Superstition (1)
- 1. Name of the paper: Technical report writing & language practice lab HU-481 Name of the project: ‘Superstition’ a big curse Department: ECE Year: 2nd year (4th sem) List of participants: Shreya Das( )-109003140 Saurabh Kumar(76)-10900314076 Sanjana Singh(69)-10900314069 Shubham Bahaduri( )-109003140 Date of submission: 19/04/2016 Remarks: Teacher’s Signature:
- 3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher (Name of the teacher),who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic superstition, which also helped me in doing a lot of research and we came to know about so many new things. I have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them. I am highly indebted to ( ) for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project and also for their support in completing the project. I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to industry persons for giving me such attention and time. My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.
- 4. CONTENTS Acknowledgement Superstition –An overview Introduction Common superstitions Effect of superstition Case study Remedial Actions Conclusion
- 5. SUPERSTITION-AN OVERVIEW Superstitions consist of beliefs and practices, which have no evidence to support them, and are inconsistent with the degree of enlightenment reached by a community. Their level of enlightenment or understanding is not raised to the higher level of knowledge available in the present world, to raise this they have to think rationally. And to create rational thinking one has to adopt a scientific attitude. The science is the best instrument to stimulate the rational thinking and investigation of knowledge and experience acquired so far. This does not mean that rational thinking is a right of learned people only. The rational thinking is a born instinct in every human being, which is suppressed throughout the ages. There are many doctors, engineers, leaders and even scientists who are learned people and sufficiently enlightened persons yet they believe in superstitions. By their untenable attitude, common people are confused but ultimately follow them. This act of contradiction is inconsistent with their enlightenment and as such they can be called superstitious. The second reason for many learned and knowledgeable people being superstitious
- 6. They couldn’t use science in practice and interlink it with matters of superstitions to investigate the truth behind it. They couldn’t really understand it without some guidance. In general superstitions are considered as product of religious matters. Religion never changes whereas science adopts every new change after proving it. The holding and clinging to old unproven matter, which is peculiar to the particular place, time or community is also superstition. Superstition gives birth to fanaticism and fundamentalism. It is hindrance to progress and development of human beings. It often blackmails the emotions of a person. The brain of human being evolved has something ‘extra’ than any other species. That is thinking power ,With the help of thinking power human being has created the civilization and captured whole world without bothering about other species and even his fellow human beings . The present civilization is not a better one despite it is modern and progressive. We will have to create a super civilization by thinking more and more rationally. This may be possible through by adopting means of unexploited nature and species around us for producing superior, sustainable, safe and simple but sufficient material for everyone to live happily. That may
- 7. . Introduction: Superstitions is a part of human life since time immemorial.Superstitions began centuries ago when our ancestors tried to explain mysterious circumstances or events as best as they could with the knowledge they had. Superstitions can be defined as “Irrational beliefs”, especially with regard to the unknown”. What is it? A superstition is a belief that a particular thing, event circumstance holds some kind of significance that something going to happen (bad or good) even through It’ s not based on knowledge or reason.This belief can be based on fear, ignorance, trust in magic, coincidence, or a prior experience with a similar situation.
- 8. .What is the origin of superstition? Superstition comes from old French or from Latin word super- ‘over’ and stare ‘to stand’ The idea seems to have been of standing over something in amazement or awe. By the time superstition first appeared in English at the beginning of the 15th century it refereed to an irrational religious belief based on fear ,or ignorance or to a religious belief considered false or pagan. The more general ‘irrational or unfounded belief’ sense is first recorded in the 1790s. Most of the superstitions have had their origin in ancient time, when man was at the mercy of nature, and they were neither unable to develop the scientific reason for
- 9. unfortunate event. If it troubled a person and if he don’t find reason for it then he might try to attribute it to any superstitious belief he believes in such as the bad luck of Friday 13th. They feel more in control of their lives. some people believe in superstitions because they give them more feelings of control. The human mind works results in the reinforcement of superstitious beliefs. A person who beliefs that black cats bring bad luck is very likely to attribute an ordinary bad event, that happens to him often, to the fact that he came across a black cat before the event happened. Many superstitions happen out of ignorance of the main causes that resulted in a certain unpleasant event. A person who didn’t understand the cause of a certain event could easily attribute it to a superstitions belief that helps his mind calms down. • In 18th century London, umbrellas with metal spokes became popular, and opening them indoors became a hazard. Therefore, it became common knowledge that opening an umbrella indoors was considered “bad luck,” though this was really done to keep people safe!
- 10. Black cat Black cats is one of major superstition and mythology .In the middle ages, they were believed to be witches’ incarnate. Many of the old superstitions about black cats exist till today. Depending on the localities; black cats portend either good or bad luck. Here are some examples: • In Yorkshire, England,Asia and even UK it may be lucky to • own a black cat, but it is unlucky have one cross your path. • Seeing a black cat in your dream indicates that you are • experiencing some fear in using your psychic abilities • and believing in your intuition. • In 16th century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick he would die if a black cat lay on his bed. • In North America, it's considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path and good luck if a white cat crosses your path. • Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck .
- 11. ASTROLOGY AND FORTUNE TELLING Astrology plays a great role in people’s lives in india. People consult astrologers to decide names for their new born child ren. People compared horoscopes before marriage and marriage only between couples with compatible horoscopes. Marriages and other functions are conducted at auspicious times (muhurat) specified by astrologers. Several politicians also reportedly go to consult astrologer before important decisions.
- 12. Widows Widows are considered inauspicious and made to look lifeless. Some consider it bad luck to see a widow firstly in the morning. Many are driven away by their husband’s families, who want to prevent them from inheriting any property. Many of them migrate to the holy city of Vrindaban in Uttar Pradesh. Widows are abused as “husband eater”.In northern Indian state of Punjab,widows is Referred to as ‘prostitute’. In this region ,they usually arrange for the Widow to marry her deceased husband’s Brother because being owned by a men is a Way to avoid being raped.
- 13. Black and White Magic There are several type of magic, but basically, it is subdivided in two categories: black and white magic Black magic is the belief of practices of magic that draws on assumed malevolent powers. It is invoked when one wishes to kill, steal, injure, cause misfortune or destruction, or for personal gain without regard to any harmful consequences . As a term, “Black magic” is normally used by those that do not approve of its uses. It is common to some ritualistic settings. Some argue that “magic has no color”, and it’s merely how it’s used by the person invoking it. If one looks at it that way then the claim that not everything termed as “Black magic” has malevolent intentions behind it could be true. There are probably other helpful uses you can think of where Black magic, “in a good way” could be applied.
- 14. Vaastu Sastra A beautiful home all of a sudden becomes unsuitable to live - in because field moving from North to South, Human beings also have the same magnetic field moving in the same direction. Now while we sleep facing North our body’s magnetic field would repel with that of Earth’s, and you are not Einstein to guess who is stronger Earth or You, thereby weakening our body strength, creating hormonal imbalances, depressions, pains & our aches. Instead if we sleep facing south , it would just be opposite, body’s magnetic field would attract with that of earth’s creating a harmony. Sleeping facprinciples of vaastu are not applied to its construction. Why so much importance is given to this ancient science in this modern world.Vaastu Shastra , the ancient Indian Architecture Study emphasizes on the basic principles of universal or solar energy, magnetic field of earth and the wind directions.For instance , a vaastu expert says to sleep facing south or east . The reason – earth has a magnetic ing east is second best as then we are sleeping in cordinance with the solar energy. So this was just one truth behind various misunderstanding about vaastu.Try applying it & you
- 15. In Hindu astrology and mythology, Rahu and Ketu are invisible planets. They are enemies of the Sun and the moon. It is believed that at certain times they swallow the Sun or the Moon causing either a solar eclipse (Surya grahanam) or a lunar eclipse Chandra grahanam). Superstitions: Eclipse brings bad luck. Don’t eat during solar eclipse. Take a bath after the eclipse. Cover water, food item, etc. with Holy Basil (tulsi leaves). Throw away left over food. Don’t expose to sunlight during eclipse especially pregnant women. Some don’t believe by saying it is all superstition. They plan to conduct parties and get together. Solar eclipses or lunar eclipses are scientific phenomena. People must not be scared. Solar and lunar eclipse
- 16. Use of supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft. Historically, it was widely believed in early modern Christian Europe that witches were in league with the Devil and used their powers to harm people and property. According to the dictionary sorcery is the Witchcraft, in historical, religious, and mythological contexts, is the alleged art, practices, or spells of a person who is supposed to exercise supernatural power through the aid of evil spirits; Black magic, witchery. Witchcraft and Sorcery
- 17. 5. MENSTRUATION TABOO Menstruating women are considered impure. In many places, they are not allowed to cook,touche the pickle or enter temples during their periods.
- 18. Name-Sreedyuti Chakraborti Age-27 profession-School teacher Q:-Do you believe in superstition? Ans:-No, I do not believe in superstition. But ,I believe in ghosts. Q:-why do you believe in ghosts? Ans:-We have never seen God in our life.But, we believe in Case study :1
- 19. Q:-Do you read your horoscope? Ans:-Yes. Q:- Is there any incident which originally becomes true that was predicted using your horoscope? Ans:-Yes, there are some incidents in my life. Q:-What is your message to the people who believe in superstitions strongly? Ans:-If we believe in superstitons then the growth of our society will be decreased. We must think logically and scientifically.For example, if anyone say that do not get out from home today because it may be bad for you and on this day if you have an important exam then what will you do?You must go to give the exam.So, I think we must know the original reason of any incident and then explain it scientifically.
- 20. NO.2 Name-Aruna Das Age-57 Profession- Housewife Q:-Do you believe in superstition? Ans:- Yes , I believe a few superstitions. Q:-Is there any impotent incident in your life according to superstition? Ans:-No,there is no as such incident. But one day when I got out from home and a black cat crossed my path and on that day I was going to do the most impotent work and I became successful in my work.
- 21. Q:-Do you believe in Vastu Sastra? Ans:-Yes, I believe in Vastu Sastra. So, in my home God is placed at the North-East corner of my house. Q:-Do you believe in any superstition about solar and lunar eclipse? Ans:-Yes, I believe in this type of superstition. For example ,I think that we should not eat at that time. Though, it has scientific reason also. Q:- A lot of superstitions exist in our society about menstruation cycle. Do you believe this type of superstitions? Ans:-Not , all of them but I believe some of them. Q:-Why do you believe in this type of superstition?Is there any particular reason? Ans:-No,there is no particular reason. But still I believe in this type of superstition because these are Continuing from generation to generation. Q:-What is your message to the people who believe in different superstitions strongly? Ans:-I have nothing to tell about this because I think it is everyone's personal matter that they believe in superstition or not.
- 22. Remedial actions 1.I think that we all should attempt to stear our minds away from society- affecting superstitions and live as though they had never been created. 2. Realize that you have the power to make your own luck. While you can't control all the circumstances in your life, you can control how you react to them and what you do about it. This is far more important than being lucky or unlucky. 3. there has been a tendency to blame the government and depend it for the removal of social evils. I believe the only hope lies in the youth. In this regard the teaching community have to modernise India’s so that the desireable change may occur through education. Its prevention is literacy and knowledge is its cure.
- 23. 4. Movies like OMG and PK has put a great impact on peoples life. It was atheist and superstitious too. But after watching OMG I realized donating a huge sum of money or worship god day and night in temples won’t change my fortune, or make me to pass the examination without studying the subjects. Going to temple, church, mosque is good and I care the feelings of people. But trusting blindly on pandits, maharaj is not an ideal way of worship. These films tried to influence people to think on their illogical activities.For me the movies like PK and OMG certainly makes difference to the Indian society. So, when we see for the impact of these scripts in our society we will have to come up with these ideas more frequently and in a stronger way each time we come. These movies are not challenging the supreme power but the bad things prevailing on the name of Almighty so we have now a days more matured audience who thinks on these facts but just till they find something more interesting in their lives. So, to see the impact on a very large scale we will have to come up with more movies like OMG and PK.
- 24. Effects of superstitions Superstitions do affect the society a lot. For example, widows are considered to bring bad luck. At one point in India, widows couldn’t get shelter and received harsh treatment. They were not allowed to attend auspicious functions. Also, black cats are hunted down because of the incredibly old superstitions. Black cats bring bad luck. They have as much right to live freely without being cringed at do. Certain superstitions beliefs have been in the Indian society for such a long time that they have been taken for granted and are no more considered as evil. People leaving everything to god and remaining idle is a common culture in the Indian society. Number of houses in our society left unhabited because of the ‘Vastu’ problem, is a clear indication. Superstitious beliefs is the biggest stumbling block in our path to a healthy society. Youth practising superstitions will hinder social progress. It lead to the exploitation of common people by clever Sadhus and Tantrics. In a country like India where these godmen enjoy a very unshakable position even after the spotlight has been thrown on their clout making headlines for the controversy they create like financial irregularities, sexual abuse and sometimes even murder, in a country where people still believe in age old superstitions, in a country where people believe these “babas” will solve their problems not they themselves.
- 25. We have a very recent example of so called “Nirmal Baba” even if his fraudism came out in the open to the people but this followers still did not believe. FIR were filled and he was given even NBW from Delhi HC for fraudery. Not to forget Asaram Bapu being alleged for illegal sexual activities in his own Ashram though he is been put in a tight spot by the court but not the people. Today to become a baba you need a very few ingredients:- • A few reliable chelas • A weird name • Divine looks which include unkempt hairs, long unshaved beard • Agood practise of magician’s tricks • Target your bakras Not only this neither did people have stopped their “holy” rituals of wasting milk and honey which they think as offering to please God. Even today goers to temple are more than a school. We live in Tech Savvy century but still this blindness??
- 26. Conclusion: It is clear that Superstitions leads to the most adverse & serious ill effects as far as human civilizations concerned. They exist due to our ignorance of scientific facts and truths. Education can be best solution to this problem. Women are more superstitious due to their inferior position in male dominated society which leads to poor mental & physical health, in order to ensure safety & security of her own family, they get trapped into this vicious circle of blind faith& rituals. Better public outreach program, involving various sects, caste & religion of society will be very useful to eradicate superstations. The help of modern technology &electronic media makes such outreach program more involving & interesting for masses. In spite of advances and science people are still superstitious. Many people still practice the old ways even common people practice a little. Superstitions are a part of our every day lives and always have been.
- 27. About 80% of our population lives in villages and half of them are illiterate. A large section of our society believes in superstitions and therefore fall prey to conmen and godmen. Superstitions make a mockery of human and social development. Superstitions should not be confused with tradition and culture. Conducting programmes on how miracles are not possible will go a long way in dispelling the belief. Movies and media should take up the challenge of fighting against this evil.