<–2/”>a >The Bhakti Movement in Indian history represents a movement that popularized devotional surrender to a personally conceived supreme God. Its origins are traced to the Brahamanical and Buddhist traditions of ancient India. It was in south India that it grew from a religious tradition into a popular movement based on religious Equality and broad based social participation. The movement led by popular saints reached its climax in the 10 century A.D.
The development of Bhakti movement took place in Tamil Nadu between the seventh andtwelfth centuries. It was reflected in the emotional poems of the Nayanars (devotees of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu).
The Bhakti movement in India was characterized by:-
(i) the rejection of the then existing ritual hierarchy and Brahmanical superiority’
(ii) The use of vernacular or local language in preference to Sanskrit (the language of the elite)
(iii) the emergence of the low-caste non-literate’ persons like Rameja Dasar, Pillai Uranga, Villi Dasar and Kanak Dasar in the south and Kabir-2/”>Kabir, Raidas, and Dadu in the north as great spiritual leaders. There was large scale participation of peasantry, artisans, and other lower classes as well as of ritually inferior but economically powerful groups like merchants and craftsmen in these devotional movements.
The term bhakti is defined as “devotion” or passionate love for the Divine. Moksha or liberation from rebirth was not in the following of rules, regulations or societal ordering, it was through simple devotion to the Divine. Within the movement at large, useful distinctions have been made by contemporary scholars between those poet saints who composed verses extolling God with attributes or form, namely, “saguna” bhaktas, and, those extolling God without and beyond all attributes or form, “nirguna.”
Some of the famous Bhakti Saints are:-
- Ramanuja: Born in A.D. 1166 in a small town near Chenni (Madras), Ramanuja was a worshipper of Vishnu and preached Vaishnavism. He had a great following in the South. Ramananda: The greatest preacher of this cult in north India was Ramananda. He discarded all caste distinctions and his disciples belonged to all castes.
- Kabir: He was perhaps the most popular reformer of his times. He was a disciple of Ramananda. Kabir was against idol worship or any sort of rituals.
- Namdeva: He was a Maratha saint, born into a low family. He too believed in the oneness of God. He travelled far and wide and had discussions with the Sufis. A large number of Muslims also became his followers.
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: He was a religious teacher from Bengal and an ardent devotee of Lord
Krishna. HE travelled widely and popularized hymns sung in praise of Krishna. - Mirabai: Mirabai was a Rajput princess and a passionate devotee of Krishna. She preached in Brijbhasha, the common language of the people. Her song and verses are very popular even today.
- Guru Nanak : Nanaka was born in 1469 in the village to Talwandi. Presently the place is known as Nankana in the Sheikhupura district of West Punjab. His parents belonged to Khatri caste. His father Kalu was the Patwari of the village. Nanaka was educated in the village school.
- Vallabhacharya : Vallabhacharya was a Tailang Brahmin. He preached the worship of Vishnu in the form of Krishna. He was born in 1479 in the Telugu country. He visited Mathura, Vrindavan and many other sacred places and finally settled at Varanasi. The feeling of Bhakti or devotion can be traced back to the Rig Veda. It is the very first hymn of the Rig Veda, which gives expression to a feeling of intimacy with the highest god. In the Katha Upanisad it is said that the divine help, which is the reward to Bhakti, is necessary before one can be saved.
‘Sufism’ is a term used to refer to mystical religious ideas in Islam. It had evolved into a well developed movement by the 11 century. Sufis, Stress on the importance of traversing the path of the Sufi pir enabling one to establish a direct communion with the divine. Sufism or mysticism emerged in the 8 century and among the early known Sufis were Rabia al-Adawiya, Al-Junaid and Bayazid Bastami.
Sufism is deeply rooted with Islam and its development began in the late 7th and 8th centuries. The Sufis love their creator, cherish the desire of His closeness and follow His path. According to Islam, there are two types of service. Throughout the night, they remain in prayer, meditation and contemplation of Allah and throughout the day, they
serve His creatures especially human beings.
The following fundamental Principles of Sufism are found in Islam:-
i. Kashf is a source of knowledge.
ii. God is unique, eternal and all-pervading.
iii. The world is transitory.
iv. God is near to His creatures.
The khanqah (the hospice) was the center of activities of the various sufis orders.The khanqah was led by shaikh, pir or murshid (teacher) who lived with his murids (disciples). In time the Khanqahs emerged as important centres of Learning and preaching. By the twelfth century the sufis were organized in silsilahs (orders). The word silsila meant chain and it represented signifying an unbreakable chain between the pir and the murid. With the death of the pir his tomb or shrine the dargah became a centre for his disciples and followers.
The major silisilahs in India were the Chisti, Qadri, Naqshbandi and Suharwardy Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari gave a list of all that existed during his time, with some details leading Sufis
The Chishti order was founded in a village called Khwaja Chishti (near Herat). In India, the Chishti Silsilah was founded by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (born c. 1142) who came to India around 1192. He made Ajmer the main centre for his teaching. He believed that serving mankind was the best form of devotion and therefore he worked amongst the downtrodden.
Suharwardi Silsila entered India at the same time as the Chishtis and its activities were confined to the Punjab and Multan.It was established in India by Bahauddin Zakanya. The Most well-known saints were Shaikh shihabuddin Suharwadi and Hamidud-din Nagori.
Naqshbandi Silsilah was established in India by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi. From the beginning the mystics of this Order stressed on the observance of the shariat and denounced all innovations or biddat. Sheikh Baqi Billah the successor to Khawaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi settled near Delhi, and his successor Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi attempted to purge Islam from all liberal and what he believed were ‘UN-Islamic’ practices. He opposed the listening of sama (religious music) and the practice of pilgrimage to the tombs of saints.,
Sufism
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the inner search for God. It is a way of life that seeks to unite the individual with the divine through love, devotion, and knowledge.
Sufism has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of Islam. The first Sufis were known as the “People of the Way” (ahl al-tariqa), and they were dedicated to following the path of spiritual perfection.
Sufi practices vary widely, but they all share a common goal: to achieve union with God. Some Sufis focus on meditation and contemplation, while others engage in physical exercises such as dancing or whirling. Still others devote themselves to service to others, believing that this is the best way to express their love for God.
Sufi beliefs are also diverse, but they all center on the idea of tawhid, or the oneness of God. Sufis believe that God is the only reality, and that everything else is an illusion. They also believe that the human soul is made of the same Light as God, and that our purpose in life is to return to our true home in the divine.
Sufi poetry is one of the most beautiful and expressive forms of Islamic literature. Sufi poets use their words to express their love for God, their longing for union with the divine, and their insights into the nature of reality.
Sufi orders are groups of Sufis who follow a particular teacher or lineage. There are many different Sufi orders, each with its own unique practices and beliefs. Some of the most well-known Sufi orders include the Naqshbandiyya, the Chishtiya, and the Mevleviya.
Sufi saints are revered figures who are believed to have achieved a high level of spiritual realization. Sufi saints are often said to have miraculous powers, and they are often consulted for guidance and spiritual advice.
Sufi music is a beautiful and soulful form of music that is used to express love for God. Sufi music often features instruments such as the rabab, the dulcimer, and the flute.
Sufi art is a rich and diverse form of art that expresses the spiritual insights of Sufis. Sufi art includes painting, calligraphy, and architecture.
Sufi architecture is a beautiful and unique form of architecture that is often used to house Sufi shrines and mosques. Sufi architecture is characterized by its use of geometric patterns, intricate tilework, and domes.
Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement was a Hindu devotional movement that began in the 6th century CE. The movement emphasized the importance of personal devotion to God, rather than ritual or ceremony.
The Bhakti movement was influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God. The movement also drew on the teachings of the Upanishads, which emphasize the unity of the individual soul with the divine.
The Bhakti movement was particularly popular among the lower castes in India, who were often excluded from the Vedic rituals and ceremonies. The movement offered these groups a way to express their devotion to God and to achieve spiritual liberation.
The Bhakti movement produced a rich literature of devotional poetry and songs. Some of the most famous Bhakti poets include Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas.
The Bhakti movement also had a significant impact on Indian art and architecture. Many temples and shrines were built during the Bhakti movement, and these buildings often feature beautiful depictions of Hindu deities.
The Bhakti movement continues to be an important force in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism today. The movement’s emphasis on personal devotion and the unity of the individual soul with the divine continues to resonate with many Hindus.
What is Sufism?
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the inner search for God. It is often characterized by its focus on love, devotion, and the unity of all beings.
What is Bhakti?
Bhakti is a Hindu devotional tradition that emphasizes the importance of personal love and devotion to God. It is often characterized by its focus on singing, dancing, and other forms of ecstatic worship.
What are the similarities between Sufism and Bhakti?
Both Sufism and Bhakti are mystical traditions that emphasize the inner search for God. They both place a high value on love, devotion, and the unity of all beings.
What are the differences between Sufism and Bhakti?
Sufism is a tradition within Islam, while Bhakti is a tradition within Hinduism. Sufism emphasizes the importance of the Quran and the Sunnah, while Bhakti emphasizes the importance of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. Sufism is often characterized by its use of Arabic poetry and music, while Bhakti is often characterized by its use of Sanskrit poetry and music.
What are the contributions of Sufism and Bhakti to world culture?
Sufism and Bhakti have both made significant contributions to world culture. Sufism has influenced the development of Islamic art, music, and literature. Bhakti has influenced the development of Hindu art, music, and literature. Both Sufism and Bhakti have also had a significant impact on the development of world religions.
What are the challenges facing Sufism and Bhakti today?
Sufism and Bhakti are both facing challenges today. One challenge is the rise of fundamentalism in both Islam and Hinduism. Fundamentalism is often hostile to mysticism and devotional traditions. Another challenge is the secularization of Society. In many parts of the world, people are becoming less religious and more interested in material things. This can make it difficult for Sufism and Bhakti to attract new followers.
What is the future of Sufism and Bhakti?
The future of Sufism and Bhakti is uncertain. However, both traditions have a long history of resilience and adaptation. It is possible that they will continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Sufism?
(A) It is a mystical tradition within Islam.
(B) It emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God.
(C) It is often associated with music and dance.
(D) It is a formal branch of Islam with its own set of beliefs and practices.
Answer (D)
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God. It is often associated with music and dance, and it is not a formal branch of Islam with its own set of beliefs and practices.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Bhakti movement?
(A) It is a devotional movement within Hinduism.
(B) It emphasizes the importance of personal devotion to a particular deity.
(C) It is often associated with the use of vernacular languages in religious texts and practices.
(D) It is a formal branch of Hinduism with its own set of beliefs and practices.
Answer (D)
The Bhakti movement is a devotional movement within Hinduism that emphasizes the importance of personal devotion to a particular deity. It is often associated with the use of vernacular languages in religious texts and practices, and it is not a formal branch of Hinduism with its own set of beliefs and practices.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a similarity between Sufism and the Bhakti movement?
(A) Both emphasize the importance of personal devotion to God.
(B) Both are often associated with music and dance.
(C) Both have been influential in shaping the development of their respective religions.
(D) Both are formal branches of their respective religions with their own set of beliefs and practices.
Answer (D)
Sufism and the Bhakti movement are both mystical traditions that emphasize the importance of personal devotion to God. They are also both often associated with music and dance. However, Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam, while the Bhakti movement is a devotional movement within Hinduism. As such, they are not formal branches of their respective religions with their own set of beliefs and practices.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a difference between Sufism and the Bhakti movement?
(A) Sufism is typically practiced in Arabic, while the Bhakti movement is typically practiced in vernacular languages.
(B) Sufism is often associated with the use of music and dance, while the Bhakti movement is not.
(C) Sufism is typically practiced by men, while the Bhakti movement is typically practiced by Women.
(D) Sufism is typically practiced in urban areas, while the Bhakti movement is typically practiced in rural areas.
Answer (C)
Sufism is typically practiced by both men and women. The other Options are all differences between Sufism and the Bhakti movement.