Tirtha Kunda - Our Resource Pool

What the words mean

The "tirtha" symbol is typically associated with fords or shallow stretches of water that make for easy crossing from shore to shore and kunda (bowl, pit, pool, pond) is the suffix used to describe sacred pools and tanks, as also the depressed structure used for making  ritual fire offerings.




We are trying to build this page as a reference pool for our vistors. It will continue to be a work in progress ... dip in and I'm sure you'll find something that helps your understanding.




And don't hesitate to share if you have something of value to put into the pool!

Creative India



Tantra

This fascinating website is a melting pot of different cultural perspectives on the esoteric. Many of the definitions here will get you thinking. It would be a good idea however, to independently cross-check the explanations, as absolutely no references are cited via links or otherwise.


Deities - Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig
"Avalokiteshvara, the merciful, is also called Padmapani. A transformation of this bodhisattva took place in China. As if in honor of his powers of love, the Chinese Buddhists portrayed him as a woman, the goddess Kuan-Yin, who cradles the symbol of the soul in her arms and resembles the Virgin Mary. In contrast to this concrete effigy, India sees this sympathetic savior as a cosmic being who takes countless shapes"


Spiral Motifs



Kundalini - The Divine Feminine

Worth noting: Kundalini awakening is often said to be very dangerous, accompanied by tremendous heat and pain. Such is the discovery of those who have experimented in a recklessly naive or unauthorised manner, and particularly when they have tried to associate her awakening with sex. In such cases, the chakra which guards the innocence of Kundalini, the Mooladhara chakra, acts against this violation by generating waves of heat. 

Rock Art

Some could even be 80000 years before present!!
Don't miss the omnipresent spiral.


Mythology

Ganapati legends
This page is particularly interesting because of the ready links with a Glossary. It seems like an authentic source. Tell us what you think.


Symbology



Archaeology


4 comments:

  1. This is a good idea. I think these are a great aid to our understanding of our rich Indian culture. I especially liked the 'Tantra' link. The details on 'tattvas' given there is beautiful. Everything is explained in a proper order which makes more sense. Thanks. It is a great read for ones who are interested in understanding the philosophy behind Indian Mythology.

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  2. I'm trying to update it with information that can clarify the vague and often mistaken notions that people have about esoteric concepts. Check out the Kundalini link.

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  3. Kundalini was my favorite part. I am waiting eagerly for more links on femininity in Indian spiritual context. :-)

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  4. The season for celebrating the Divine Feminine is just around the corner. What better time for posting on this topic? We will, soon!

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