Ekatva Mārga Dharm - Summary about the United Path Dharma Faith
Introduction
Ekatva Mārga Dharm is syncretic Hindu Dharmic Faith based on mainstream Hindu beliefs, as well "Folk Hinduism", Dravidian Pre-Vedic beliefs and Romani ethnic beliefs.
It has simplified rituals and beliefs, so everyone can understand the Path and it is my personal effort to create a simple and understandable path within the Dharma.
What is Dharma?
Dharma is the moral law governing individual and societal actions, ensuring harmony and spiritual progress. It varies according to one’s role, duty, and life stage, guiding people toward righteous living and ultimate liberation.
Core Beliefs
Param Brahman – The Ultimate Reality
The supreme, formless, all-encompassing divine presence.
It manifests in different deities to interact with the physical world.
Can be worshipped through various forms, including nature (sun, moon, trees) and murti (idols).
Saguna Brahman and Nirguna Brahman
Saguna Brahman is Param Brahman with form and attributes, represented by deities.
Nirguna Brahman is the formless, attribute-less divine essence beyond human understanding.
Karma and Samsara (Rebirth Cycle)
Every action (karma) shapes the future, affecting reincarnation.
Good karma leads to higher rebirths, while bad karma results in suffering.
Ultimate goal: Moksha (liberation from the rebirth cycle), reuniting with Param Brahman.
Moksha – Liberation Through Deeds
Moksha is attained through righteous actions, devotion, and selfless service.
Meditation, worship, and moral living speed up spiritual progress.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence) with Exceptions
Ideally, all life is respected, but practical exceptions exist.
Disease-spreading organisms (bacteria, mosquitoes) can be killed.
Just war (Dharma-Yuddha) as a means of self-defense is permitted to restore balance.
Rta – Cosmic Harmony
Living in alignment with natural and moral order maintains balance.
Examples: Sustainable living, mutual respect, honoring elders and ancestors.
Maya – The Illusion of the Physical World
The material world is transient; true reality lies beyond perception.
Attachment to wealth, pleasure, or ego leads to suffering.
Caste & Social Harmony: While caste distinctions exist, discrimination is condemned.
Deities and Their Avatars (not all mentioned)
Shiva (Supreme Ascetic and Destroyer) – Master of time, meditation, and transformation.
Kali and Durga (Divine Protectors) – Fierce goddesses against evil forces.
Karuppuswamy (Guardian of Villages) – Ensures justice and prosperity.
Sudalai Madan (Protector of Cremation Grounds) – Oversees the peaceful transition of souls.
Bhairava (Fierce Form of Shiva) – Destroys ignorance and dark forces.
Mari Amman (Goddess of Health) – Protects against disease and epidemics.
Demonology and Supernatural Beings
Bhoota (Restless Spirits) – Souls that failed to transition properly.
Preta (Hungry Ghosts) – Spirits suffering due to unresolved karma.
Rakshasa (Demonic Warriors) – Shape-shifters who create chaos.
Pisacha (Flesh-Eating Spirits) – Haunt graveyards, causing illness and nightmares.
Vetala (Undead Sorcerers) – Control corpses and work with dark Tantrics.
Protective Spirits (Guardian Deities, Ancestors) – Defend communities from evil.
Cosmology: The Creation of the Universe
The universe emerged from Param Brahman’s divine energy and Cosmic sound Aum.
It goes through cyclical phases of creation, preservation, and destruction (Yugas).
Trimurti: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destroyer) manage cosmic balance.
The material world is a temporary stage for spiritual learning.
Eschatology: The Afterlife and End of Time
Naraka (Spiritual Cleansing Realm)
Similar to Catholic purgatory; souls undergo purification before Samsara (Reincarnation) or Moksha (Liberation).
Not eternal—souls eventually reincarnate or attain Moksha.
Different regions of Naraka exist, each with specific forms of suffering that match the sins of the soul.
Yama, the Lord of Death
Judges souls and determines whether they are reborn, purified in Naraka, or reach Moksha.
Often depicted riding a buffalo and carrying a noose.
Black birds (crows, ravens) act as messengers between worlds and guide souls to Naraka or Moksha after death.
Kalki – The Final Redeemer
The last avatar of Vishnu, destined to appear at the end of Kali Yuga.
Will destroy evil and restore dharma (righteousness)
Sacred Symbols and Worship Practices
Murti Worship – Statues of deities serve as focus points for divine connection.
Raksha Sutra (Red Protection Thread) – Worn on the wrist for spiritual protection.
Chanting and Bhakti Music – Devotional songs and mantras maintain spiritual energy.
Temple and Open-Air Worship – While temples exist, nature-based worship is equally valid.
Puja (Daily Offerings) – Rituals to express gratitude and maintain balance.
Key Rituals and Traditions
Ancestor Worship (Shraddha) – Honoring past generations ensures spiritual continuity.
Ritual Baths – Cleansing oneself in sacred waters removes negative karma.
Exorcism and Spirit Appeasement – Tantrics perform rituals to free possessed individuals.
Dharma-Yuddha (Righteous Battle) – Fighting is allowed only for justice and balance.
Festivals and Seasonal Celebrations:
Winter Solstice (New Year’s Celebration) – Marking renewal and purification.
Spring Equinox (Festival of Rebirth) – Celebrating new beginnings.
Autumn Equinox (Festival of Karma and Harvest) – Reflecting on past deeds.
Durga Puja and Diwali – Honoring divine strength and victory of light over darkness.
Ensuring Rta (Cosmic Harmony) in Daily Life
Respecting Elders and Ancestors – Acknowledging the wisdom of past generations.
Sustainable Living – Using resources responsibly to maintain balance with nature.
Balancing Pleasure and Duty – Enjoying life’s gifts while fulfilling responsibilities.
Practicing Truthfulness and Justice – Acting in ways that support dharma.
Honoring Dharma: Following one’s righteous duty maintains harmony.
Ethical Consumption: Eating ritually pure food and treating animals respectfully.
Community & Justice: Resolving conflicts justly and upholding social responsibilities.
Protection Against Supernatural Threats
This religion provides multiple ways to guard against negative supernatural forces:
- Raksha Sutra (Red Protection Thread): Worn on the wrist as a shield against spirits and curses.
- Mantras and Chants: Reciting names of protective deities like Durga, Kali, or Bhairava.
- Fire Rituals (Havan/Yajna): Purifying spaces and people from malevolent energies.
- Sacred Symbols and Amulets: Wearing or placing symbols like the Trishul (trident), Om, or Yantras to ward off evil.
- Avoiding Spirit-Infested Areas: Staying away from known haunted places, graveyards, or abandoned temples at night.
The Role of Tantrics in Supernatural Practices
Tantrics serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. Their practices include:
- Spirit Communication: Invoking spirits for guidance, prophecies, or exorcisms.
- Healing and Protection: Using mantras, herbs, and rituals to cleanse people from malevolent spirits.
- Necromancy and Curse Magic: Some Tantrics, especially those working with Bhoota, Vetala or Pisacha, use dark magic for personal gain or revenge but could also help with fight against black magic or other threats.
Conclusion: A Faith for All People
This faith offers a structured yet flexible path for spiritual seekers. It respects ancient traditions while adapting to modern life. Its universal principles of karma, cosmic balance, divine worship, and ethical living make it accessible to diverse communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and even Romani people, who share similar cultural elements.
By following these teachings, practitioners strive to live in harmony with themselves, others, and the universe, progressing toward enlightenment and ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
NOTE: This is only a summary. Many things are not mentioned. It will be in some more detailed text about the Ekatva Mārga Dharm.
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