SEBASTIAN
ALACKAPALLY
Darsana
Institute of Philosophy, Wardha
Paper Title: “Harmony of Theos and Cosmos in Tribal Life”
Abstract
Religious life of tribes portrays the indigenous
religious rites and rituals which have been followed by hundreds of tribes in
India. Though there is a large variety of tribal religious concepts, terminologies
and practices, most of them have one thing in common: the awe, reverence and care
for nature.The religious ideals of these tribes invariably deal with the spiritual,
divine presence in the Mother Earth and the ecological systems. They maintain a
symbiotic relation with the cosmos - their environment, as responsible
stewards, as care-holders of the Nature.
As the tribals are entwined with natural systems there is a deeper, mutual
relationship between them and nature. Hence any damage done to the Earth is understood
as a harm done to themselves. This interconnection emphasizes a mindset
that creates a productive and cooperative relationship between humans and
nature. When rational humans minimize the split between humanity and nature and
bridge the gaps only then will a mutual respect emerge in which all
entities coexist which may ultimately mitigate the harm done to the
environment. This harmonious existential we feeling is a lived experience of
the tribal life in India.
This paper is an attempt to look at the man-nature
harmony in the largest of all tribal groups in India, namely the Santhals and
the smallest of all tribal groups - the Todas in the South India. The religion
of Santhal
Tribes of West
Bengal, Bihar and Odisha is considered to be the most advanced in many
respects. They perform all religious rituals under
the sacred Sal trees at a place called ‘SarnaSthal’ or ‘Jaher’ ( asacred grove)
which resembles a small forest patch.TheSarnaSthal (Jaher) is a common
religious place where all the important socio-religious ceremonies of the
village take place. The Toda religion is centered primarily upon the
buffalo temple dairies. Every ritual or ceremony is centered on the use of
specific species of plants especiallythe sacred tree- tudr. This intimate
connection with the plants, trees exhibit the sacredness they attach to the
ecosystem. We shall also delve in to the changes which threatens the theos-cosmos
harmony in modern times.
Dr Sebastian
Alackapally CMI had
his Licentiate in Philosophy from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram and PhD in
Philosophy with specialization in Comparative Philosophy from Gregorian
University, Rome. He taught Philosophy at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram since 1999.
His areas of interests are Comparative Philosophy and Dalit and Tribal Studies.
He served as the Director of the Centre for the Dalit Solidarity (2003-09). Before
assuming the office of the Rector of Darsana
Institute of Philosophy, Wardha, Maharashtra, he has
served as the Provincial of Nirmal
Province Jagdalpur (2011-14).