Vision in Hinduism

Research Paper # 103739

Religion and Theology > Eastern

Vision in Hinduism

An analysis of the role of vision in Hinduism.

2,504 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in contrast to Western traditions where the transmission of sacred wisdom has been embodied within texts, the sacred world of Hinduism has interpreted images as "visual texts". The paper further suggests that, in Hinduism, it would be more accurate to say that vision is the intertwining of sensory perceptions, allowing a Hindu worshipper to become completely immersed both visually and emotionally in the presence of the divine. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of vision in Hinduism and concludes that to reduce vision to a Western conception of vision is to fail to look at reality from the eyes of a Hindu.

From the Paper:

"According to Hindu mythology, it is the ever-watching eyes of the gods that allow the world's existence to continue. In one myth, Parvati, the female companion of Shiva, playfully covers his eyes, leaving the whole world encompassed in darkness (Eck 1). Another tale, this one describing the Mother Goddess, tells of how the world is dissolved or created based on whether her eyes are open (Clooney 97). Fortunately for existence, the Goddess never closes her eyes. Vision is sacred. Hindu worshippers placed before an image of a deity; hope to gain the darsan of the deity. Darsan literally translates as "seeing." (Eck 3). It can also be translated as an "auspicious sight." (Eck 3). "

Sample of Sources Used:

Brown, Mackenzie C. "Purana as Scripture: From Sound to Image of the Holy Word in the Hindu Tradition." History of Religions. 26.1 (1986): 68-86.
Eck, Diana L. Darsan: Seeing the Divine Image in India. Anima Publications: Chambersburg PA: Anima Publications, 1985.
Levin, David Michael.The Opening of Vision: Nihilism and the Postmodern situation. New York, New York: Routledge, 1988.