#gotra

The Quest for Buddhism (59)

Early Buddhism and the disciples

Ten Principal Disciples No. 6: Katyayana or Mahakatyayana - foremost in commentary

Katyayana is listed as one of the 10 principal disciples (Ref) and was capable of expanding on, and those presenting the detailed meaning of what is spoken in brief of the Buddha. He is also called Mahakatyayana with the addition of Mahā (meaning 'great'). His name differs markedly in scriptures and other notations.

In Thai Buddhism, he is also known as Phra Sangkajai (Chinese Budai, Japanese Hotei) and often portrayed as extremely portly. Perhaps this is where the image of the fat smiling Buddha on piggy banks and figurines began.

In the Pali tradition, Katyayana was born as Nalaka, born of a brahmin family in the city of Ujjayini (modern-day Ujjain). His father was a brahmin advisor to King Candapajjota, ruler of the state of Avanti. His name is explained by the golden hue of his skin (his parents called him Kancanamanava, meaning the 'young man with golden colored skin'), and the name of the gotra. He received a classical brahmin education, which included study of the Vedas.

After his father died, Katyayana became an advisor to the same king. At the king's request, Katyayana left with a group of seven friends to visit the Buddha to invite him to come to Avanti. The eight gained enlightenment while listening to him preach, and were ordained by the Buddha. As a monk, Katyayana became known by his gotra name (‘gotra’ is the general name for Brahmin clans in India).

仏教の探求 (59)

初期仏教と弟子たち

十大弟子その六: 迦旃延、又は摩訶迦旃延 (まかかせんねん、梵: マハーカーティヤーヤナ) 〜論議第一

迦旃延 (かせんねん)は十大弟子（参照）の一人であり、釈迦が簡潔に語ったことを詳しく説明し、その意味を広く伝えることができたとされている。摩訶 (まか、梵: マハー: 偉大なるの意)を加えて摩訶迦旃延 (まかかせんねん)、又は大迦旃延 (だいかせんねん)などとも呼ばれる。彼の名前は、経典などにより表記が著しく異なる。

タイ仏教では、プラ・サンカジャイ (中国のブダイ、日本の布袋)とも呼ばれ、非常に太った姿で描かれることが多い。貯金箱や置物の太った笑顔のブッダのイメージはここから始まったのかもしれません。

パーリ語の伝承では、カーティヤーヤナはウジャイニー(現在のウジャイン) の都のバラモンの家にナーラカとして生まれたとされている。父はアヴァンティ国の支配者であるカンダパジョータ王の顧問を務めるバラモンであった。彼の名前は、彼の肌が金色であること (両親は彼を「黄金色の肌を持つ若者」という意味のカニャンカナマーナヴァと呼んだ)、およびゴートラの名前から説明される。彼は、ヴェーダを学ぶなど、古典的なバラモン教の教育を受けた。

परिचय एक ही गोत्र में शादी का अर्थ चुनौतियों और सामाजिक मान्यताओं से भरी एक जटिल प्रथा है। भारत में, गोत्र एक सामाजिक श्रेणी है जो व्यक्ति के वंश और परिवार को दर्शाती है। इस प्रथा में विशेष रूप से हिंदू समुदाय में विवाह का आयोजन किया जाता है, जहां व्यक्ति आमतौर पर अपने परिवार के गोत्र से बाहर विवाह करने की प्रथा का पालन करते हैं। एक ही गोत्र में शादी को सामान्यतः “समान गोत्र विवाह” कहा जाता…

Gotra क्या है? Gotra एक सांस्कृतिक और सामाजिक अवधारणा है, जिसका अर्थ है किसी व्यक्ति के वंश या परिवार का चिन्ह। यह विशेषकर भारतीय समाज में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है, खासकर ब्रह्मण, क्षत्रिय, और वैश्य समुदायों में। हर Gotra को एक प्रसिद्ध प्राचीन ऋषि के नाम पर रखा गया है, जो उस विशेष वंश का प्रतीक होता है। भारत में Gotra का उपयोग विभिन्न सामाजिक और धार्मिक परंपराओं में किया जाता है, जैसे कि…

In Hindu culture, Gotra plays a pivotal role in identifying one’s lineage and ancestral heritage. Gotra refers to the clan or family line, often originating from an ancient sage, which connects individuals within a shared ancestry. The concept of Gotra is central to Hindu society, as it influences marriage customs, family traditions, and cultural practices, linking individuals back to a shared ancient heritage.

Understanding the Meaning of Gotra

The word “Gotra” comes from the Sanskrit words "Go" (meaning cow) and "Trahi" (meaning protection). Gotras traditionally referred to families that descended from specific sages in the Vedic period who protected their cattle. In a broader sense, Gotra signifies a person's lineage traced back to a sage or rishi (seer or saint) in ancient India. Members of a Gotra are considered descendants of that rishi, and this lineage determines certain religious practices and rituals they may follow.

In Hindu society, Gotra traditionally restricts individuals from marrying within the same lineage to avoid interbreeding, preserving the purity of each Gotra. For example, those belonging to the same Gotra are thought to have a common genetic pool and are seen as siblings in an extended sense. Therefore, Gotra plays an essential role in determining compatibility in marriages within the same community.

Popular Gotras in Hindu Culture

Hinduism recognizes a multitude of Gotras, many of which trace their lineage to seven primary sages, known as “Saptarishi.” These sages are considered the forefathers of humanity, and their Gotras are widely respected. Here’s a list of some of the most prominent Gotras:

Bharadwaj Gotra – Descendants of Rishi Bharadwaj.

Kashyap Gotra – Named after Rishi Kashyap, considered the ancestor of various Hindu communities.

Vashishta Gotra – Traced to Rishi Vashishta, a sage known for his teachings and wisdom.

Atri Gotra – Linked to Rishi Atri, known for his devotion and ascetic life.

Gautam Gotra – Descendants of Rishi Gautam, a prominent sage with a substantial following.

Angirasa Gotra – Related to Rishi Angirasa, a revered Vedic sage.

Agastya Gotra – Named after Rishi Agastya, noted for his contributions to spiritual teachings.

Each Gotra has its unique stories and values rooted in the life of the respective sage, creating a diverse and rich cultural heritage within Hindu society.

Significance of Gotra in Surnames

Many Hindus take their surnames from their Gotras to highlight their lineage. This practice is common among Brahmins, as well as other Hindu communities. A surname derived from a Gotra serves as a symbol of pride, identity, and tradition. Some examples of how Gotras are reflected in surnames include:

Sharma for those from the Bharadwaj Gotra.

Rishi or Vashisht for individuals from the Vashishta Gotra.

Kashyap for people from the Kashyap Gotra.

Gautam for those belonging to the Gautam Gotra.

Many surnames also reflect regional or linguistic influences. For example, individuals from the Bharadwaj Gotra may be known as Sharma in North India but carry a different surname in South India. This cultural diversity adds to the richness of the Hindu identity, where Gotras unify while regional names distinguish communities.

Gotras and Their Influence in Marriage Customs

In Hindu society, marriage between individuals of the same Gotra is traditionally discouraged. Marriages are often arranged within communities, but with careful attention to Gotra lineage to avoid intra-Gotra unions. According to Hindu customs, people from the same Gotra are considered to be part of an extended family, making intra-Gotra marriages akin to sibling unions.

Families commonly follow these rules:

Avoidance of same-Gotra marriages: Many Hindu communities do not permit marriages within the same Gotra, as this is considered a practice that maintains the sanctity of ancestral lines.

Cross-Gotra alliances: Marriages are encouraged between individuals of different Gotras, allowing family lines to branch out and form alliances with other lineages.

Regional customs: In some regions, individuals can marry within Gotras, but most traditional communities adhere to cross-Gotra marriages.

Modern Perspectives on Gotras

While Gotra lineage remains significant, perspectives on Gotra rules have evolved in modern society. With the expansion of education and migration, many individuals now look at Gotra as a cultural identity rather than a strict guideline for marriage. Intercaste and inter-religious marriages have become more common, bringing about a blend of customs and traditions.

However, for many Hindu families, Gotra continues to influence family rituals, naming conventions, and traditional practices. Understanding and honoring Gotra heritage serves as a means of preserving cultural identity while embracing contemporary values.

Conclusion

Gotras are integral to Hindu identity, tying individuals to ancient sages, cultural history, and family values. They serve as a guide in matters of marriage and are reflected in surnames across communities. Gotras are symbolic of ancestry, spiritual connection, and community bonds, making them a treasured part of Hindu heritage. Embracing Gotra lineage while respecting modern interpretations helps in honoring tradition while fostering inclusivity in today’s interconnected world.

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गिरिराज पर महुआ मोइत्रा का पलटवार, बोलीं- चोटी वालों से रोहिंग्या गोत्र बेहतर

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एक ही गोत्र में विवाह क्यों नहीं करना चाहिए - गोत्र में शादी वैदिक तथा धार्मिक दोनों दृष्टिकोण से वर्जित माना गया है | गौत्र शब्द का अर्थ होता है वंश/कुल । गोत्र प्रणाली का मुख्या उद्देश्य किसी व्यक्ति को उसके मूल प्राचीनतम व्यक्ति से जोड़ना है |

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