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Sampradaya (; ), in Indian religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, can be translated as 'tradition', 'spiritual lineage', 'sect', or 'religious system'. To ensure continuity and transmission of dharma, various sampradayas have the Guru-shishya parampara in which a parampara or lineage of successive (masters) and (disciples) serves as a spiritual channel and provides a reliable network of relationships that lends stability to a religious identity. Shramana is vedic term for seeker or shishya. Identification with and followership of sampradayas is not static, as sampradayas allows flexibility where one can leave one sampradaya and enter another or practice religious syncretism by simultaneously following more than one sampradaya. Samparda is a Punjabi language term, used in Sikhism, for sampradayas.
To ensure continuity through dharma transmission, various sampradayas ensure continuity through Guru-shishya parampara where Guru teaches shishyas in gurukula, matha, akhara, and . Buddhism also has lineage of gurus. Tibetan Buddhism has lineage of who teach in and .
Titles such as Guru, Acharya, or Mahacharya may be used to denote the level of authority within a lineage (sampradaya).
And another verse states:
As Wright and Wright put it,
Nevertheless, there are also examples of teachers who were not initiated into a sampradaya, Ramana Maharshi being a well-known example. Sri Ramanasramam, "A lineage of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi?" A sannyasin belonging to the Sringeri Sharada Peetham once tried to persuade Ramana to be initiated into sannyasa, but Ramana refused.
Āstika and nāstika concept in Hindu texts, Buddhist texts and Jain texts scriptures define Astika as those sampradayas which believe in the existence of Atman (Self) and those who accept supremacy of vedas, Nastika being those who deny there is any "Self" in human beings or do not hold vedas as supreme. In modern context, Astika are also defined as theists and Nastika as atheist. In Indian origin religions, even atheism is considered acceptable, especially under the concept of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava. The concept of acceptable or valid Dharma excludes the Mleccha (impure) who are considered without the purity of ethics and code of conduct called yamas and niyama.
Sampradayas of Indian-origin religions have their own Hindu philosophy or philosophy, Meaning of word Darshana encompassing world views and teachings. Soken Sanskrit, darzana Six Astika or orthodox sampradayas which believe in supremacy of veda are called shad-darśana (lit. six system), namely Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta.Andrew Nicholson (2013), Unifying Hinduism: Philosophy and Identity in Indian Intellectual History, Columbia University Press, , pages 2–5
Hinduism is subdivided into a number of major sampradayas. Of the historical division into six darsanas (philosophies), two schools, Vedanta and Yoga, are currently the most prominent. Classified by primary deity or deities, four major Hinduism modern currents are Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti) and Smarta Tradition (five deities treated as same). These deity-centered denominations feature a synthesis of various Hindu philosophy such as Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta, as well as shared spiritual concepts such as moksha, dharma, karma, samsara, ethical precepts such as ahimsa, texts (, Puranas, Mahabharata, Agamas), ritual grammar and rites of passage.Julius J. Lipner (2010), Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition, Routledge, , pages 17–18, 81–82, 183–201, 206–215, 330–331, 371–375
During the Kali Yuga these sampradāyas appear in the holy place of Jaganatha Puri, and purify the entire earth.
Each of them were inaugurated by a deity, who appointed heads to these lineages:
| Ramanandi Sampradaya | |
| Madhva Sampradaya | Gaudiya Vaishnavism |
| Pushtimarg sect | |
Other major Vaishnav sampradaya are:
The Nandinatha Sampradaya traces its beginning to at least 200 BCE. Its founder and first known spiritual preceptor was the Maharshi Nandinatha. Nandinatha is said to have initiated eight disciples (Sanatkumar, Sanakar, Sanadanar, Sananthanar, Shivayogamuni, Patanjali, Vyaghrapada, and Tirumular) and sent them to various places to spread the teachings of non-dualistic Shaivism all over the world. Saiva Siddhanta Temple of Hawaii identifies itself as principle Matha or monestory of lineage. Spiritual lineage of the Nandinatha Sampradaya: Maharishi Nandinath→ Tirumular→→→ unknown→Kadaitswami→ Chellappaswami→ Yogaswami→Sivaya Subramuniyaswami → Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy is known as the descendant from the teaching of Sanatkumara, one of the Four Kumaras. (Sanatkumara→Satyanjana Darshini→Paranjyoti Rishi→Meykandar.Civañān̲a
Nandinatha and Meykandar Sampradayas are associated with the Shaiva Siddhanta while Adinath Sampradaya is associated with Nath Shaivism. Other popular Saivite sampradayas are Veerashaiva, Lingayatism and Srouta
According to Nakamura, these mathas contributed to the influence of Shankara, which was "due to institutional factors". The mathas which he built exist until today, and preserve the teachings and influence of Shankara, "while the writings of other scholars before him came to be forgotten with the passage of time".
The table below gives an overview of the four Amnaya Mathas founded by Adi Shankara, and their details.
The current heads of the mathas trace their authority back to these figures, and each of the heads of these four mathas takes the title of Shankaracharya ("the learned Shankara") after Adi Sankara.
According to the tradition in Kerala, after Sankara's samadhi at Vadakkunnathan Temple, his disciples founded four mathas in Thrissur, namely Naduvil Madhom, Thekke Madhom, Idayil Madhom and Vadakke Madhom.
The Ekadandi Vedāntins aim for moksha as the existence of the self in its natural condition indicated by the destruction of all its specific qualities. A History of Indian Philosophy by Jadunath Sinha. Any Hindu, irrespective of class, caste, age or gender can seek sannyāsa as an Ekadandi monk under the Dasanāmi tradition.
The Ekadandis or Dasanāmis had established monasteries in India and Nepal in ancient times. Mathas of the Dasanami-sanyasis of Lalitpur After the decline of Buddhism, a section of the Ekadandis were organised by Adi Shankara in the 8th century in India to be associated with four mathas to provide a base for the growth of Hinduism. However, the association of the Dasanāmis with the Sankara maṭhas remained nominal. Professor Kiyokazu Okita and Indologist B. N. K. Sharma says, Sannyasis in the lineage of Advaita of Adi Shankara and the Sannyasis in the lineage of Dvaita of Madhvacharya are all Ēkadaṇḍis.
The term "Agama Hindu Dharma", the endonymous Indonesian name for "Indonesian Hinduism" can also refer to the traditional practices in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi and other places in Indonesia, where people have started to identify and accept their agamas as Hinduism or Hindu worship has been revived. The revival of Hinduism in Indonesia has given rise to a national organisation, the Parisada Hindu Dharma.
Nirmalas – Indic scholars within the Sikh Panth. Traditionally studying a vast array of Indian religions and some non-Indic literature, as well as producing texts. They also engage in dialogue and discourse with other Dharma paths. Claim institutionalisation by the 10th Guru also. According to their traditional beliefs, the Nirmala Sikh tradition was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in the late 17th century when he sent five Sikhs to Varanasi (Kansi) to learn Sanskrit and Hindu religious texts. Notable Nirmalas include Kavi Santokh Singh (who was also a student of Giaani Samparda), and Pundit Tara Singh. This Samparda still exist today.
Sant Samparda – A traditional Khalsai order, tracing back to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, also known as Bhai Daya Singh Samparda. This Taksal (school) was founded by Daya Singh, the Mukhi of the original Panj Pyare, under the hukam(command) of Guru Gobind Singh in the early 1700s, aiming to pass down the divine knowledge of Naam and Gurbani to the community. The word 'Sant' translates to 'saint', an enlightened being who has attained spiritual enlightenment and divine knowledge through union with God. Many prominent saints have emerged from this Samparda, including Baba Sahib Singh Bedi, Baba Maharaj Singh, Sant Karam Singh, Sant Isher Singh and Sant Ranjit Singh Virakt.
Udasi – An ascetic order who were traditionally caretakers of Gurdwaras and involved in missionary work. Certain practises of theirs diverge from mainstream Sikh belief although they do not promote this to others.Singh, Sulakhan. "HETERODOXY IN SIKHISM: THE CASE OF THE UDASlS." Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. Vol. 43. Indian History Congress, 1982. The order was started by Sri Chand, the eldest Sahibzada (son) of the 1st Guru, Guru Nanak. Baba Sri Chand is their Ustad. Still exist today.
Sevapanthis – Philanthropists, involved in helping others or doing sevaSingh, Jay. Teach Me about Sikhism. Trafford Publishing, 2002. – free service without expectation of reward. They are also engaged in scholarly work. The order was first headed by Bhai Kanhaiya, a Sikh of the 10th Guru – who famously helped wounded enemy soldiers during war time by providing medical care.Mahal, Ramandeep. "Bhai Kanhaiya ji: A Humanitarian Soul." Hardly exist today.Shriniwas, Geeta. "sevapanthi sampradaya itihash aur vikas."
Damdami Taksal – the university of Sikhism, whilst technically not an order, it essentially serves as one.Singh, Nirbhai. Philosophy of Sikhism: Reality and its manifestations. Atlantic Publishers & Distri, 1990. Made up from individuals belonging to all of the above sects. Many branches within this order.
The Damdami Taksal claims direct lineage from the Giani Samparda, although this is a topic of contention.
one of the significant holy book along with other saivite text. trace its origin at Sanatkumara Connected with Inchegiri branch Also known as Ragasya Sampradaya and Trayambaka Sampradaya.P. N. K. Bamzai (1994) "Culture and Political History of Kashmir"V. N. Drabu (1990) "Śaivāgamas: A Study in the Socio-economic Ideas and Institutions of Kashmir (200 B.C. to A.D. 700) Indus Publishing Starts its gurus at Shiva, Vasugupta, and Somananda. Sometimes Durvasa also included.
Advaita Vedanta sampradaya
Advaita Mathas
Adi Sankara founded four (Sanskrit: मठ) (monasteries) to preserve and develop his philosophies. One each in the north, south, east and west of the Indian subcontinent, each headed by one of his direct disciples.
!East Rig Veda Bhogavala !South Yajur Veda !West Sama Veda Kitavala !North Atharva Veda Nandavala
Dashanami sampradaya
Dashanami Sampradaya, "Tradition of Ten Names", is a Hindu monastic tradition of ēkadaṇḍi sannyasins (wandering renunciates carrying a single staff) Journal of the Oriental Institute (pp 301), by Oriental Institute (Vadodara, India) Indian Sadhus by Govind Sadashiv Ghurye Advaitic Concept of Jīvanmukti by Lalit Kishore Lal Srivastava generally associated with the Advaita Vedanta tradition. They are distinct in their practices from the Shaivism Tridaṇḍi sannyāsins or "trident renunciates", who continue to wear the sacred thread after renunciation, while ēkadaṇḍi sannyāsins do not.
Kaumaram sampradaya
Kaumaram is a sect of Hindus, especially found in South India and Sri Lanka where Lord Muruga Karttikeya is the Supreme Godhead. Lord Muruga is considered superior to the Trimurti. The worshippers of Lord Muruga are called Kaumaras.
Indonesian Hinduism
Hinduism dominated the island of Java and Sumatra until the late 16th century, when a vast majority of the population converted to Islam. Only the Balinese people who formed a majority on the island of Bali, retained this form of Hinduism over the centuries. Theologically, Balinese or Indonesian Hinduism is closer to Shaivism than to other major sects of Hinduism. The adherents consider Acintya the supreme god, and all other gods as his manifestations.
Shakta sampradaya
There are 2 Shakta Sampradayas, which revere Shakti – the feminine manifestation of Ishvara. They are as follows:
Smarta Sampradaya
Smarta tradition (स्मार्त), developed around the beginning of the Common Era, reflects a Hindu synthesis of four philosophical strands: Mimamsa, Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and theism. The Smarta tradition rejects theistic sectarianism, and it is notable for the domestic worship of five shrines with five deities, all treated as equal – Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesha, and Shakti. The Smarta tradition contrasted with the older Shrauta tradition, which was based on elaborate rituals and rites. There has been considerable overlap in the ideas and practices of the Smarta tradition with other significant historic movements within Hinduism, namely Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.Sanderson, Alexis. "The Saiva Age: The Rise and Dominance of Saivism during the Early Medieval Period". In Genesis and Development of Tantrism, edited by Shingo Einoo. Tokyo: Institute of Oriental Culture, University of Tokyo, 2009. Institute of Oriental Culture Special Series, 23, pp. 276–277.John Shephard (2009), Ninian Smart on World Religions, Ashgate, , page 186 Even though Smarta sampradaya regards Adi Shankara as its founder or reformer,U. Murthy (1979), Samskara, Oxford University Press, , page 150 advaita sampradaya is not a Shaiva sect, despite the historical links with Shaivism: Advaitins are non-sectarian, and they advocate worship of Shiva and Vishnu equally with that of the other deities of Hinduism, like Sakti, Ganapati and others. Shankara championed that the ultimate reality is impersonal and Nirguna Brahman (attributeless) and that any symbolic god serves the same equivalent purpose.L. Williamson (2010), Transcendent in America: Hindu-inspired Meditation Movements as New Religion, New York University Press, , page 89 Inspired by this belief, the Smarta tradition followers, along with the five Hindu gods include a sixth impersonal god in their practice. The tradition has been described by William Jackson as "advaitin, monistic in its outlook".William Jackson (1994), Tyāgarāja and the Renewal of Tradition, Motilal Banarsidass, , page 218
Other classic vedic sampradayas
Shrautism
Shrauta communities are very rare in India, the most well known being the ultra-orthodox Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala. They follow the "Purva-Mimamsa" (earlier portion of Vedas) in contrast to Vedanta followed by other Brahmins. They place importance on the performance of Vedic Sacrifice (Yajna). The Nambudiri Brahmins are famous for their preservation of the ancient Somayaagam, Agnicayana rituals which have vanished in other parts of India.
Suryaism / Saurism
The Suryaites or Sauras are followers of a Hindu denomination that started in Vedic tradition, and worship Surya as the main visible form of the Saguna Brahman. The Saura tradition was influential in South Asia, particularly in the west, north and other regions, with numerous Surya idols and temples built between 800 and 1000 CE. The Konark Sun Temple was built in mid 13th century. During the iconoclasm of Islamic invasions and Hindu–Muslim wars, the temples dedicated to Sun-god were among those desecrated, images smashed and the resident priests of Saura tradition were killed, states André Wink. The Surya tradition of Hinduism declined in the 12th and 13th century CE and today remains as a very small movement except in Bihar / Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sun worship has continued to be a dominant practice in Bihar / Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh in the form of Chhath Puja which is considered the primary festival of importance in these regions.
Later sampradayas
Ganapatism
Ganapatism is a Hindu denomination in which Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the main form of the Saguna Brahman. This sect was widespread and influential in the past and has remained important in Maharashtra.
Newer sampradayas
The new movements that arose in the 19th to 20th century include:Farquhar, John Nicol. Modern Religious Movements in India, Kessinger Publishing (2003), .
Buddhist sampradaya
Buda sampradaya or Buddha sampradāya is a classification based on the observance of Dutch ethnographers of Brahmana caste of Balinese Hinduism into two: Siwa (Shiva) and Buda (Buddha). The other castes were similarly further sub-classified by these 19th-century and early-20th-century ethnographers based on numerous criteria ranging from profession, endogamy or exogamy or polygamy, and a host of other factors in a manner similar to castas in Spanish colonies such as Mexico, and caste system studies in British colonies such as India. This concept of Buddha Sampradāya could be applied to all Buddhist communities.
Jain sampradaya
The Jain sampardaya has various sects or schools of thoughts:
Sikh Samprada
Khalsa i.e. Sikhism has various sects.
Early Sampardayas (Sampardai)
Nihang – Typically viewed as the armed forces of the Sikh Panth. As institutionalised by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru. Within this order there are the two main ones: Buddha Dal – army of elders, and Tarna Dal – army of youth. Connected to these two are several smaller sub-orders. Buddha Dal holds authority in all matters concerning the Nihang order – the president of Buddha Dal was previously always also the president of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh Panth. Technically the sect belongs to the Sahibzada (son) of the 10th Guru, Baba Fateh Singh.
HS Doabia9788172051433, Singh Bros. ISBN 9788172051433
Later sampardayas
Later sects which emerged in Sikhism are Namdhari, Nirankari, and Radha Soami.
Syncretic sects
The Ravidas Panth sect combines practices of Sikhism and Hinduism.
See also
Notes
Written citations
Web citations
Sources
(1996). 9780521438780, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521438780
Further reading
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