Tulsidas
Tulsidas was the most important poet of the Rama Bhakti school. The wave of the Bhakti Movement spear-headed in the North by Ramananda may have influenced Tulsidas. But to Ramananda it was irrelevant whether the devotee was a Nirguna or Saguna Bhakta so long as he followed Ramananda’s preaching and had religious fervour. His disciples were free to interpret Rama in any manner they liked so long as they felt drawn towards Him as an object of worship and devotion.
Among the different Bhakti schools, the most prominent were the Nirguna and Saguna. Nirguna School believed in formless God, whereas those belonging to Saguna worshipped a personal God with a form. Kabir-2/”>Kabir who founded the Nirguna School of Bhakti conceived Rama as a formless God whereas Tulsidas and his followers worshipped Rama as Saguna God taking into account His divine.
Even the Nirguna School of Bhakti was split into two groups – those who believed in ‘gyan’ (knowledge) and had an intellectual approach to devotion and those who believed in love and attachment, and total surrender to God for attaining Him. Those who followed the latter path were the Sufis or mystics. The Saguna School of Bhakti also branched into two directions, one devoted to ‘Rama’ and the other for ‘Krishna’. The former school of saint poets was led by Tulsidas and the latter by Surdas. Thus in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism the three schools of Bhakti which produced poetry of highest order was Kabir, Surdas and Tulsidas, besides the Sufis.
The magnum opus of Tulsidas is, however, Ramcharitmanas in Hindi or Avadhi. It is the life story of Rama as narrated by Valmiki in his Ramayana with slight modifications. The Manas has been adjudged as the best work in Hindi literature with devotion as the theme and, as one of the best Epics in any tongue anywhere. It presents Rama as an ideal man in all respects, viz. as a son, brother, husband, friend, warrior and a king.
For Tulsidas Rama was an incarnation of God (Vishnu) Himself. No other book has made such a deep impact on the minds of the people in the North. Many scholars and even foreign critics have gone to the extent of comparing ‘Manas’ (Tulsidas) with Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. According to H.C. Kala, both believed in a life with spirituality and truth as the dominant note, struggle between good and evil, and ultimate triumph of god over evil. Both have a classical theme and subject; Tulsidas narrated the story of Rama and Ravana, and Milton having made us of Adam and Eve.
In his beautiful verse of couplets in rhyme (dohas), Tulsidas has described the greatness of Rama and also the characterization of Bharat, Sita, Lakshman and Kaushalya superbly. Equally fascinating is the collection of poems in Vinaya Patrika and Kavitavalli. When Tulsidas abandoned home and became an ascetic, he is said to have spent fourteen years visiting numerous sacred places of pilgrimage. One of the moving descriptions by Tulsidas in the Manas is that of Chitrakoot which Rama, Lakshman and Sita passed during their exile.
A most touching incident about Tulsidas and Chitrakoot tells us about his unfathomable love for Lord Rama. It is said at this crowded Chitrakoot Ghat Tulsidas sat making the paste of sandalwood waiting for the ‘darshan’ of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman who were to visit there. But actually when the Trio came to his counter and stood in front of him, Tulsidas was so engrossed in his love for making the paste for his Rama that he doesn’t look up!,
Tulsidas was a 16th-century Indian poet and saint who is considered one of the greatest writers in the Hindi language. He is best known for his epic poem Ramacharitamanasa, which tells the story of Rama, one of the most important figures in Hinduism.
Tulsidas’s teachings are based on the principles of Vaishnavism, a Hindu sect that worships Vishnu, one of the three main deities in Hinduism. Vaishnavism emphasizes devotion to God, love and compassion, humility, patience, fortitude, truthfulness, non-violence, charity, self-control, contentment, peacefulness, happiness, freedom from attachment, wisdom, knowledge, meditation, devotional service, renunciation, and self-realization.
Tulsidas’s teachings have had a profound impact on Hindu thought and practice. His emphasis on devotion to God and love and compassion has inspired millions of people around the world. His teachings on humility, patience, fortitude, truthfulness, non-violence, charity, self-control, contentment, peacefulness, happiness, freedom from attachment, wisdom, knowledge, meditation, devotional service, renunciation, and self-realization provide a roadmap for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Devotion to God is the foundation of Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that God is the supreme being and that all life is interconnected. He taught that by devoting oneself to God, one can achieve salvation.
Love and compassion are also central to Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that all beings are equal and that we should treat each other with love and compassion. He taught that we should forgive those who have wronged us and that we should help those in need.
Humility is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should be humble and not boast about our accomplishments. He taught that we should be grateful for what we have and that we should help others who are less fortunate.
Patience is also important in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should be patient in the face of adversity. He taught that we should not give up on our goals and that we should persevere through difficult times.
Fortitude is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should be strong and courageous in the face of challenges. He taught that we should not be afraid to stand up for what we believe in and that we should never give up hope.
Truthfulness is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should always tell the truth, even when it is difficult. He taught that lying is a sin and that it can lead to negative consequences.
Non-violence is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should never harm another living being. He taught that violence is never the answer and that we should always seek peaceful solutions to conflict.
Charity is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should give to those in need. He taught that we should share our wealth with others and that we should help those who are less fortunate.
Self-control is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should control our thoughts, words, and actions. He taught that we should not let our emotions control us and that we should always act in a way that is beneficial to others.
Contentment is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should be happy with what we have. He taught that we should not compare ourselves to others and that we should be grateful for the blessings in our lives.
Peacefulness is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should strive to live in peace with ourselves and with others. He taught that we should forgive those who have wronged us and that we should let go of anger and resentment.
Happiness is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we can achieve happiness by living a life of virtue. He taught that we should be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
Freedom from attachment is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that we should not be attached to material possessions or to people. He taught that we should let go of our attachments and that we should focus on the spiritual realm.
Wisdom is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that wisdom is the key to a happy and fulfilling life. He taught that we should seek knowledge and understanding and that we should use our wisdom to help others.
Knowledge is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that knowledge is power. He taught that we should seek knowledge in all areas of life and that we should use our knowledge to improve ourselves and the world around us.
Meditation is another important value in Tulsidas’s teachings. He believed that meditation is the key to inner peace.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about ethical values:
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What are ethical values?
Ethical values are principles that guide our behavior and help us make decisions about what is right and wrong. They are based on our beliefs about what is important in life and what we believe is good for ourselves and others. -
Why are ethical values important?
Ethical values are important because they help us live a good life. They provide us with a moral compass that helps us make decisions that are in line with our beliefs and values. They also help us build strong relationships with others and create a positive and healthy Society. -
What are some examples of ethical values?
Some examples of ethical values include honesty, Integrity, respect, compassion, fairness, and responsibility. -
How can we develop ethical values?
We can develop ethical values by Learning about them, practicing them, and reflecting on our own behavior. We can also learn from the examples of others who live by strong ethical values. -
What are some challenges to living by ethical values?
One challenge to living by ethical values is that it can be difficult to know what is right and wrong in every situation. There are often no easy answers, and we may have to make difficult choices. Another challenge is that living by ethical values can sometimes be costly. We may have to sacrifice our own interests or the interests of others in order to do what is right. -
What are some benefits of living by ethical values?
There are many benefits to living by ethical values. Ethical people are more likely to be happy and satisfied with their lives. They are also more likely to have strong relationships with others and to be successful in their careers. Ethical people also make a positive contribution to society. -
What are some examples of people who have lived by ethical values?
Some examples of people who have lived by ethical values include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Teresa. These people were all committed to social Justice and to helping others. They were also willing to sacrifice their own comfort and safety in order to do what they believed was right. -
What are some ways to promote ethical values in society?
There are many ways to promote ethical values in society. We can teach children about ethical values at home and in school. We can also set a good example by living our own lives according to ethical values. We can also support organizations that promote ethical values, such as Charities and social justice groups.
Here are some MCQs on the topics of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita:
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Who is the author of the Ramayana?
(A) Valmiki
(B) Vyasa
(C) Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa
(D) Tulsidas -
Who is the main protagonist of the Ramayana?
(A) Rama
(B) Krishna
(C) Arjuna
(D) Yudhishthira -
Who is the main antagonist of the Ramayana?
(A) Ravana
(B) Duryodhana
(C) Karna
(D) Shakuni -
What is the central theme of the Ramayana?
(A) The triumph of good over evil
(B) The importance of dharma
(C) The power of love
(D) The importance of family -
Who is the author of The Mahabharata?
(A) Valmiki
(B) Vyasa
(C) Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa
(D) Tulsidas -
Who is the main protagonist of the Mahabharata?
(A) Arjuna
(B) Yudhishthira
(C) Krishna
(D) Karna -
Who is the main antagonist of the Mahabharata?
(A) Duryodhana
(B) Karna
(C) Shakuni
(D) Dronacharya -
What is the central theme of the Mahabharata?
(A) The triumph of good over evil
(B) The importance of dharma
(C) The power of love
(D) The importance of family -
Who is the author of the Bhagavad Gita?
(A) Valmiki
(B) Vyasa
(C) Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa
(D) Tulsidas -
Who is the main protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita?
(A) Arjuna
(B) Krishna
(C) Duryodhana
(D) Karna -
Who is the main antagonist of the Bhagavad Gita?
(A) Arjuna
(B) Krishna
(C) Duryodhana
(D) Karna -
What is the central theme of the Bhagavad Gita?
(A) The triumph of good over evil
(B) The importance of dharma
(C) The power of love
(D) The importance of family -
What is the significance of the monkey god Hanuman in the Ramayana?
(A) He is Rama’s loyal servant and friend.
(B) He helps Rama to rescue Sita from Ravana.
(C) He is a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion.
(D) All of the above. -
What is the significance of the peacock in the Mahabharata?
(A) It is the vehicle of the god Krishna.
(B) It is a symbol of beauty and grace.
(C) It is a symbol of the Kuru clan.
(D) All of the above. -
What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita?
(A) It is a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on the eve of the Kurukshetra War.
(B) It is a Hindu scripture that deals with the nature of dharma and the importance of action.
(C) It is one of the most important texts in Hinduism.
(D) All of the above.