Metaphors and Tropes

Distinguishing Feature of every civilization

 Does these talk?

Yes, these representations TALK ALOUD but SILENTLY to able us understand and imbibe.

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 “
A PICTURE TALKS MORE THAN
1000 WORDS!!

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 What are
▧
SYMBOLS??
SYMBOLISM is the art of representing ideas, objects, processes, etc. through signs or symbols.
▧ A thing or representation which typifies or recalls something naturally by possession of analogous qualities is called a
SYMBOLS.
▧ There are 3 kinds of symbols : Ideograms, Pictograms and arbitrary designs.
▧ Symbols are not only visual symbols, but include all the varied forms of representing a concept symbolically. This can include
a sound symbol, an image, a gesture, an object, a certain behaviour, etc.

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 Do we need Symbolism?
▧ A symbol is a concrete thing which every man can see and
remember. If he understands its inner significance well, the
symbolic representation does not interfere with his
understanding of the truth.
▧ He could visualize easily and through which he could
associate the truths of the inner life in his mind in an
integrated form or composite mental image.
▧ A symbol, therefore, satisfies very effectively both these
needs (an image and ideas) and may be considered as a very
happy synthesis of the concrete and the abstract.

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 Do we need Symbolism?
▧ When the deeper truths of spiritual life are really beyond the grasp of the normal mind, as they are
matters of direct realization in the deeper states of consciousness, the Rishis presented the
knowledge of spiritual and philosophical concepts in the simplest form of symbols.
▧ The truths hidden behind the symbols are so magnificent and of such deep import that devotion
should become strengthened and not weakened on understanding the inner significance of
the symbols.
▧ The understanding of the inner significance of the symbolic form does not deprive us of the form
(the dieties) to which we may have become attached. It ensouls that form with a new life. This is
a necessary step in our progressive realization of the reality hidden behind the symbol, "I ".

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 Need of Symbolism

Knowing Inner-
Image consciousness Idea

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Symbols of Indian Culture
Lets scroll through few common symbols of Indian culture!

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1. Omkara or Pranava
Meditate on the profound meaning of the Omkara!

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 OMKARA
▧ Sacred Om is believed to be the visual depiction of the cosmic sound
from which the universe originated. It is the syllable from which all
matter and space originate.
▧ It consists of three syllables –‘A’ kara, ‘U’ kara and ‘M’ kara.
▧ The Vedas declare that all mantras condense into the Gayatri mantra,
the most powerful of all mantras and in turn the Gayatri mantra
condenses into the Omkara and finally the Omkara merges into
Brahman.
▧ It represents the condensed essence of all sound vibrations of the
universe and hence also called as ‘Sabda Brahman’ or ‘Nada
Brahman’ (sound form of Brahman).
▧ Om is also depicted as the true form of Ganesha, the deity of
auspiciousness and good fortune as well as wisdom, knowledge and
learning.

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 2. Swastika
Create well-being and Auspiciousness!

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 Swastika
Meaning & Origin
▧ The definition of Swastika is Su astika –that which is associated
with well-being or auspiciousness. It denotes the sun’s energy and
munificence.
▧ It is an ancient 5,000 yr old symbol found in many of the seals of
the Indus-Saraswati Civilization. It symbolizes Samsara (wheel) &
Misconception
Brahman (unchanging centre).
▧ Swastika is another popular symbol of Indian
▧ Indians draw the Swastika in vermillion on business documents culture which has travelled all over the world.
and festive and bridal clothes for good luck and fortune. They ▧ The Swastika became a familiar motif to
paint it on walls and thresholds of houses to energise the Westerners when it was popularized as, "Nazis
environment and they draw it on full pots during weddings and adopted it to symbolize".
sacraments of worship as a symbol of luck and to ward off evil.

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 Appropriation of Swastika
• It is a common misconception that Hitler used the Swastika
symbol. But Hitler himself never used the
word "Swastika" to refer to his symbol. He called it
“Hooked Cross”(“Haken Kreuz”).
• It can be easily seen that Hooked Cross is NOT swastika.
Image of the union of cross and the The Nazi hooked-cross was generally tilted 45 degrees from
hooked cross used by the churches in the horizontal and always oriented in the "S" letter direction
the nazi era. for their "socialism" whereas Swastika sits flat to the base.

Cross and hooked cross carved in

walls of Lalibela Church SYMBOL in Lambach Abbey Christian monastery

To find: What could have been the reason for this spread of MISCONCEPTION?

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3. Shiva Lingam
The Formless Form!

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 Shiva Lingam
▧ The ancient mark or symbol of Eeswara.
▧ The ellipsoid, Shiva Lingam serves as a perfect natural
symbol of that Reality which is known as the Shiva-Shakthi
tattva in Sanatana Dharma. The word linga in
Sanskrit meaning symbol or emblem.
▧ The elliptical stone is a formless form representing
Paramasiva and the pitha, pedestal, represents Siva’s
manifest Parashakti.
▧ Today scientists say that the universe is egg shaped. In India,
for thousands of years, the universe was referred to as
‘Brahmandam’, meaning great egg. The ‘Shivalinga’ is a
microcosm of that vast cosmic egg

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 Amma on Shiva Lingam
Amma's words:
''The meaning of word linga is the place of dissolution. The universe arises out
of the linga and finally dissolves into it. The word Shiva means
‘auspiciousness’. Auspiciousness does not have a form. By worshipping Shiva
Lingam, a symbol of auspiciousness, the worshipper receives auspiciousness.
The Shiva is the motionless principle underlying every movement in
the universe, while Shakti is the power that is cause of all movement. The
Shivalinga is the symbol of unity of ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shakti’. The ‘Shivalinga,
illustrates that ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shakti’ are not two, but one and the same. This is
relevant in family life as well. The husband and wife should be of one mind. If
the man is the support of the family, the woman is the Shakti, the strength
of family. There is probably no other symbol of equality and love between a
man and woman."

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4. Nataraja
The Lord of Dance!

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 Nataraja
▧ Nataraja is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, he represents mastery over all art forms,
particularly music and dance.
▧ It combines in a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe
and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time.
▧ Every part of the Nataraja form is suffused with symbolism:
• Upper Right HandDamaru –Nada, Creation etc.
• Upper Left Hand –Flame of Destruction
• Lower Right Hand –Abhaya Hasta -Boon of Protection & Fearlessness
• Lower Left Hand –Gaja Hasta –Viveka or Discrimination
• Right Foot –Jnana –placed on ApasmaraPurusha (Ignorance, Slipping of awareness)
• Elevated Left Foot –Moksha
▧ The famous Nuclear Scientist Fritj of Capra in his book “The Tao of Physics”, describes the
Nataraja as the dance of sub atomic pa rticles, the ever changing cosmic rhythm.

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 5. Lotus
Sacred Flower!

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 Lotus
▧ The symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram).
▧ With its birth in unclean moss-infested water bodies, the lotus is a symbol of "spontaneous"
generation of beauty. It represents divine birth, spiritual development and creation itself. It also
symbolizes one should strive to remain pure within, under all circumstances
▧ As is seen from images, the lotus rises out of Vishnu’s navel and holds Brahma, the creator. This
is why, Vishnu is called Padmanabh. Divine knowledge is often compared to a lotus opening
itself petal by petal.
▧ The lotus blooms with the rising sun. Similarly, the mind opens up and expand with the light of
knowledge.
▧ The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of
wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.

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6. Sankha (Conch)
Jewel from Samudra Mathan!

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 Sankha or Conch shell
▧ When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. All
knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om.
▧ Thus, the sound symbolizes the cosmic music of the universe.
▧ The conch blown by Lord Krishna is called Panchajanya. Thus, before all
rituals, the blowing of the Sankha announces the victory of the divine energy.
The sound of the conch (Sankhanaada) is therefore considered auspicious
elevate people’s minds to a prayerful attitude.
▧ The Sankha is one of the four sacred objects that Vishnu holds in his hand,
symbolizing dharma (righteousness).
▧ Thus, the conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as
a symbol of Naada Brahma (God in the form of Sound), Om, the Vedas,
dharma, victory and auspiciousness.

Krishna blowing Panchjanya, 8th CE, Nalanda museum

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 7. Ochre
Color of Renunciation!

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 Ochre - Sanyasa
▧ Our Indian culture from ancient times carried the legacy of
initiating disciples into Sanyasa by a Guru Parampara or
monastic lineage.
▧ The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word “Sannyasa” is –
complete (or perfect) renunciation. Thus, a Sannyasi is a
person who has renounced all selfish desires and works for
the benefit of the world. The aim of Sannyasa is “आत्मनो
मोक्षार्थम् जगत् हिताय च ||” (Atmano mokshartham, jagat hitaya
cha) which means “for the liberation of the individual and for
the good of the world''.
▧ The disciple who is initiated into Sanyasa wears an ochre-
coloured robe.
▧ The Ochre cloth symbolizes the color of fire
to contemplate the meaning, going beyond body
to complete renunciation.
▧ Knowledge is compared to Fire because Fire has
the nature to flame up even held upside down.
▧ Also, the Agna chakra, which is represented
in ochre colour is the chakra of knowing or
enlightenment is known as the third eye.
▧ Thus, signifying the importance of ochre colour
to Sanyasa.

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 “
“For a genuine Sannyasi, the whole world is a garden and each individual is a
flower therein. Such a person belongs to the whole world and has no particular
caste, creed, sect or religion. Everyone has equal rights to the Sannyasi.
Everyone is equal in his eyes."
“A Sannyasi is a real servant of the world. In fact, he or she is the only one who
serves and loves the world without expecting anything in return."
- Amma
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 Gestures are also
Symbols!
Let's understand few Gestures as Symbols of Indian culture

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1. Tilakam
Point of Focus!
 Significance of Tilakam
▧ One of the noticeable and prominent external symbol in Sanatana Dharma culture is applying Tilak.
▧ The tilak is of great spiritual consequence to Hindus. It is applied on the forehead between the brows, a point of
immense power, piety and also the seat of memory and thinking.
▧ The spot where it is applied is where the body’s most important chakra rests — the Ajna chakra. Our body has
seven key chakras, energy centres. These chakras are a source of tremendous power. The Ajna chakra is particularly
sacred, as it is the point of confluence of the three main nadis — ida, pingala and shusumna. Therefore, it is also
reverentially called Triveni or sangam.
▧ It is said that when tilak is applied, the pressure activates the chakra to help us focus during meditation. One cannot
bring the mind to a tranquil state just by applying tilak. But the tilak is a medium. It is a point of focus from where
one can tap to channelize and control their thoughts.
▧ Thus, spiritual masters initiate new seekers into the fold by applying tilak, invoking and awakening the divine light
within. Without a guru, one may not have this subtle experience. Yet, such is the power of this auspicious spot that
even a restless mind can be trained to relax, simply by focusing on the Ajna chakra.

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▧
Tilakam
The colour and shape of the tilak also signified
different sectors of society, the deity one worship
etc.
▧ The three substances generally used for tilakam are
sacred ash, sandal paste and saffron powder.
▧ Sacred ash represents the presence and protection of
Shiva, sandal paste represents that of Vishnu and
saffron or vermillion that of Devi.
▧ Tilka is also practiced in many part of India as a
gesture of greeting.
▧ The tilakam is applied with the prayer –“May I
remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade
all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds.”

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2. Om Namah Shivaya
Greetings!

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 Om Namah Shivaya

▧When we greet another with folded palms and bowing down of the head, it is a gracious form of
extending friendship in love and humility.
▧Let us understand the meaning of the chant:
Om: Before the Universe, there was void of vibrations and pure existence. Out of the vibration came the
sound of ‘Om’ and the universe was formed.
Namah: Means to bow
Shivaya: Means Shiva or inner-self.
▧In general Om Namah Shivaya means “I Bow down to Shiva”. In a way, it means bowing down to your
inner-self as Shiva resides in all, as own consciousness.
▧The greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper
communion with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

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 “
“Why do we say “Om Namah Shivaya” when we greet people? “Om
Namah Shivaya” means “Salutations to Shiva (the Auspicious One).”
Every human being in this world is a part of God. So when we say
“Om Namah Shivaya” to someone, we are saying to that person, “I
greet the Divinity within you, and I want you to know that I love and
respect that Divinity.
- Amma

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3. Lighting the Lamp
Darkness to Light!

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 Why not light a bulb or tube light?

▧ Bulb or tubelight would also remove darkness. But the

traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance.
▧ Light symbolizes knowledge and darkness as ignorance.
▧ The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or
▧ The Lord is the Chaitanya, the illuminator of all knowledge. negative tendencies and the wick, the ego.
Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.
▧ When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly
▧ Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes exhausted and the ego too finally perishes.
darkness.
▧ The flame of a lamp always burns upwards. Similarly, we
▧ Knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards
achievement can be accomplished. Hence, we light the lamp higher ideals.
to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of
wealth.

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 Conclusion:
▧ These symbols help to clarify complex, abstract ideas and concepts to the simple Indian
mind. They originated in the ancient treatises of Sanatana Dharma, the Vedas and the
itihasas which are the epitomes of Indian culture and consciousness.
▧ It is incredible that these symbols have remained changeless and sacrosanct for almost
5000 years.
▧ They are used in the daily life of an Indian family often without a deep understanding of
their meaning or their long and unbroken tradition which has made these symbols an
integral part of India’s design treasure.

▧ And the fact that the wisdom and knowledge have and have been effective in
keeping alive spiritual traditions and conceptions shows the wisdom of our Rishis (sages)
who devised this popular method of spreading and transmitting ideas of great value to
humanity.
▧ If our spiritual culture is to survive it is necessary that these truths and traditions be kept
alive among the people as a whole.

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Om Namah Shivaya

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