It's been a few weeks reading quite a number of theorist and trying to listen to their definition of religion. Among the theories we read “naturalism” is one that keeps ringing in my mind. When I looked for its definition online, it is defined as, “the philosophical belief that everything arises from natural properties and [...]
Author: snyenda
Raw thoughts on Durkheim’s “Definition of Religious Phenomenon and Religion”
In Durkheim’s Elementary Forms of Religious Life, he concludes the first chapter “Definition of Religious Phenomenon and of Religion”, saying that “religion should be an eminently collective thing”. He comes to this conclusion arguing about the concept of ritual and belief, sacred and profane, and magic and religion. For him the defining mark of religious [...]
Religion as Cultural System- A few questions
A religion is: 1.a system of symbols which acts to 2. establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by 3. formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and 4. clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that 5. the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic. Clifford Geertz In the [...]
Traksad Mahākāla: gnyos lugs ma
It is a great rejoice to receive a picture of Traksad Mahākāla of gnyos tradition from a Chinese friend today. The empowerment and transmission of Traksad gnyos lugs ma, which started from the great Nyö Lotsawa Yonten Dragpa(973-1113) is very alive in Jonang today. The unbroken transmission of it is lived through Nyö Gyalwa Lhanangpa [...]
Secular Ritual: Forms and Meanings – My Reflection
Religious rituals and secular rituals are two terms, which are confusing to define and understand their meanings at times. Religious rituals have symbolic value attached to them that are normally prescribed by a religion. Whereas, secular rituals are the actions that are performed in a communal custom. “Secular Ritual: Forms and Meanings,” is an introduction [...]
