Since times immemorial woman has been fostering, preserving and perpetuating human values in the framework of religion at the family level. In the present context there is an added responsibility on woman to arrive at the essence of religion and propagate it effectively for the benefit of mankind. Thanks to the increased awareness and education of woman, she is able to discharge this responsibility.
1. The role of woman in religious education
Hinduism recognizes the mother as the first and foremost teacher. Hindu mythology is replete with stories of prenatal learning. It is rightly believed that the attitudes and values of the mother have a direct bearing on the personality of the child. There are examples where mothers have influenced the mindsets of their children who have gone on to become nation builders, social reformers and religious leaders. Great Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Shivaji, have all been groomed by their mothers through simple stories, songs and lullabies subtly conveying the essence of religion to them.
Marriage and motherhood were treated as normal vocation for women all over the world until recently. In India, the role of the woman was largely confined to her own house and the upbringing of the children in a large household. There was no separate order to train woman teachers. Even now we find that women who have received modern education still adhere to household rituals religiously and identify the philosophy of life bound with these.
However, keeping with the present trends of the nuclear family and working mothers, many religious organizations are training woman in conducting religious discourses, organizing weekly workshops and religious training centers for children. These women are rightly called sevikas, for they serve the cause of religion.
2. Dominant values in religious education
The underlying philosophy of each religion manifests itself in the value system of that religion. These values discipline the mind and a disciplined mind is the seat of happiness.
Hinduism deeply believes that material comforts do not lead to real happiness. Religious education in India is not dogmatic. It is a rational synthesis, which goes on gathering into itself new conceptions as philosophy progresses.
Hinduism believes that the fundamental truths are eternal and universal in nature. Therefore all religions have the same fundamental truths though approaches differ. Religious values form the bedrock of moral and ethical principles. Moral values are indispensable to maintain a good quality of life- set of dos and don’ts in the form of yama and niyamas are laid down in the Indian tradition. Yamas consists of concepts which discipline man like non-violence, honesty, self-control etc. Niyamas concentrate on the cultivation of virtues like purity, contentment, fortitude, devotion etc. The purpose of these is to eliminate the mental impurities such as greed, egotism, and cruelty. Ethical disciplines are prescribed depending on individual capacity and equipment. It is based on the premise that if individuals are virtuous social welfare would automatically follow.
3. Is religion liberating or restricting, promoting or frustrating?
Whether religion liberates or frustrates an individual is a highly subjective question. The answer varies depending on the individual experiences and circumstances, attitude and approach. Religion should elevate an individual on to a higher plane of consciousness.
As the Hindu term for religion, dharma, indicates it should provide sustenance and support. The ultimate aim of religion is to lead the individual on to the path of Moksha or salvation. Religion can be liberating when the emphasis is on the universal principles. When religious dogmas and creeds interfere with individual lifestyles, religion can be restricting.
When the faith a person has in God generates a power, a soul force that gives him the courage to face the exigencies of life, religion is promoting. When religion imposes itself on man curtailing his freedom and thwarting his growth then it can be highly frustrating. If the supremacy of religion and of social tradition hampers the free pursuit of Philosophy, it leads to frustration.
It is sad but true that in many religions there has been a misrepresentation of facts and a misinterpretation of ideas. Most of the social evils like poverty, ignorance and hatred are offshoots of misinterpreted religion. Many of the religious rituals and customs are outdated and outmoded so they have lost their significance and have become redundant. Every fresh epoch in the progress of thought has to be accompanied by a reform in logic. When it is not so, it has invariably led to suffering or revolt. Religion has to be a perennial spring of fresh thoughts and ideas and not a stagnant pool.
4. Various perspectives of continuity of tradition, religious ritual and ceremony in family life and society
The practice of religious rituals and ceremony is what gives each family its unique identity and binds the members of the family. Traditions and customs of each family are a precious heritage that is passed on from generation to generation linking them emotionally, culturally and spiritually. Every religion can be understood to have three components-philosophy, mythology and rituals. Rituals are an accepted aspect of every religion which subtly project the philosophy of that religion. These rituals intend to discipline a person and help him adhere to positive values.
The Hindu way of life is ritualistic. His daily routine like bath, prayer and eating are not mere chores for a Hindu, they are sacred rituals with religious undertones. There are sixteen important rituals in the life of every Hindu from conception to burial. These rituals help in the smooth transition from one stage to another. The Hindu concept of rebirth and the rituals followed during funerals help him in taking away the agony and sorrow at death and make it appear as the next natural stage in life.
Most of the rituals, customs and festivals bring about a strong bonding in the community leading to social harmony. An individual learns to submit his personal interest for the common good. They also ensure the participation of the community in individual growth and development. The participation of woman (wife, mother) is obligatory in almost all Indian customs. She is a sahadharmini, an equal partner in the man's religious quest.
To ensure a harmonious existence in a religiously plural world Tolerance and Trust should be the hallmark of all religions. When one has faith in himself and the religion he practices then one learns to trust and to be tolerant. By virtue of the qualities of Tolerance and trust women have always been the custodians of the family traditions and rituals. By the very quality of their being women are the missionaries of the civilization they belong to. In the present global scenario women are expected to take on greater responsibilities and play a more assertive role.
Ahalya Sharma is a Hindu woman and works as a medical doctor in Bangalore, India.