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dsd108

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  1. The Vedhantis are Brahmins who have kept India together for thousands of years. They will add new Gods (like Buddha) and remove the old ones. Shabad Guru is eternal for Sikhs. The caste system was made to keep India together - like divide and conquer.
  2. The word Hindu is not used in the 4 Vedas or Bhagavad Gita Mahabharata. It is used countless times in Guru Granth Sahib Ji not to describe the Vedhantis but the people of Hindustan. The word Hindu first appeared in the Old Persian language which was derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, the historic local appellation for the Indus River in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. The usage of the word Hindu was further popularized by the Arabic term al-Hind referring to the land of the people who live across river Indus.
  3. The emergence of the Namdhari movement was a thorn in the side of the British Government and the British were highly concerned about it. The best way to tackle this situation was to create another movement against it, which would slow down the growth of the Namdhari movement. This was the birth of the Singh Sabha movement. The most important factor, which could create a divide between the Namdharis and the other Sikhs was the question of Guru Ship. The Namdharis believed that Guru Gobind Singh did not die at Nanded , but came to Punjab in disguise and conferred the Gurgaddi to Guru Balak Singh. Contrary to the other Sikhs who believed that Guru Gobind Singh died at Nanded and bestowed the Gurgaddi to the Adi Granth. This reason was more than enough for the British and the loyal British Sikhs to administer the policy of "divide and rule". (By Shamsher Singh Ashok -"Punjab dian Lehraan".)
  4. Darshan Singh former Jathedar is spreading this in the name of Akaal Takhat "There is no evidence available that Guru Gobind Singh wrote, authenticated or sanctified any Dasami Patshahi Da Granth in his own hands as was done by him in the case of Damdami version of Guru Granth Sahib in 1706 and 1708 and similar to Guru Arjan Dev in the case of Aad Granth in 1604. The framing of the Rehat Maryada in 1927-1946 was a monumental task. There were several Rehat Maryadas prevailing at that time. The best of the practical life of Sikhs over generations, oral history and written sources available were taken into consideration. All sources confirmed the Sikh concept of Guru Panth and Guru Granth. The Bani of Guru Granth Sahib was the sole canon to accept or reject any idea, concept or suggestion. Dasam Granth, therefore has no recognition in Sikh Rahat Maryada and the 1925 Sikh Gurudwara Act. The Banis of the tenth Guru that have been accepted in the Sikh Rahat Maryada which and sanctified by Guru Panth (1927-1945) are final and unquestionable: Jaap Sahib, ten Swayyas (Swarg Sudu Waley 21-30 Akal Ustat), Benti Chaupai up to Dushat dokh tay, Dohra and Swayyas in Rehras (as sanctioned in Rehat Maryada)."
  5. Akaal Takhat hasn't yet cleared rag mala, keski or jhatka issue. Akaal Takhat standardized dasam granth in 1900 and banned all debates. These debates still go on. SGPC or any movement shouldn't control the Akaal Takhat and sarbat khalsa should decide the gurmatta
  6. Gurgaddi was given to damdama wali bir edited by dasam patshah. It was known as adi granth or pothi sahib. Guru Gobind Singh also wrote his own granth known as dasam granth. Sarbloh granth is included as sayings of the tenth king along with the puratan sau sakhi. Vidiya sagar or writings of kavi darbar has survived.
  7. The Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) is a religious organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, United States by Dr Wallace D. Fard Muhammad during July 1930, with the self-proclaimed goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of the black men and women of America. N.O.I., also, promotes the belief that Allah will bring about a universal government of Islam.[1] Mainstream Muslims consider the group as a heretic sect and an offshoot from Islam, due to the differing beliefs of the concept of God, race, prophesy and many others.[2] However in recent years the group has come closer to orthodox Islam, by observing Ramadan and the Friday prayers. The main belief of The Nation of Islam and its followers is that there is no other God but Allah. However, they redefine "Allah" by saying "who came in the person of W. D. Fard." Fard founded the Nation of Islam and subsequently installed Elijah Muhammad as the organization's leader. The official beliefs of the Nation of Islam have been outlined in books, documents, and articles published by the organization as well as speeches by Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan, and other ministers. Many of Elijah Muhammad's teachings may be found in Message to the Blackman in America and The True History of Jesus as Taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad [6]. Many of Malcolm X's teachings of NOI theology are in his The End of White World Supremacy, while a later more critical discussion of those beliefs can be found in The Autobiography of Malcolm X, co-written with Alex Haley.
  8. Baba Narain Singh Ji while addressing the congregation from the stage often used to say that he had determined the touch-stone, that is moral code at the Gurudwara Nanaksar that every lady should be looked upon as our mother and every coin offered by the Sangat as our cow.Some one asked Baba Narain Singh Ji Maharaj ,please explain how a woman is to be treated as a mother & money treated as a cow. At it The Revered Baba Ji observed," All good women coming from different quarters ought to be regarded as our mothers , sisters and daughters according to their age and status; i.e. the ladies who are our coeval be regarded as our sisters; the ladies senior to us in age ought to be looked upon as our mothers and the younger ones should be treated as our daughters . If the visitors make offerings of money in the Gurudwara, that money ought to be used in the interests of the Gurudwara only. If it goes in to some private coffer or to one's relatives it is like a cow's bone & flesh ; only service is accepted in the Guru's household." Baba Narain singh Ji Maharaj used to say ," A sikh must keep away from the sorcerers and amuletmakers or necromancers, as they are low people. " A true saintly character is described by Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on page 1102. "O Nanak, break away from the false, and seek out the Saints, your true friends.II The false shall leave you, even while you are still alive; but the Saints shall not forsake you, even when you are dead." Search for true saints who will serve, guide and protect you during their their life time as well as even after their physical death , who have no greed or avarice whatsoever, who don't show any material attachment & who are free from lust, greed, rage, attachment and ego or (hauteur)."
  9. The white race (devils) have deceived the darker people of the earth by implying that they came from the God of Righteousness and that they are equal with the righteous, by having been created by the God of Righteousness. The white race is not equal with darker people because the white race was not created by the God of Righteousness. The white race is not a created people; they are a made people. They were made by Yakub, an original Black Man -- who is from the Creator. Yakub, the father of the devil, made the white race, a race of devils -- enemies of the darker people of the earth. The white race is not made by nature to accept righteousness. They know righteousness, but they cannot be righteous. Jesus made this clear when he was trying to reform the white race (devils) two thousand (2,000) years ago (Bible, Jn. 8:44). If you and I believe that the devils are from the God of Righteousness, we are making the God of Righteousness an evil god, who created an evil god, and made the evil god to become the best guide for the people of righteousness. The God of Righteousness Would Not Make an enemy of righteousness as the best guide for keeping the righteous people on the right path. All praises be to God to teach us the right way and to point out to us the great arch deceiver (white race, devils). That the white race is a race of devils is the most hated truth that they are opposing in the last days. Remember these words, (Bible, Is. 65:15)... "The Lord God shall slay thee (the enemies) and call you (who submit to His Will) by another Name." Glory not in the name of satan, but Glory in the Name of the Lord God of Truth Whose Name abideth forever, and His Names have the Most Beautiful Meaning.
  10. The Sarbloh Granth (Punjabi: ਸਰਬਲੋਹ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ, sarabalōha grantha) is a collection of the tenth masters writings that recites the story of gods and demons. The granth itself has been shrouded in mystery and secretism. In modern times the head of the ancient order Shromani Panth Akali Budha Dal Panjvah Takht 96 krori Nihang Singh Chalda Vaheer, Singh Sahib 96 Krori Jathedar Baba Santa Singh Jee Akali has done a great service to the Sikh tradition by bringing this Granth out into the public and returning it to its rightful place, prakash alongside Adi Sri Guru Granth Saheeb Jee and Dasm Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Baba Santa Singh has been successful in printing this granth in two volumes and also printing a small Sampuraan Granth for the purpose of parkaash. In 2003, 96Krori Baba Santa Singh Jee conducted a Sarbloh Santia Smaagam where he personally over saw the santia of 18 individual Nihang Singhs. This smaagam has not been publicized, Baba Jee had the dream of conducting a Sampuraan Akhand Paath Saheeb of this Granth before he departed this Earth. His dream became true at Takht Sri Hazoor Saheeb Jee in 2003, the first recorded(In post colonial era) Sri Sarbloh Granth Akhand Paath took place at this blessed location. The self proclaimed leader of the Budha Dal in U.K, the non bana wearing Needar Singh has done parchaar for several years claiming that this granth was to be treated as a Bir Rass Granth, thus the tradition of Jhatka(killing in one blow) was associated with it. Needar Singh's lack of scriptual education was exposed by the fact that the Sri Akhand Paath Saheeb of Sri Sarbloh Darbar was conducted in a completely Vaishnuu(vegetarian) manner. The famous Khalsa Mehma "Khalsa Mera Roop Hai Khaas - Khalse Mai Hou Karo Nivaas - Khalsa Mera Satgur Puraa - Khalsa Mera Sjn Suraa" are contained with Sri Sarbloh Granth. Also mentioned within one of its Dhiyais (chapters) is the writing "Satguru Nanak Aap Parmeswar - Avtaar Lie Shubh Bans Pardhana". In all Nihang Singh Dals, Sri Sarbloh granth is kept parkaash, it is venerated by Singhs in both the Buddha Dal and Tarna Dal.
  11. Doctrines They believe in the efficacy of kirtan (devotional singing) and regularly hold overnight sessions (rain sabai). This group also attaches particular importance to the meditation and repetition of the Sikh mantra 'Vahiguru' ('wonderful guru'). The group observes strict vegetarianism and will only cook with, and eat out of, iron utensils. All references to caste distinctions are strictly forbidden. They reject the list of musical modes at the end of the Adi Granth (rag-mala), because of its inaccuracies and do not repeat it when there is a complete reading of the scritpure. However, believing that the words of the Guru Granth are literally the words of the Guru, they can be called fundamentalist. Furthermore there is no interpretive explanation (katha) given of scriptural passages, since the meaning is assumed to be clear and transparent. The group replaces the original uncut hair (kesh) with a small under-turban (keshki), which both women and men wear. In such beliefs the group reject the general code of conduct known as the Sikh Rahit Marayada of the S.G.P.C. (See introduction and Singh Sabha and Sikh Panth entries), and produced their own called rahit-bibek (bibek means discrimination, discernment, insight). They also believe in a different Khalsa initiation ceremony, wherein the five beloved ones, or five Gursikhs place their right hand on the neophyte's head and meditatively repeat the mantra "Vahiguru", revolving around the innitiate for five or so minutes. History Randhir Singh (1878-1961), a Jat from Ludhiana, initiated the movement from his long periods in prison - since he vehemently opposed British rule. He caused considerable consternation with his vehement demands that he abide by his Khalsa's rahit (code of conduct) whilst in prison. His rigorous interpretation did not allow him to eat out of anything not made in an all-iron vessel (Sarob Loh, echoing Guru Gobind Singh's term for God). He was associated with Teja Singh of Bhasaur and his Panch Khalsa Divan (see introduction). However, he cut all ties with him when Teja Singh was excommunicated. His followers are known as the Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha, which is used interchangeably with the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. The latter is headed by Amarjit Kaur, whose husband was killed fighting the Sant Nirankaris in Amritsar in 1978. The Sant Nirnakaris were an off-shoot of the Nirankaris, see entry. There was an extremist off-shoot of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha in the form of the Babbar Khalsa who claimed responsibility for killing many Sant Nirankaris in the 1980s. The Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha and/or the Akhand Kirtani Jatha movement had organised kirtan in the years after for the Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Amarjit sided with Harchand Singh Longowal, president of the Akali Dal in the troubled times of 1984, and deeply opposed the extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranvale. (See introductory essay). Symbols The women are expected to wear the turban (Keski) aswell as the usual kesh (uncut hair). The importance of the keski is justified by the fact that all the other five K's are external and additional to the natural human form, except for the uncut hair (kesh). Therefore it requires special external treatment. (See Khalsa Singh entry). Adherents There is little research available for this movement. There are no official numbers, (see at the end of the Explanatory Introduction). Headquarters/ Main Centre Amritsar, Panjab, and they have a base in Coventry, UK. The Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha is based in Ludhiana, Panjab.
  12. Muslims are more racist to Sikhs. We should unite against this cult from Arabia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kKkY5EpVpY.
  13. Correctly said. The British are still on the Pakistani side. Sikhs should try their luck in California or B.C.
  14. We should be like the lion Romans. The Romans invaded England and beat up these anglo what ever.
  15. When did west Asia become Europe? mass migration of Asians into Asia because of their trickonology. Why has Turkey moved to Europe? is Iran next on their list.
  16. Again this is British policy - divide and conquer. Keep cleaning their toilets.
  17. UK is the devils den. With all that bad karma of theirs, they won't let go of their British empire. You have White people leaving the UK in droves and the rest of the country doesn't want to work. 90% of the unemployed are Pakistanis or Indians who still think the British rule India. Move on and let the Island die a natural death.
  18. Sar Bachan of Swami Ji Maharaj - The soul or spirit is known as Surat or Ruh. It has descended from the highest region, that is, the regions of Sat Nam and Radhasoami, and has taken location in this body. It has got enmeshed here in the mind, the three Gunas (attributes), five Tattwas (original conditions of matter), ten Indriyas (senses and organs) etc. and so tight are the bondages of the body and things connected therewith that it has become difficult for it to extricate itself. Radha Soami Beas founded by Baba Jaimal Singh - The Masters of the Surat Shabd Yoga over the last century are referred to as Sant, Satguru, Param Sant, and Perfect Living Master. Satguru means "True Light Giver." Param Sant means a "Saint from the Beyond." These terms describe an exceptional spiritual adapt in meditation who is competent to guide the soul through the many subtle planes of existence to the highest spiritual realm named "Anami Lok, which means "Nameless Abode," where all sound, light, consciousness, bliss, and creation have their eternal source. The Shabd is the transcendent power which is believed to be the creative and sustaining force of the universe. It is also known as the "Audible Life Stream", the "Music of the Spheres", or God, all the religions mention it by different names. In the Bible it is called the Word; "In the beginning there was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." After initiation by a competent Master in meditation our soul will experience this "Audible Life force", as inner-light and inner-sound and tune itself to it, to God: to become one with God's will.
  19. The stated purpose of Surat Shabda Yoga is to realize the individual's True Self (Self-Realization), True Essence (Spirit-Realization) and True Divinity (God-Realization) while living in the humanphysical body. This Journey of Soul involves reuniting in stages with what is called the Essence of the Absolute Supreme Being, the Shabd. Attaining self-realization and above also results in jivan moksha/mukti, liberation/release from samsara, the cycle of karmaand reincarnationwhile in the physical body. Initiationby an Outer Living Satguru(Sat - true, Guru- teacher) is required, and involves reactivating the Shabd and stationing the Inner Shabda Master (the Radiant Form of the Master) at the third eye(tisra til) chakra. The spiritual exercises (sadhanas) include simran(repetition, particularly silent repetition of a mantragiven at initiation), dhyan (concentration, viewing, or contemplation, particularly on the Inner Master), and bhajan(listening to the inner sounds of the Shabda or the Shabda Master). 1) Did the original Radha Soami Guru preach this? 2) Has the the Sikh sect Radha Soami Beas copied this from Guru Granth Sahib?
  20. Witness Gary Nichols said: 'It started off with a group of white guys who were chanting, "England, England". I thought they were just football fans, but then a larger group of black and Asian people turned up and it all kicked off. You had people burning the Union flag. People were being kicked, some weren't anything to do with the protests.' Racism in the 21st century Birmingham is Pakistan
  21. Gurfateh The Akhand Paath must be completed within 48 hours time limit. Thus, the speed of recitation must be fast and fluent (do not attempt to correct each line more than 2 times). There is no bandish on how many saroops of sri guru granth sahib ji are prakash. Misbehaved kids or gossip filled people should not do raul. The paathis should talk very less, sleep less during the sri akhand paath. Mahapurakh used to say the paathis should do japji, sukhmani or chaupai prayer in the mean time.
  22. His Holiness Saint Baba Narain Singh Ji Maharaj came in to contact for the first time with His Holiness Saint Baba Ishar Singh Ji Maharaj in 1950. He had already sipped 'Amrit' (nector) that is, undergone baptism at the hands of Nihang Singhs. He saw Baba Ishar Singh Ji Maharaj for the first time at Shri Hazoor Sahib. When Baba Narain Singh Ji learnt that Baba Ishar Singh Ji Maharaj had come to Hazoor Sahib, he prepared 'missa parshada' (bread of gram flour) with his own hands and took it to Baba Ishar Singh Ji and prayed to him to accept it. Baba Ishar Singh Ji asked," O Nihang Singh ! where have you brought, this meal from?". Baba Narain Singh Ji answered,"Baba Ji, your slave has prepared it with his own hands with full care for cleanliness & purity." Then Baba Ji took his meal. He ate and returned ¼ of the food to Baba Narain Singh Ji & expressed great pleasure. Second time Baba Narain Singh Ji met Baba Ishar Singh Ji at the village Jhourran. Baba Ishar Singh Ji declared in the congregation ,” Many people come to us with minds made up to stay here permanently, but later seeing the weakness of those who already reside with us, change their minds. If you want to test anybody here , test me ." Baba Ishar Singh Ji said these words thumping his chest with his hand. Again he observed , " Whatever you have , hand it over to Him-your body, mind and earthly belongings; and accept from Him whatever He gives for food, whatever he gives for clothing- leave all other irrelevant considerations." Baba Narain Singh Ji remarks that on that day Baba Ishar Singh Ji highly attracted their mind and changed their outlook and he (Baba Narain Singh Ji) began to live with Baba Ishar Singh Ji. After some time at the request of the Sangat , Baba Ishar Singh Ji came to Nanaksar (Jagraon) and Baba Narain Singh Ji accompanied him. Baba Narain Singh Ji also resided with Baba Bawa Singh Ji. The water of Nanaksar (Jagraon) did not suit Baba Ishar Singh Ji; and the doctors instructed him to drink water of Jhourran only. At it, Baba Ishar Singh Ji ordered minister Harchand Singh to send him some strong and robust attendant who could fetch water daily from Jhourran to Jagraon observing full purity and cleanliness. Minister Harchand Singh talked to Baba Narain Singh Ji about this service. The latter accepted this duty to fetch a Gagar i.e. a brass pitcher of water daily from Jhourran village to Nanaksar (Jagraon).He gave his attendance before Baba Ishar Singh Ji and submitted that Bhai Narain Singh ,whom Baba Ishar Singh Ji himself had given this name and who belong to village Manuke would daily come and perform this duty of bringing a pitcher of water from Jhourran. It highly pleased Baba Ishar Singh Ji and he observed that he too wished only this thing. Accordingly, Baba Narain Singh Ji daily covered a distance of 24 km. from Nanaksar (Jagraon) to Jhourran and fetched a Gagar ( a brass pitcher) containing approx. 40 Kgs of water back to Nanaksar (Jagraon) at about 1-2 A.M. A few days later Baba Ishar Singh Ji sent for Baba Narain Singh Ji and asked ," Was it you, that had brought parshada (meal) for me at Hazoor Sahib?" The latter said," Yes My Lord." At it , Baba Ishar Singh Ji observed," While returning from Jhourran , bring from your home at Manuke , five loaves of bread daily.They should be similar to those you offered us at Shri Hazoor Sahib; they were very tasty. I shall eat them myself as well as make an offering of them to Baba Ji (Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji). "At the same time Baba Ishar Singh Ji thumped Baba Narain Singh Ji's back cheerfully. During the construction work of the Gurudwara at Nanaksar (Jagraon), Baba Narain Singh Ji rendered the service of carrying mashak of water to the upper storeyes to pour it on the lanter as well as to wet the dry walls of building. At that time there was no provision for an electric motors and there were only wells. From morning till evening, he rendered the service of carrying water from the well in leather sacks and at night he would take a brass pitcher to Jhourran to fetch drinking water for Baba Ishar Singh Ji. One day as Baba Narain Singh Ji was coming with the brass pitcher . When on the bridge of the canal near village Dallah a dog touched his cloak. It struck Baba Narain Singh Ji that that water was no longer pure for the use of Baba Ishar Singh Ji. So Baba Narain Singh Ji went back to Jhourran, washed his "Keshas"(hair on the head) and his cloak and put it on his person in the same wet state in that bitter cold month of December-January, and returned in the same state to Nanaksar with the pitcher of water on his head. There Baba Ishar Ji was already awaiting him standing(near the place where is now built a spot called "Gagarsar". Baba Ishar Singh Ji himself took the pitcher from Baba Narain Singh Ji and placed it on his head. He handed him his "Safa Jung (scepter of authority) and said,"Follow me". Entering the room, Baba Ishar Singh Ji placed the pitcher on the ground and took Baba Narain Singh Ji in his tight embrace with affection. He then said,"Revered saint, from today your service is over. It has reached its fulfillment. From today, you are not to fetch the brass pitcher of water. Now the water of this place suits my body. From today you are to remain in my presence”.
  23. Cycles of time There are four ages (called yugas): The first lasts 1,728,000 years The second lasts 1,296,000 years The third lasts 864,000 years The fourth lasts 432,000 years (this last age is Kali yuga, our present age beginning 5000 years ago) Each age sees a decline in virtue (dharma) from the previous. As told in one parable, in the first golden age, dharma stood on four legs like a table, but in the second age it stood only on three, in the third age on two, and now in the present age only on one, thus all but one fourth of the world's virtue has vanished in the present age. These four ages, as lengthy as they may seem, are only a small part of the great cycle of time: 4 ages = one mahayuga (great age), 4,320,000 yrs, after which creation will rest (return to a state of non-differentiation) for one mahayuga. 1000 mahayugas = one day of Brahma (or one kalpa), 4,320,000,000 years, after which Brahma sleeps and creation rests for one kalpa. Brahma's lifetime = 100 years of his days and nights: 4.32 billion x 365 x 2 x 100 = 311 trillion yrs, after which Shiva dances, all things including Brahma dissolve and nothing exists for an equivalent time, then it all begins again. Against such immense scale, one single lifetime becomes insignificant.
  24. HINDU GODS Vedic Gods The Hindu pantheon developed over a considerable period of time. To answer the question "What do Hindus believe about the gods?" one must clarify which time period, as their emphasis on certain gods changed through the centuries. The earliest Hindu texts are the four Vedas, the Rig Veda being the oldest (1200 BC), containing 1028 hymns with more allusions to myths than full stories. Over one fourth of the Vedic hymns concern Indra, the king of heaven, the storm god who gained prominence by defeating the demon/dragon Vritra who was holding back rain from heaven, having imprisoned the cloud-cattle. Other important Vedic gods were Varuna, god of the ocean, Agni, god of fire, Surya, the sun god, and Yama, god of death. By the time that the Mahabharata was written (300 BC - 300 AD), other gods who played only minor roles in the Vedas have become popular. Three gods in particular came to be known as the Trimurti: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Their fame grew during the Middle Ages when "stories of old" called the Puranas recorded their achievements and adventures in great detail. After the Trimurti became dominant, the Puranas relegated most of the older gods to the status of World Protectors, eight lords over each point on the compass. Gods of the Trimurti BRAHMA the creator (also known as Prajapati): After the act of creation, he has little prominence, often referred to as "grandfather," aloof, unaware or unconcerned about the consequences of his actions. In one story he rewards even demons for their asceticism, thus causing much grief to the other gods. Brahma is sometimes said to be self-created, or born from a lotus out of Vishnu's navel, or hatched from the cosmic egg. He is often depicted with four heads: as his daughter/consort Sarasvati tried to avoid his lustful gaze, other heads grew up in each direction she ran; when she ascended to heaven, a fifth head appeared, which Shiva cut off because of Brahma's incestuous lust. VISHNU the preserver of cosmic order (dharma): Represented with blue skin and four arms, often sleeping on a coiled serpent floating on the ocean. He rides Garuda, the sacred bird (symbol of Indian airlines today). As Vishnu became more important over the centuries, his "history" became more complex. The Puranas developed the idea of Vishnu having appeared on earth in nine previous avatars (or incarnations) during the present Great Age (Mahayuga), with one still to come (note that the number of avatari varies in the Puranas, some listing as many as 22, others say they are innumerable). See the typical list of ten below. SHIVA the destroyer: Also god of fertility, gained prominence by destroying the city of demons; in one version he waited 1000 years until the cities, which rotated in the air, were aligned, then pierced all three with one arrow. He became so powerful because the other gods gave him their divine energy, which he kept after the battle (story in the Mahabharata). Shiva appears with a blue neck, because he swallowed the poison from the serpent Vasuki, which would have polluted the world ocean. He also has three eyes, for one day his wife Parvati playfully covered two of his eyes and the universe fell into darkness; he created a third eye to restore light. This eye destroys by fire. Shiva wears a necklace of skulls as "lord of goblins." Dancing Shiva symbolizes the eternal movement of the cosmos, but also he dances to bring about the destruction of maya / illusion (i.e. this world) at the end of each kalpa (see great ages below). Avatars of Vishnu First, Vishnu appeared as a great fish named Matsya who gave aid to Manu (the Hindu Noah) in the great flood. Next, he descended to earth as the tortoise Kurma, who rescued 14 of the best treasures of the previous world from the flood. He also supported the mountain from which the gods and demons churned the milk ocean. In the Vedas and in the Mahabharata, both these first figures are associated with Brahma, not Vishnu. Varaha, the wild boar, who pushed mud up from the sea to create land. Narasimha, the man-lion: he killed a demon who swore neither man nor animal could harm him. This was the last avatar during the first age. Vamana, the dwarf: he tricked a demon-king who ruled the three worlds into agreeing to give him as much land as he could cover in three steps. He then grew to enormous size and encompassed the universe in three steps. Parashurama: a brahmin, by his influence priests became the dominant caste over warriors. He appears in the Mahabharata but not as an avatar of Vishnu. Rama, the hero of the Ramayana (the other great Hindu epic) was born to defeat the demon Ravana. He was the husband of Sita and extremely jealous of her. After she was kidnapped by the demon, he suspected that she'd been unfaithful, and sent her into exile for 15 years, carrying his two sons. In the role of his avatars, Vishnu took over Indra's earlier aspect of demon-slayer. Krishna (the dark one): Kansa tried to kill all his mother's children but Krishna escaped, surviving an attack by three demons as a child. In his youth there are stories of amorous episodes with cowgirls (he had 16,000 wives and 180,000 sons). Finally he kills Kansa and many demons, hence called the "slayer of demons." Krishna appears as a major character in the Mahabharata, overseeing the great battle. Buddha: the first avatar of Vishnu in the fourth or present age. This addition to the Vishnu myth was probably an attempt to subordinate popular Buddhism to the Hindu system. As Buddha, he deceives the enemies of the gods with lies, saying there are no gods, no endless cycle of lives, only peaceful sleep (nirvana), which actually is a distortion of Buddhist teaching. Kalki: at the end of this age, Vishnu will appear again as the bringer of destruction on a white horse. He will purify the world of evil, and the endless cycle of ages will begin again (see below).
  25. Old Testament The following books of the Bible are of unknown authorship: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy These books are traditionally assumed to have been written by Moses, though his authorship is not claimed internally. Since Deuteronomy records the death of Moses, it seems unlikely that he wrote it; certainly he didn't write the part that describes his death. Though some scholars would claim a composite authorship for these books starting around 950 BC with them reaching their final form during the time of Ezra around 500 BC, I would take a more conservative position and argue for a unitary authorship within fifty years of the Exodus (which would date from either around 1290 BC or 1440 BC; that is another whole area of controversy), with much of the material coming from Moses himself (not excluding some obvious editorial activity over the years; notice, for example, Deuternomy 2:10-12). Joshua Traditionally, many have claimed Joshua as the author of the book. But considering that the book describes Joshua's death at the end, and includes in the middle (specifically Joshua 15:13-19; cf. Judges 1:1, 9-15) an incident the occured after Joshua's death, it seems impossible that Joshua is the author. On the other hand, the reference to "we" and "us" in Joshua 5:1 and 5:6 perhaps suggests an eyewitness to the events was the author of the book. The book would thus date to either the 15th or 13th century BC, depending, again, upon exactly when the Exodus from Egypt occured. Judges (c. 10th century BC) Ruth (c. 10th century BC) 1-2 Samuel (8th-6th century BC) 1-2 Kings (6th-5th century BC) 1-2 Chronicles (400 BC would be the earliest possible date for composition) Esther (5th century BC) Job (c. 10th century BC at the earliest) Lamentations Traditionally the book has been ascribed to Jeremiah the prophet. There is, however, no statement in the book itself suggesting who the author might be, other than that he (or she) is obviously an eyewitness to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (c. 586 BC). Books with known authorship (either in part or in whole) Psalms A conglomerate written by many people. The authorship of individual psalms, as attributed by their titles, breaks down as follows (of the 150 psalms, 116 are provided with a title): Moses - Psalm 90 Heman the Ezrahite - Psalm 88 Ethan the Ezrahite - Psalm 89 Solomon - Psalm 72, 127 David (73 times) - Psalms 3-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 103, 108-110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145 Asaph (12 times) - Psalms 50, 73-83 Sons of Korah (9 times) Psalm 42, 44-45, 47-49, 84-85, 87 Author unknown - (49 times) the remainder The Septuagint (an early Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible from around 200 BC) gives some additional authorship identification, as follows: Jeremiah - Psalm 137 Haggai and Zechariah - Psalms 146-147 Ezra - Psalm 119 Hezekiah (15 times) Psalms 120-134 Though the titles prefaced to the Psalms clearly date back before 200 BC (since they appear in the Septuagint, along with the extras that translation gives), how authoratative they are is subject to much debate. The psalms, based on the authorship attributions, would then date between the 15th century (or 13th, depending on the time of the Exodus) and the 5th century, by which time the book probably took the form it currently has. Proverbs Again, the book is a composite, so far as authorship is concerned. 1:1-24:22 is attributed to Solomon (thus dating to the 900's BC) 24:23-34 are attributed to "the wise" 25:1-29:27 are attributed to Solomon, but were collected and recorded by "Hezekiah's men". 30:1-33 is attributed to Agur 31:1-31 is attributed to Lemuel Ecclesiastes The book is attributed to Solomon by some. If that is the case, the book dates to the 900's BC. Others would argue for an unknown author, and put the date of composition around 390 BC. Ezra-Nehemiah They are treated as a single book in the Talmud, Josephus, and the Canon of Melito (AD 171). They are also treated as a single book in the Masoretic Text (traditional Hebrew Bible). The author of the book of Ezra-Nehemiah is unknown, though Ezra 7-9 apparently were written by Ezra, since they are in the first person. The account in chapters 1-6 is compiled from records, including decrees (1:2-4; 6:3-12), genealogies and name lists (2), and letters (4:7-22; 5:6-17). There are two sections that have been preserve in Aramaic (4:8-6:18 and 7:12-26). Aramaic was the diplomatic language during this period. Sources for the section labled "Nehemiah" in our text include what appear to be memoirs of Nehemiah, written in the first person: Nehemiah 1:1-7:73a; 11:1-2; 12:31-43: 13:4-31. The date of the final composition of the book is generally accepted as being sometime during the 4th century BC. Song of Songs The book is attributed to Solomon, which would place its date of composition in the 900's BC. Isaiah It is attributed to Isaiah; it consists several oracles given by him over several years (740-690 BC). Its final form as we have it (assuming a single, unitary authorship to the book) would thus be sometime during the 7th century BC. Jeremiah It is attributed to Jeremiah, who lived from about 627 to 580 BC. Ezekiel It is attributed to Ezekiel, who was born around 622 BC. Based on internal dating, the book covers the time from about 593 through about 570 BC. Daniel It is attributed to Daniel, and thus would have been written sometime between 605 BC and about 530 BC. Hosea Attributed to Hosea. His prophesies cover the period from 753-715 BC. Joel Attributed to Joel. The date of the book is uncertain, with dates ranging from the early pre-exilic (800's BC) to late post-exilic period (500-400 BC). Amos Attributed to Amos. Dates between 767 and 753 BC. Obadiah Attributed to Obadiah. Dates between 847 and 841 BC. Jonah Attributed to Jonah. Dates to the 700's BC. Micah Attributed to Micah. Dates between 740 and 695 BC. Nahum Attributed to Nahum. Two different dates are generally accepted as possibilities for Nahum's ministry: 661-612 BC or 722-701 BC. Habakkuk Attributed to Habakkuk. Dates to sometime between 612 and 587 BC. Zephaniah Attributed to Zephaniah. Dates sometime during the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC) Haggai Attributed to Haggai. It is possible to date his prophesies very exactly (since he gave us the precise day he uttered his prophesies): 1:1 August 29, 520 BC 1:15 September 21, 520 BC 2:19-20 December 18, 520 BC Zechariah Chapters 1-8 are attributed to Zechariah and can be dated precisely. 1:1 October, 520 BC 1:7 February 15, 519 BC 7:1 December 7, 518 BC Chapters 9-14 were not written by Zechariah and cannot be easily dated. That they were not written by Zechariah is clear from both internal and external evidence. 9-11 were written by Jeremiah, according to Matthew 27:9-10, which quotes Zecharaiah 11:12-13 and attributes it to Jeremiah. The date would then be sometime between 627 and 580 BC Chapters 12-14 are titled "an oracle" and are attributed to no one. Malachi Based on Mark 1:2-3, the book called "Malachi" was apparently actually written by Isaiah, since there the author of Mark quotes from "Malachi" but attributes it to Isaiah. The title "Malachi", taken from 1:1 is simply the Hebrew phrase "my messenger", and the word is so translated in 3:1. The date of the book would then be sometime between 740 and 690 BC. New Testament Matthew Attributed to Matthew. Probably written sometime between AD 55 and 75. Mark Attributed to John Mark. Probably written before AD 70, and before the books of Matthew or Luke were composed. Luke Attributed to Luke. Since the book of Acts (also attributed to Luke) was written afterward, and since Acts was apparently written before Paul's execution during the reign of Nero, the book of Luke is apparently relatively early, perhaps before AD 60. John Attributed to John. Probably composed between AD 85 and 90, though some scholars have suggested dates as early as AD 45 and as late as AD 110. Acts Attributed to Luke. Probably composed around AD 64 (Paul's imprisonment in Rome was from AD 61-63). Romans Attributed to Paul. Written AD 56 or 57. 1 Corinthians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 55. 2 Corinthians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 56. Galatians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 52 Ephesians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 63. Philippians Attributed to Paul. Written between AD 59 and AD 61. Colossians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 62. 1 Thessalonians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 50. 2 Thessalonians Attributed to Paul. Written AD 50. 1 Timothy Attributed to Paul. Written between AD 62 and AD 67. 2 Timothy Attributed to Paul. Written between AD 62 and AD 67. Titus Attributed to Paul. Written AD 63. Philemon Attributed to Paul. Written between AD 56 and AD 62. Hebrews Traditionally Paul has been given credit for the book, though there is nothing in the book to suggest that he is the author; and from the standpoint of the style and structure of the book Pauline authorship is so unlikely as to be excluded as even reasonably possible. Written between AD 66 and AD 70 (certainly written before the destruction of Jerusalem AD 70). James Attributed to James. Written between AD 45 and AD 50. 1 Peter Attributed to Peter. Written between AD 62 and AD 64. 2 Peter Attributed to Peter. Written between AD 64 and AD 68. 1 John Attributed to John. Written between AD 85 and AD 90. 2 John Attributed to John. Written AD 90. 3 John Attributed to John. Written AD 90. Jude Attributed to Jude. Written between AD 60 and AD 65. Revelation Attributed to John. Written between AD 54 and AD 68 or between AD 81 and AD 96.
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