Freelance Writer
India is a country with a rich tapestry of religious diversity and artistic expression, which often intersect in complex and dynamic ways. This religious pluralism contributes to a vibrant cultural and spiritual landscape. Festivals and Rituals: Religious festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Vaisakhi involve elaborate rituals, music, dance, and art, which are integral to local culture and often provide a platform for artistic expression.
Artistic Freedom: Artistic freedom in India is a crucial aspect of its cultural heritage and contemporary creative scene. It encompasses various forms of art, including:
1. Visual Arts: Indian artists explore themes from mythology, religion, and everyday life. Traditional art forms like Madhubani and Warli coexist with modern artistic movements that often challenge conventional norms.
2. Performing Arts: Dance and music are deeply intertwined with religious practices in India. Classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak have religious roots, while contemporary dance and music often push boundaries and explore new themes.
3. Literature: Indian literature, in its diverse languages, reflects a wide range of experiences and ideologies, often addressing both religious and secular themes.
Fusion and Innovation: The blending of different cultural and religious influences often leads to innovative artistic expressions. For instance, fusion music and collaborative art projects can bridge gaps between diverse communities and promote mutual understanding.
The Role of Artistic Freedom in Religious Expression: Artistic freedom also plays a significant role in religious expression itself. Religious communities often use art to convey spiritual truths, share teachings, and engage with their faith in meaningful ways.
1. Spiritual Practice and Art: In many religious traditions, art is an integral part of worship and spiritual practice. For instance, Hindu and Buddhist temples are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings that serve as visual aids in meditation and devotion. In Islam, calligraphy and geometric patterns are used to express spiritual ideas without depicting human or animal forms.
2. Art as a Vehicle for Spiritual Dialogue: Artistic freedom allows religious communities to engage in dialogue about their beliefs and practices. Art can serve as a means of exploring and expressing spiritual experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of faith, and building connections between diverse religious traditions.
SUPARNA SINGH | Retd. Principal, G.D. Goenka Public School, Bettiah, Bihar
The term ‘Shastra’ means science. The word ‘Shastra’ is derived from ‘शासु अनुशिष्टौ’ Shasu Anushishtau, which means discipline or instruct. It protects and guides us, sometimes even holding our hand as we walk. Thus, it is referred to as ‘Shastra.
Whenever there is a discussion on Satsang, the four Vedas, six Shastras, and eighteen Puranas are mentioned. Everyone knows the names of the Vedas and Puranas, but what are these six Shastras? In this presentation, we will briefly explain them. The six Shastras and their authors are:
1. Nyaya (Logic) by Sage Gautama: This philosophy describes the attainment of liberation through the knowledge of substances. It considers God as the creator, formless, omnipresent, and distinct from the soul, while nature is considered insentient and the material cause of creation. This philosophy clearly supports the concept of dualism.
2. Vaisheshika (Atomic Theory) by Sage Kanada: This philosophy describes the true nature of Dharma (righteousness). It regards Dharma as the means to both worldly progress and spiritual liberation. Hence, the practice of Dharma is essential for the welfare of humanity.
3. Sankhya (Enumeration) by Sage Kapila: According to this philosophy, nature is considered the material cause of creation based on the theory of ‘Satkaryavada’, which states that something cannot come from nothing, and only from real causes can real effects arise.
4. Yoga by Sage Patanjali: This philosophy discusses the nature of God, the soul, and nature. It also provides a detailed explanation of yogic practices, including the causes of bondage, the tendencies of the mind, and the means of controlling them.
5. Mimamsa (Inquiry) by Sage Jaimini: This philosophy focuses on the application of mantras in Vedic rituals and the processes of these rituals. If the Yoga philosophy provides the means for inner purification, Mimamsa outlines the duties and obligations from personal life to national life, contributing to the nation’s progress.
6. Vedanta (End of the Vedas) by Sage Vyasa: Vedanta represents the ultimate teachings of the Vedas. The Brahma Sutra, composed by Sage Vyasa, is its foundational text. This philosophy posits that Brahman is the efficient cause of the universe, responsible for creation, maintenance, and destruction. Brahman is omniscient, omnipotent, blissful, eternal, and formless, free from the pains of birth and death.
Understanding these Shastras is essential to keep our culture dynamic through art. Art connects us to Shastra and keeps life moving. In a country like India, it is natural for people to be connected to these disciplines. This is why India is considered the world’s largest stage and land of action in the field of dance. In every region and historical period of India, dance has expressed the emotions, desires, and even concerns of its people.
Dance has always been a sensitive expression of India’s grand and indomitable spirit, whether it’s Kathak or Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam is particularly unique because of its complexity in ‘Jati’ (selection of rhythms) and ‘Teermanam’ (triplet sequences). The rhythmic beats of the Mridangam make this dance even more resonant and attractive. In Northern India, audiences often refer to my Bharatanatyam performances as South Indian Kathak. Additionally, Bharatanatyam stands out due to its emphasis on acting, which is as important, if not more so, than the footwork.
Some may think that interest in classical arts is declining, but that’s not true. Many young people in India are learning classical arts, not just in big cities but also in small towns and villages, and even abroad. The biggest challenge we face now is how to turn these learners into dedicated audiences, how to create more performance opportunities, and how to link classical arts with livelihoods while keeping our culture vibrant.
A few years ago, NCERT was working on creating a new syllabus to promote classical arts, but the lack of teachers on such a large scale prevented the plan from succeeding. To address this issue, we need to train good instructors.
Additionally, if people at the governmental and business levels understand the importance of preserving these classical arts, their condition could improve significantly. Including them in educational curricula could also help spread awareness. The economics of classical dance requires a large audience.
There is a need to regard Shastra as a form of Dharma and to create a job market for those working in these arts. Media can also play a significant role, but classical arts are often overlooked by the media. The space dedicated to classical arts in prominent media outlets has significantly diminished. At this time, it is crucial for everyone to come together to preserve this essential aspect of our civilization and culture.
SANGEETHA SAMANT | Enhancement & Research Initiative Kerela Public Schools
The interplay between sacred teachings (Shastra) and artistic freedom has long been a defining feature of Indian scriptures. Shastra, encompassing ancient scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, and various Dharma Shastras, forms the bedrock of Vedic thought, providing the philosophical and moral framework guiding life. However, Indian spirituality is not confined to rigid adherence to these texts; instead, it thrives on a dynamic relationship between the unchanging principles of Shastra and the ever-evolving expressions of artistic freedom.
The relevance of Shastra in the arts is profound, as it provides both the philosophical grounding and the guiding principles for artistic creation. For instance, Natya Shastra, attributed to the sage Bharata, is a treatise on performing arts that integrates the Vedic understanding of aesthetics, rituals, and spiritual symbolism. It lays down the principles for drama, dance, and music, emphasizing the role of art in expressing spiritual truths and invoking rasa (emotional response) in the audience. This connection between art and spirituality reflects the Vedic belief that art is not merely for entertainment but a medium to convey divine principles.
The symbiotic relationship fosters a holistic spirituality where the intellectual rigor of Shastra and the emotional resonance of art come together. The dynamic interplay between Shastra and artistic freedom has a profound impact on society.
This deep connection between Shastra and the arts ensures that Vedic wisdom remains relevant and alive. As artists draw upon Shastra, they create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also spiritually enriching, thus bridging ancient Vedic principles with contemporary artistic expression. In doing so, Shastra continues to inspire and guide artistic endeavours, ensuring that the arts remain a vital expression of India’s Vedic heritage.
VANDANA SRIVASTAV | Artist
Creativity, dynamism, freedom, and folk art are important concepts that not only play a significant role in an individual’s personal development but also shape the cultural and collective identity of society. Creativity is the inner strength that drives a person to think and express new ideas.
Dynamism provides the capacity for this creativity to change over time and adapt to new circumstances. Freedom is the platform where these two forces can be fully expressed. Folk art, which is the cultural heritage of any society, emerges from the combination of these three and defines the cultural identity of society.
The Importance of Creativity: Creativity is the ability that enables an individual or society to generate original and innovative ideas. It is not just a trait of an artist or writer; it is inherent in anyone who tries to see and understand the world through new ideas and perspectives. Creativity forms the foundation of a society’s intellectual and cultural progress. A key aspect of creativity is that it does not recognize boundaries. It has the capacity to create something new from every situation, circumstance, and experience. It can manifest as a painting, a poem, a dance, or a musical composition. Creativity not only inspires us to create new things but also gives us the ability to view traditional ideas from a fresh perspective.
Dynamism and Its Impact: Dynamism is a crucial concept to understand the process of the evolution and change of creativity. It is a continuous process that changes over time. The creativity of any society or individual can only be complete when it can evolve with time and circumstances. Dynamism is not just about change; it also indicates the direction and speed of that change. It makes creativity dynamic and gives it the ability to remain relevant in new contexts. For example, the inclusion of new elements in traditional art can make it relevant for a new generation. Similarly, the changes that occur over time in literature, dance, music, and other arts can be seen as the result of dynamism.
The Relationship Between Freedom and Creativity: Freedom is extremely important for any individual or society, especially when it wants to express its creativity. Without freedom, creativity cannot manifest in its full form. Freedom does not only refer to political or social freedom but also to mental and cultural freedom. When an artist, writer, or thinker is given freedom, they can enrich society with new perspectives and ideas through their creativity. In the absence of freedom, creativity remains in a limited and confined state, unable to be fully expressed. There are numerous examples in history where artists, writers, and thinkers were not granted freedom, and censorship was imposed on their creativity. In such times, their art and ideology could not be expressed in their true form. Without freedom, both creativity and dynamism become limited, and their true contribution to society remains unfulfilled.
Folk Art: The Cultural Heritage of Society
Folk art is the cultural heritage of any society and is the result of its creativity, dynamism, and freedom. Folk art includes various forms such as music, dance, painting, sculpture, and handicrafts, which preserve the collective identity and cultural heritage of society. This art form carries forward the traditions, beliefs, and folklore of society from generation to generation. Creativity in folk art is distinctive and inspired by the lives, experiences, and surroundings of local people. Another important aspect of folk art is its dynamism. This art form evolves over time, incorporating new elements, which keeps it relevant in the changing contexts of society. Folk art is deeply connected to various aspects of society. It is not only a means of entertainment but also reflects the religious, social, and cultural beliefs of society. For example, the folk art of Rajasthan reflects the lifestyle, traditions, and cultural heritage of Rajasthani people, just as the folk art of Kashmir symbolizes their natural beauty, life struggles, and cultural heritage.
The Relationship Between Creativity, Dynamism, Freedom, and Folk Art
The relationship between creativity, dynamism, freedom, and folk art is complex and deeply intertwined. These four concepts together shape the cultural identity and progress of any society. Creativity is the seed from which folk art is born. This creativity develops over time through dynamism and remains relevant in new contexts. Freedom makes this development process possible and provides artists with the opportunity to present their ideas to society through their art. Folk art is the ultimate result of this entire process, preserving the cultural heritage of society and passing it down from generation to generation. Through folk art, the cultural identity of society is preserved, and it keeps the collective memories of society alive.
Creativity, dynamism, freedom, and folk art play an important role in building the cultural and collective identity of any society. These four concepts are deeply connected and together inspire the progress and development of society. Creativity gives birth to new ideologies, dynamism provides the ability to change and develop them over time, freedom gives the opportunity to express them fully, and folk art preserves them as part of the cultural heritage of society. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the importance of creativity, dynamism, freedom, and folk art and protect them so that we can build a prosperous and progressive society deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.
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