Death Ceremony similarities between Tamil/Indian culture and Egyptian culture

Death Ceremony similarities between Tamil/Indian culture and Egyptian culture

In summary, there is a belief that the deceased do not cease to exist but continue their journey into the next world.

 In Tamil Nadu (India), the death ceremony includes many rituals such bathing the dead body, anointing with oil, new dress, put a coin, and put a food in the mouth.

These rituals are common all over the world. Perhaps closest similarity is Egyptian culture. Egyptian custom includes activities such as Mummification and purification rituals, dressing the mummy in fine linen and adorning with amulets, placing a coin or offering in the tomb, and the opening of the mouth ceremony.

1. General Offering to Ancestors:

• Tamil Nadu: Rituals like Tarpanam (in Tamil தர்ப்பணம்) are performed to honor ancestors and ensure their peace in the afterlife. The word "Tarpanam" means "to satisfy" or "to satiate". These rituals are performed during Amavasya/No moon or new moon. Lunar cycle from new moon to full moon to new moon symbolizes the concepts of birth, life, and death, often seen as part of a continuous cosmic cycle.
• Ancient Egypt: Offerings and prayers were made to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
• Chinese and Japanese Cultures: Similar offerings are made during festivals like the Obon (Japan) and Hungry Ghost Festival (China, appeasing a wider range of spirits).

2. Bathing and Anointing the Deceased:

• Tamil Nadu: The dead body is bathed and anointed with (sesame) oil as a purification ritual before the final rites.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummification involved washing and anointing the body with oils and resins to preserve it and prepare it for the afterlife.
• Hindu and Native American Cultures: Similar rituals involve bathing and anointing the deceased to purify them before burial or cremation, often using sacred oils and herbs.

3. Dressing the Deceased in New Clothes:

• Tamil Nadu: The dead body is worn with a new cloth. A symbolic gesture that the deceased is ready for their new life or journey.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummies were adorned with amulets wrapped (and in fine linen) for protection and to symbolize purity.
• Christian and Islamic Traditions: The deceased are dressed in clean garments, often white, symbolizing purity and readiness for the afterlife.

4. Placing a Coin on the Head:

• Tamil Nadu: A coin is placed on the head or in the hand of the deceased to provide for their journey in the afterlife.
• Ancient Egypt: Mummies were adorned with amulets wrapped (and in fine linen) for protection and to symbolize purity. The Egyptians believed that material possessions were essential for a comfortable existence in the afterlife. Kings/rich have elaborate rituals whereas poor simply dry the dead body in the desert sand. Same social hierarchy will be mirrored in the next world.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: Coins were placed in the mouth or on the eyes of the deceased as payment to Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, to transport the soul across the River Styx.
• Various European Cultures: Coins or small tokens were sometimes buried with the deceased as part of funeral rites.

5. Putting Food in the Mouth of the Deceased:

• Tamil Nadu: Food (in Tamil வாய்க்கரிசி) is placed in the mouth to prevent hunger in the afterlife. There's a belief that if the deceased is hungry in the afterlife, it could bring misfortune to the living family.
• Ancient Egypt: The "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony ensured that the deceased could eat and speak in the afterlife.
• Roman and Certain African Traditions: Food offerings are made to ensure that the deceased do not go hungry in the afterlife.

 

Connections between Crow, No Moon, physical and spiritual realm in Tamil/Indian culture

Crow is the most intelligent bird. It needs respect all the time not just during Amavasya (no moon day).

1. Tamil tradition, the crow is considered a messenger between the living and the dead. It is a beautiful love of the living family members, by offering food, ensure that the ancestors are well-fed and satisfied in the afterlife. In folklore, it is often associated with the ability to navigate between different worlds, making it an appropriate intermediary for communicating with the spirits of the deceased. The black color of crows, akin to the darkness of Amavasya night, symbolizes the connection between the living and the departed. 

2. During Aadi Amavasya, barriers between the physical world and the spiritual world are thinner, making it easier to communicate with the souls of the departed.  The darkness of the night is seen as a symbol of the unseen world, where ancestors reside. This makes it an ideal time to offer prayers and rituals to seek their blessings and ensure their peace in the afterlife. The dark night of Amavasya, devoid of moonlight, represents the mystery and the unknown, much like death itself. Absence of the moon enhances the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. 

In science, during the summer earth is far away from sun (in Thai Amavasya, Jan-Feb, in winter earth is closer the sun). So, space distance does not matter but love distance to the ancestor matter.

3. The question is not whether the soul scientifically exists; it is better if the soul exists, rather than being soulless beings.

Happy Friendship Day 2024

 

Happy Friendship Day 2024

Snippets from Thirukkural

குறள் 782:

நிறைநீர நீரவர் கேண்மை பிறைமதிப்
பின்னீர பேதையார் நட்பு.

Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon;
Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon.

குறள் 783:

நவில்தொறும் நூல்நயம் போலும் பயில்தொறும்
பண்புடை யாளர் தொடர்பு.

Like learning, the friendship of the noble, the more it is cultivated, the more delightful does it become.

குறள் 795:

அழச்சொல்லி அல்லது இடித்து வழக்கறிய
வல்லார்நடபு ஆய்ந்து கொளல்.

You should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach you (the ways of) the world.

What is Thirukkural (திருக்குறள்)?

The Thirukkural, often referred to as the "Tamil Marai" (Tamil Veda), is a revered Tamil literary work composed by the ancient poet Thiruvalluvar over 2,000 years ago. It consists of 1,330 couplets, known as kurals, which provide concise and profound insights into various aspects of life. The text is organized into three sections: Virtue (Aram), Wealth (Porul), and Love (Inbam), each offering practical advice on ethical living, governance, and personal relationships. Renowned for its universal wisdom and moral guidance, the Thirukkural remains a cornerstone of Tamil literature and philosophy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kural 

Jesus's last words in Aramaic language are similar to Tamil

*Jesus's last words in Aramaic language are similar to Tamil*

Elloi! Elloi! Lama! Saba(c) Tha Ni

Oh God! Oh God! Oh Lama! Death Give You

எல்லோய்! எல்லோய்! லாமா! சாபக்(சாவு) தா நீ

or

Oh God! Oh God! Oh Lama! cursed (by) You

எல்லோய்! எல்லோய்! லாமா! சபித்தாய் நீ (More closer to Bible meaning. சபித்தாய் --> Cursed/forsaken)

Perhaps Jesus might have explored India before his disciple arrived in India. Perhaps Jesus well versed in Indian spiritual teachings and Buddhism during his young age.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas

எல்லோய் (Elloi) --> எல்/El denotes god in Tamil (Ellamma -> எல்லம்மா,  Ellan -> எல்லன், Ellalan -> எல்லாளன்)

லாமா (Lama) --> Perhaps refers to Buddha. Perhaps Jesus a Buddhist monk, a Lama. "Lama" refers to a teacher of the Dharma. Traditionally next Thalai Lama is chosen in direction in which the previous Dalai Lama's head tilted before his death. Perhaps 3 wise people from east visited baby Jesus perhaps from India. 14th Dalai Lama was enthroned when he was 4 ½ years old and renamed Tenzin Gyatso. In the case of the 13th Dalai Lama, after his death, his body lay facing south. The search for him began soon after the 13th Dalai Lama died. https://theconversation.com/how-the-dalai-lama-is-chosen-and-why-china-wants-to-appoint-its-own-114351

சபித்தாய்(Sabithai) - Cursed/forsaken

சாபக் (sabach) --> Sabam (சாபம்) -- Savam (சாவம்,சாவு)

தா (Tha) --> Give

நீ (You)

Bible: Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

https://biblehub.com/matthew/27-46.htm

https://biblehub.com/mark/15-34.htm

Similarities of Sea and Place names across the world

Summary: The names of Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Caspian Sea, Cyprus Island and Bethlehem can be traced to an Indian Language Tamil. 

1. Mediterranean Sea (In Tamil மெடிட்டேரியன் கடல்)

The term "Mediterranean" is broken down into "Medi" and "Terrain," which aligns with the Tamil words "Madu" (மடு), meaning cavity, and "Tharai" (தரை), meaning land surface. This connection suggests that "Madutharai" (a sea in a cavity in the midst of land) evolved into "Mediterrai" and eventually "Mediterranean," highlighting a conceptual similarity between the geographical feature and the Tamil words.

மெடிட்டேரியன் என்ற சொல் மடுதரை (மடு (Cavity) + தரை (Land Surface)) என்ற தமிழ்ச் சொல்லின் திரிபு என்றும் கூறப்படுகிறது.

https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D 

2. Red Sea, Erythra thalassa(ancient name) (In Tamil செங்கடல்)

The term "Erithreyan Sea," now known as the Red Sea, is linked to the Tamil words "Eri" (எரி), meaning burning, and "Thirai" (திரை), meaning wave. This suggests the name describes the Red Sea as a "sea of burning waves," reflecting its vivid appearance.

செங்கடலை கிரேக்க மொழியில் Erythra thalassa (எரித்ர தலசா) என்றும், இலத்தின் மொழியில் Mare Erythraeum (மரே எரித்ரயம்) என்றும் குறிப்பிடப்படுவதால் முன்பு இதனை எரித்ரயன் சீ (Erithreyan sea) என்று அழைப்பர்..

https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D

3. Caspian Sea (In Tamil கசப்பு கடல்)

The name "Caspian Sea" is linked to the Tamil word "Kasappu" (கசப்பு), meaning bitter. This suggests that "Kasappu" evolved into "Caspean" in Western languages, reflecting the sea's bitter taste, despite being a landlocked water body expected to be drinkable.

4. Cyprus Island (in Tamil சைப்ரஸ்)

The name "Cyprus" is linked to the Tamil words "Seppu" (செப்பு), meaning copper, and "Arai" (அறை), meaning mining pit. This suggests that "Sepparai," evolving into "Seiprais" and then "Cyprus," reflects the island's historical significance as a copper mining center.

சைப்ரஸ் என்ற ஆங்கிலச் சொல் செப்பறை (செப்பு (Copper) + அறை (Mine)) என்று தமிழில் விளக்கம் கூறலாம்.

https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%81

5. Bethlehem (In Tamil பெத்லகேம்)

The name "Bethlehem" is linked to Tamil words: "Beth" (பெத்) meaning living place, "Alahu" (அலகு) meaning grain, and "Aham" (அகம்) meaning inside. This connection suggests that "Bethlehem" signifies a place of grain storage. Additionally, "Beth" shares a common root with other place names such as "Tirupathi" (பதி), "Islamabad" (பாத்), and "Jolarpet" (பேட்), all indicating a place of living.

பெத்லகேம் நகரின் எபிரேயப் பெயர் "Beit Leḥm" அல்லது Beyt Leḥem (בֵּית לֶחֶם‎) என்று வரும். அரபியில் அதன் பொருள் புலால் வீடு (House of Meat) என்றும் எபிரேயத்தில் அப்ப வீடு (House of Bread) என்றும் அமையும்.

https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D

A revered Christian saint and a distinguished Tamil scholar, each demonstrating profound dedication by enduring self-inflicted penances

Saint Jerome, dedicated to study, prayer and penance. He carries in his hand to beat himself as part of penance. (c. 347-420 AD) 

Sathanar was an excellent Tamil poet, if anyone else composed poetry poorly, he would not punish them; instead, he would punish himself. He would punish himself by stabbing his head with his pen. As a result, not only did sores appear here and there on his head, but they also became infected with pus. Therefore, he was called 'Sīr-thalai' Sathanar (Pus-headed Sathanar). Over time, known as 'Sīthalai Sathanar'. He was called 'Madurai Pathinettu Kulavanikan Sīthalai Sathanar' (Sīthalai Sathanar, the Merchant of 18 Grains from Madurai). The author of the Tamil epic "Manimekalai" is Seethalai Sathanar. "Manimekalai" is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature and serves as a sequel to "Silappatikaram," another significant epic composed by Ilango Adigal. He is traditionally believed to have lived around the 1st century CE.

Saints across the cultures

A powerful metaphor for the challenges one faces on the path to enlightenment. 

St. Jerome's (c. 347-420 AD) combated the temptations of the courtesans, adopted rigorous ascetic practices, translated Bible into Latin and left a lasting legacy. 

To tempt Buddha, Mara sent his three daughters—Tanha (Desire), Raga (Lust), and Arati (Aversion)—to tempt Siddhartha. They approached him with seductive dances and tried to distract him with their beauty and allure. Overcame the temptations, Siddhartha demonstrated his mastery over desire and attachment.

Happy Mother's day remembering all mothers of the world Devi, Mary, Khadijah, Isis, & Demeter

A mother is "The person who has done more for you than anyone in the world". 

To the magnificent woman who channels the enduring love of Devi, the nurturing grace of Mary, and the steadfast wisdom of Khadijah,

In you, we see the divine qualities of Isis, the great Egyptian goddess of motherhood and fertility, who protected her child with fierce devotion. You share the resilience and courage of Ishtar, the Mesopotamian deity of love and war, guiding us through life's battles with strength and compassion. And in your caring hands, we feel the warmth of Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest, who sustains and nourishes all life.

Happy Mother's day

Why Rama punished a person in Penance? The story of the killing of Shambuka

The killing of Shambuka appears in the Valmiki Ramayana, Book 7, the 'Uttarakanda' [Final Chapter], sargas 73-76. Crucial 3 scene-setting sargas are presented.

(73) When Rama is reigning as a virtuous king, a humble aged Brahmin comes to him, weeping, with his dead son in his arms. He says that Rama must have committed some sin, or else his son would not have died. (74) The sage Narada explains to Rama that a Shudra is practicing penances, and this is the cause of the child's death. (75) Rama goes on a tour of inspection in his flying chariot, and finds an ascetic doing austerities, and asks who he is.

"(76) Hearing the [inquiring] words of Rama of imperishable exploits, that ascetic, his head still hanging downwards [as part of his austerities] answered: — 'O Rama, I was born of a Shudra alliance, and I am performing this rigorous penance in order to acquire the status of a God in this body. I am not telling a lie, O Rama, I wish to attain the Celestial Region. Know that I am a Shudra and my name is Shambuka.' As he was yet speaking, Raghava [Rama], drawing his brilliant and stainless sword from its scabbard, cut off his head. The Shudra being slain, all the Gods and their leaders with Agni's followers, cried out, 'Well done! Well done!' overwhelming Rama with praise, and a rain of celestial flowers of divine fragrance fell on all sides, scattered by Vayu. In their supreme satisfaction, the Gods said to that hero, Rama: — 'Thou hast protected the interests of the Gods, O Highly Intelligent Prince, now ask a boon, O beloved Offspring of Raghu, Destroyer of Thy Foes. By thy grace, this Shudra will not be able to attain heaven!'" (583-84)

Source: http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/mmt/ambedkar/

At that very moment the Shambuka’s death, Brahman boy in distant Ayodhya began to breathe again.

Or if you like comics, think of Shambuka as Norman Osborn, the villain in the Spiderman movie. In each case, a wicked person on the cusp of attaining a powerful thing was fought by the hero. But Shudra is not wicked person but lowest ranking class (fourth Varna) in India(http://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Sudra.html). Today Sudras commonly are self-employed farmers, but they may also be found in all walks of modern life. They number several hundred million, and they include hundreds of castes in every part of the country.

A racial justification for this state of affairs is implied in the earliest Sanskrit writings. Ancient systems were bit rigid for equal learning for lower castes. If you were a Shudra and you are taking risk of death for education in the ancient times. It is difficult especially for women. There is a failure in distinguishing cleanliness in external and internal(holiness) in Hinduism, resulted rigid untouchability caste system in India.

Bhagavad GITA: 4.13 The four Varna or divisions of human society, based on aptitude and vocation, were created by Me. 

Bhagavad Gita 3.35 -It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.

Brahma-Sutras 1-3-38 -And because of the prohibition in the Smrti of hearing and studying (the Vedas) and knowing their meaning and performing their Vedic rites to Sudras, they are not entitled to the Knowledge of Brahman.

Sutras 34-38 of Brahma-Sutras disqualify the Sudras for the Knowledge of Brahman (Supreme Reality) through the study of the Vedas. But it is possible for them to attain that Knowledge through the Puranas and the epics (Ramayana and the Mahabharata)

Social stratification exists in every culture in the world. There isn't a single society without it. 

In ancient India harmonious caste-based society was achieved by firm social structures. Brahmin don't own property. No corruption. Kings surrounded by powerful counsel of ministers. Vaisya did business. Sudra serves all upper castes.

*Why Rama punished a person in... - Navaneet Pandurangan | Facebook

Homo Sapiens: Innovations in Money

What made humans create money? 

Homo sapiens are adept at inventing imaginary concepts like money, superbeings, and belief systems, fostering unparalleled collaboration. Monkeys can collaborate only in fingerful numbers, but humans, with their imaginary creations, can collaborate in planetful numbers.

Humans invented belief systems, allowing large groups to share a common set of morals and beliefs, enhancing great human collaboration.

Money, his next imaginary system, transcends various belief systems, cultures, and religions, connecting all humans. Sapiens turned paper into an 'I owe you' dollar note. On a dollar bill, you'll find 'Federal Reserve Note' and 'This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private'. For monkeys, a coconut for a banana makes sense; paper does not. But humans use special paper as money to sell a banana and buy pepper with the same paper in a shop. As long as everyone agrees and honors the paper, it makes sense as money in human imagination. Before paper, there were barter system, commodity money, and metal money.

Bitcoin is a modern invention akin to 'unbreakable money,' a transition from physical to digital currency, akin to shifting from ritual to virtual/spiritual reality. More powerful than any government note, Bitcoin is virtual, with no physical form like the concept of Brahman in Hindu philosophy - neither form nor formless. Just as Brahman eludes definition, Bitcoin defies the conventional understanding of what currency should be – an ethereal presence, both everywhere and nowhere at once.

Unlike centralized government-issued paper currency, Bitcoin is decentralized, beyond any single government's control. If governments try to challenge it, draws strength, becoming more robust against these attacks (like the character Vali in the Ramayana, who gains half of his opponent strength). In the face of opposition, Bitcoin, too, adapts, like Mahishi taking many copies of herself to storm the Svargaloka/celestial world/heaven in Ayyappan mythological story.

Though invisible, Bitcoin's transactions are invincible, due to 'proof of work.'

Bitcoin encompasses thousands of years of monetary history, blockchain technology, cryptography, decentralization, Proof of Work (PoW), digital scarcity, trust in technology, investment psychology, supply and demand, inflation, monetary policy, open-source development, communication network, network consensus, game theory, philosophy, energy, software, legal frameworks, and financial innovation.

Governments might be compelled to embrace or replicate Bitcoin's methodology. It's nearly impossible to counterfeit, and its high divisibility allows for micro-transactions. It's accessible to the unbanked population, offering transparency and the ability for public auditing, reducing fraud and corruption. It also supports smart contracts within its ecosystem. You can send the money to remote parts in a remote continent who doesn't even have bank account. It is too difficult to accomplish with a fiat currency.

Bitcoin, limited to 21 million coins, creates 'digital gold,' an evolution of the gold standard used by civilizations like the Varna, Sumerians, Minoans, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who valued gold for its rarity and used it extensively.

Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, conducted using public addresses (a string of alphanumeric characters) rather than personal information like names or physical addresses. Every Bitcoin transaction is recorded on a public ledger and the transactions are linked to Bitcoin addresses, not directly to personal identities. Bitcoin transactions are traceable and permanently recorded on the blockchain without a identify disclosure. The system relies on cryptographic principles to secure transactions. With additional tools, users can further obfuscate the link between Bitcoin transactions and their real-world identities.

Bitcoin's immutability ensures the integrity of every transaction, offering zero-cost transactions even for large amounts, like a $2 billion transfer in August 2023.

El Salvador's decision to adopt Bitcoin aims to assist its 70% unbanked population and manage remittances, which comprise over 20% of its GDP, a path also followed by the Central African Republic.

Every individual on our planet has the potential to explore the wealth trillions of stars and planets in the universe. Learn how to swim and sail safely in the ocean of wealth/money. You cannot drink all the ocean of wealth but enjoy your shared journey in the ocean of wealth.