In this examination there will be the effort to examine the relation between the Buddhist and Hindu Goddess of Tārā in relation to Hindu goddesses such as Kālī, Durgā and Pārvatī. In a large view the dichotomy development of Kālī and Tārā will be the central point of this investigation, but Durgā and Pārvatī will also be mentioned in an elaborate way.
It will be important to get a connection to the worship of a goddess, allowing the reader to see how specific cults are worshipped in everyday life. There will be the attempt to demonstrate the range and irreducible complexity of feminine cults in Indian tradition, because there is a need to fix older and current researches on goddesses from different regional traditions in a quite valuable way. In order to ensure this development of specific goddesses, we need to focus the attention on the appearance of particular female cults.
There is a need to work with some written sources to investigate the depiction of such cults. That means the examination of several ancient Indian passages and also the delineation of elected sculptures. It needs to be clarified that this kind of operation is the only way to get countable results. But it might be difficult to find ‘early’ images of such goddesses as Kālī and Tārā in order to get a chronological overview. The establishment of a specific cult is linked with a system of some kind of a special myth building phenomenon. We must remember that we are working with legendary cults, text passages, (maybe failed) translations, images, sculptures and modern interpretations to get a survey of an ancient lifetime. In this extraordinary case it is important to understand a myth as an essential component of our (past) communication.
Table of Contents
- Myths and Cults as important part of the past communication
- द व , Devī – The great Goddess of the Hindus
- त र Tārā in Hinduism – The literary appearance
- त र Tārā in Buddhism – The literary appearance
- क ल h Kālī – The literary appearance
- द ग ‘ Durgā and प व त Pārvatī – The Consorts of Śiva
- The depiction - development of Tārā and Kālī
- Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to examine the relationship between the Buddhist goddess Tārā and Hindu goddesses such as Kālī, Durgā, and Pārvatī, focusing on their depiction and development. It explores the role of myths in shaping these cults and the broader social function of femininity in ancient Indian society.
- The role of myths and cults in past communication
- The development and depiction of female goddesses in Hinduism and Buddhism
- The comparison of Tārā with Kālī, Durgā, and Pārvatī
- The social function of femininity in ancient Indian society
- The influence of social and religious changes on the development of goddess cults
Chapter Summaries
Myths and Cults as important part of the past communication: This chapter establishes the importance of understanding myths as a crucial element of past communication. It argues that the study of goddess cults provides insight into the social role of women and the interplay between local and national religious traditions in ancient India. The author introduces the concept of reconstructing the function of specific goddesses and their cults, using the Indian subcontinent's rich portrayal of the divine feminine as a primary source.
द व , Devī – The great Goddess of the Hindus: This chapter explores Devī, the overarching Hindu goddess, highlighting her dual aspects of benevolence and fierceness, embodied in various forms like Uma, Pārvatī, Durgā, and Kālī. It emphasizes Devī's significance as the source of power for male deities and her role as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the cosmos, as depicted in the Devī Māhātmya. The chapter also delves into the iconography of Devī, emphasizing her representation with multiple arms and various symbolic objects.
त र Tārā in Hinduism – The literary appearance: This chapter examines Tārā's various interpretations in Hinduism, including her roles as wife, mother, and protector. It discusses her association with wisdom and her appearance in the list of Mahāvidyās, emphasizing the religious and linguistic barriers involved in understanding her diverse depictions across various regions and texts. The chapter explores the conflicting views on her origins, suggesting a possible connection to extra-Indian sources and the Tantrism.
त र Tārā in Buddhism – The literary appearance: This chapter focuses on Tārā's prominence in Tibetan Buddhism, where she is known as Dölma. It explores her relationship with Avalokiteshvara, her multiple forms, and the historical development of her cult, linking it to the introduction of Buddhism in Tibet and the influence of the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo's wives. The chapter also investigates the early references to Tārā in Buddhist texts and their implications, challenging the traditional timeframe of her cult's emergence.
क ल h Kālī – The literary appearance: This section delves into the depiction and interpretations of Kālī, the "black one," emphasizing her terrifying attributes and association with death and destruction. The chapter analyzes her role in various myths, highlighting her independent and ferocious nature in contrast to other goddesses. It explores her different epithets and forms, acknowledging her unexpected role as a guardian and protector in some local traditions.
द ग ‘ Durgā and प व त Pārvatī – The Consorts of Śiva: This chapter compares Durgā and Pārvatī, both consorts of Śiva, contrasting their independent and dependent roles, respectively. It analyzes Durgā's independent power as a warrior goddess and her role in combating demons, highlighting her significance as a symbol of female strength and autonomy. In contrast, Pārvatī's character is largely defined by her relationship with Śiva, emphasizing her role as a loving and devoted wife.
Keywords
Tārā, Kālī, Durgā, Pārvatī, Devī, Hinduism, Buddhism, Goddess cults, femininity, myth, iconography, Tibet, Bengal, social change, religious communication, Mahāvidyās, Tantrism, ancient India.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Goddesses in Hinduism and Buddhism
What is the main focus of this study?
This study examines the relationship between the Buddhist goddess Tārā and Hindu goddesses such as Kālī, Durgā, and Pārvatī. It focuses on their depiction and development, exploring the role of myths in shaping their cults and the broader social function of femininity in ancient Indian society.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the role of myths and cults in past communication, the development and depiction of female goddesses in Hinduism and Buddhism, a comparison of Tārā with Kālī, Durgā, and Pārvatī, the social function of femininity in ancient Indian society, and the influence of social and religious changes on the development of goddess cults.
Which goddesses are specifically discussed?
The study primarily focuses on Tārā, Kālī, Durgā, and Pārvatī, along with the overarching Hindu goddess Devī. The interrelationships and contrasts between these goddesses are central to the analysis.
What is the significance of myths and cults in this study?
Myths and cults are considered crucial elements of past communication. The study argues that analyzing goddess cults provides insights into the social roles of women and the interplay between local and national religious traditions in ancient India. The function of specific goddesses and their cults is reconstructed using the rich portrayal of the divine feminine in the Indian subcontinent.
How does the study approach the comparison of the goddesses?
The study compares and contrasts the goddesses, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of their roles, attributes, iconography, and development across different regions and time periods. For example, it contrasts the independent power of Durgā with Pārvatī's role as a devoted wife.
What is the role of Tārā in Hinduism and Buddhism?
The study examines Tārā's diverse interpretations in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, her roles as wife, mother, and protector are discussed, along with her association with wisdom. In Buddhism (particularly Tibetan Buddhism), her prominence as Dölma, her relationship with Avalokiteshvara, and the historical development of her cult are explored.
What are the key aspects of Kālī's depiction?
The study delves into Kālī's depiction as the "black one," emphasizing her terrifying attributes and association with death and destruction. However, it also acknowledges her unexpected role as a guardian and protector in some local traditions.
What is the significance of Durgā and Pārvatī?
Durgā and Pārvatī, both consorts of Śiva, are compared and contrasted. Durgā's independent power as a warrior goddess is highlighted, while Pārvatī's character is largely defined by her relationship with Śiva.
What are the overall conclusions of this study?
The study offers a comprehensive analysis of the development and depiction of these goddesses, highlighting the complex interplay of religious beliefs, social structures, and historical influences in shaping their cults and roles in ancient Indian society. The study likely concludes with an understanding of how the goddesses' development reflects the changing social and religious landscape of ancient India.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Tārā, Kālī, Durgā, Pārvatī, Devī, Hinduism, Buddhism, Goddess cults, femininity, myth, iconography, Tibet, Bengal, social change, religious communication, Mahāvidyās, Tantrism, ancient India.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Schopp (Author), 2015, The appearance of Buddha Tara and the comparison to Hindu goddesses, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463815
