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Expiatory Rites in Keralite Tantra

by T. S. Syamkumar | 2017 | 59,416 words

This page relates ‘Expiatory Rites in Buddhism� of the study on Expiatory Rites in Sanskrit literature and ancient Indian religion and society, with special reference to Keralite Tantra. Further references to texts include those found in Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism as well as Dharmashastra literature. This study also investigates temple records and inscriptions of Kerala in order to demonstrate the connection between social life and expiatory rites and its evolution.

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Buddhism was a vital religion spread in India and the subcontinent in opposition to the Vedic and Brahminic religious power. Buddhism has little to discuss on expiation in its early stage. However, in later periods the concept of Karma, and ʰⲹśٳٲ attain a plentiful position in Buddhist religion. The word Pācittiya included in վԲⲹ辱ṭa첹 stands for expiation for the offences to be atoned by confession coupled with the forfeit of the things wrongfully acquired.[1] No bodily degradation is prescribed in վԲⲹ辱ṭa첹 for cleansing the sins due to the consumption of inedible things and other misbehaviors. ī󲹲Ծⲹ suggests Tapas as a way to acquire relief of sin.[2] The Buddhist religion has given importance to expiation mainly in their ascetic life. The Buddhist canons have not described expiatory rites in rituals and related ceremonies. Mostly they practiced this expiation for a good moral conduct and dignity in social life. The impact of Karma theory is found in the Buddhist concept of expiation. However, it is different from that of the Brahmanical Karma theory based on caste system.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

Cf. Horner, I.B., trans., The Book of the Discipline (վԲⲹ辱ṭa첹), Vol. II, ch. XXV, VII, XII, Published for the Pali text Society by Luzac &company LTD, London, 1938, 1940, 1949. Here Yuvaraj Krishan notes that the etymology of the word Pācittiya is doubtful though some scholars equate it with Prāyaścittika of Buddhist hybrid Sanskrit, Yuvaraj Krishan, op.cit., p. 376, fn. 14.

[2]:

ī󲹲Ծⲹ, 2.4.

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