Im doing a study on the various cultures,and Im looking to find out about this. When basically a man like say a buddhist is ready to become spiritual, does he shave his head? Is there anything like this in the other cultures?
2006-09-14 08:24:18 · 5 answers · asked by maguathehearteater 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
This isn't a religious answer really, but in eighteenth century Europe, if a boy had a naturally beautiful singing voice, it was believed that if he were castrated, it would preserve the voice for the remainder of his life. They became known as Eunuchs and all of Europe knew them for their wonderful singing voices.
2006-09-14 08:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by scarlet rose 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buddhists don't all shave their heads, only those that become monks or when a member of a buddhists' immediate family member has passed away. He shaves his eyebrows as well. Buddhists seek the path to enlightenment, searching for true meanings in life and embracing what they have as well as trying to be centered and at peace with themselves at all times. They do not treasure a 'GOD' or an 'IDOL' but see that there is a way of happy being and the 'idols' that support that way of life. I'm not sure if there is anything like that in any other cultures. But I know that a lot of other cultures bash in others' beliefs.
Anyway, basically the shaving resembles leaving your past behind. The only thing that comes with you that you are able to replace is your hair ... therefore shaving your hair is a way of removing your past. They also cut your hair when you get married. A snippet from each head resembling all the loves you've had before, you cut it then it grows and you start new. : )
2006-09-14 08:34:45 · answer #2 · answered by auniquekind 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an ambiguous question. What path? If it is religious, sure. A man going into Catholic priesthood, becomes celibate. Just an example. Many aboriginal groups throughout the world have rites of passage for their young men, when they leave childhood and become men. Sometimes this involves a big hunt, or a solo out in the wilderness or even sometimes circumcision. Everybody has a path to follow and leaves something behind. It is a matter of being able to recognize the path you are on, where you came from and where you are going. Some go to college, some go to work, others travel, or do other things. But one way or another, everybody is on a path to something. What is left behind is for the person to figure out. The reasons things are left behind such as shaving head, celibacy, etc is symbolic. It is not the actual shaving of the head or celibate life that is important, it is what it signifies.
2006-09-14 08:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by wp1782 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay, the Buddhists don't just shave their heads. Generally a young man goes to a monastery in the woods or on top of a mountain somewhere and is immediately turned away by the monks. If he sits there for 3 days and endures their apparent rejection and proves his dedication, he is accepted. This is an integral step on the Buddhist path to Nirvana, the state of peace one can achieve by forsaking desire. With Christianity, you might consider the baptism as the first step on a path.
2006-09-14 08:35:26 · answer #4 · answered by jdalex3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He leaves behind his footprints
2006-09-14 08:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by dadof2kidz 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋