The Perception Of Hindus In Denpasar City To The Abolition Of Sin In The Text Of Siva Puraana

13 Pages·2017·0.5 MB·English

Vol. 2 No. 1 May 2018

The Perception Of Hindus In Denpasar City To The Abolition
Of Sin In The Text Of Siva Puraana

By:
I Made Arsa Wiguna
Institut Hindu Dharma Negeri Denpasar
Email: [email protected]

Received: Pebruary 24, 2017 Accepted: May 16, 2018 Published: May 31, 2018

Abstract

The aims of this paper are to describe the form of abolition of sin in the text of Siva
Puraana, the comprehension of Hindus about Siva Puraana, as well as the perception of Hindus
in Denpasar City about the abolition of sin in Siva Puraana. The word ‘sin’ in Hindu’s
terminology is well known as ‘papa’ which appeared and derived from asubha karma (bad
behavior) of a human. Siva Puraana describes a lot of short holy texts (sloka) and stories about
the abolition of sin by doing a devotion to the God Siva or by listening and reading the Siva
Puraana text scripture. This research location was in Vrata Vijaya Ashram. The result of
research, in general, was informant declared that sin couldn’t be able to be wiped out, but the
possible reason is equaling it by a good behaviour (subha karma), and also all the moral
education in Siva Puraana should be understood and implemented in daily life, so human will
be exempted from a sin.

Keywords: The Perception of Hindus, Abolition of Sin, the text of Siva Puraana

I. Introduction beliefs derive from Veda Sruti and Smrti).
Each of religious people should have a Two parts of Panca Sradha are Karmaphala
core of beliefs as a basis in order to actualize and Punarbhava. Titib (2004: 281), declared
the religious life. Hinduism also has the core as a basis of ethics and moral in Hinduism,
of beliefs known as Panca Sradha (five Karmphala will influence the Punarbhava.

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Regarding Karmaphala, there are three types svarga and neraka. The existence of those
of Karmaphala, they are Sancita, Prarabda, texts that explain about sin caused by a bad
and Kryamana. behavior should ideally be used as guidelines
Netra (2009: 29), explained that Sancita by Hindus to protect the mind, words, and
Karmaphala is the result of mankind behavior attitude as well. However, it is not
in the past which has not received or enjoyed immediately lead the Hindus not to do a bad
yet and still become seeds that determine and attitude.
influence the current life. Prarabda Actually, it is impossible to wipe out the
Karmaphala is a result of mankind behavior sin or donate it to others. Mankind is
in this current life that has fully received or responsible for their own sin. Apte (Titib,
enjoyed. Kriyamana Karmaphala is a result 2007: 260) explains that dosa or papa in
of mankind behavior that has not received or English language is known as sin, in the
enjoyed yet in this current life, so that it will Sanskrit language is known as papam,
be received in the future life. patakam, kalmasam. In Jawa Kuno (Old
Hindus believe that karma (act) Javanese language), dosa means dosa,
determines the future life, while still alive or mistakes. Papa in Jawa Kuno language means
after the death. The basic of that beliefness is dosa, bad habits, crime, mistakes,
derive from Sarasamuccaya’s scripture which punishment/torture for sin. Apart from that,
declared that only karma (act) will be Hindu’s literature only told about sin and the
accompanying the Atman (soul in Hinduism effect.
terminology) to the last place (svarga or Manava Dharmasastra (VIII.381)
neraka, heaven or hell, but in Hinduism, the declared that there is no bigger crime than
last purpose is the unity of Atman and killing Brahmana (part of Catur Varna who is
Brahman called Moksha). Even though learning Veda and leading a Yajna
svarga and neraka are not stated explicitly in ceremonial), so don’t ever think to do it
Panca Sradha, Hindus believe the existence (Pudja and Tjokorda Rai Sudharta, 1976:
of that places by the explanation in those 515).
texts, like Smrti such as Itihasa, Puraana, Slokantara (75-78), classified 4 types of
Slokantara, Sarasamuccaya and others. sin ie: 1) Pataka (small sin), such as abortion,
Subha karma (good behavior) will killing other people, ran the girl by force,
deliver atman to the bright place (svarga), and married before the eldest brother or sister get
the asubha karma (bad behavior) will deliver married; 2) Upapataka (fair sin), such as
atman to the dark place called neraka. Asubha killing the cow, killing the young girl, killing
karma will arise a sin and influence the karma children, killing parents and older human,
phala and punarbhava (cycle of birth setting fire to the house with the owners; 3)
repeatedly). This matter is also explained in Mahapataka (big sin), such as killing a
Atma Prasangsa scripture, ie someone who Brahmana, drinking alcohol, stealing a gold,
loved to conduct a cockfighting, so that in the killing the teacher, raping a girl until die; 4)
future life, he will be born as a rooster’s food Atipataka (the biggest sin), such as raping the
(Ginarsa, 2002: 23). Slokantara’s scripture own daughter, own mother, breaking the holy
also describes the characteristic of birth from or devotion place (Sudharta, 2003: 252-259).

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Bhagavadgita (XVI. 21), declares that Siva Puraana is worth to study about in order
kama (desire), krodha (anger), and lobha not to doubt about sin’s abolition. So that it
(greedy) are the three entrances to hell, and made researcher feel the interest to study
those should be avoided. However, in some about Hindus perception about the abolition
Puraana, there is a different opinion about of sin in Siva Puraana’s text.
sin. A sinful human could be achieved and There are three main cases in this
lived in God’s places just because doing a research ie: 1) The form of abolition in Siva
good thing, for example, a thief who cleans up Puraana text; 2) The comprehension of
the Visnu temple to disappear his footprint Hindus in Denpasar City about Siva Puraana
there, and then after the death, he was picked text; 3) The perception of Hindus in Denpasar
up by Yama’s troop (The Gods of death and City about the abolition of sin in Siva
justice in Hinduism), but finally on the way to Puraana text.
Yama’s place, Visnu’s troop stop it and bring
the soul of that thief to Vaikuntha (Gods II. Methods
Visnu place). Some of the stories in Puraana This research location was in Vrata
text have a similarity with Lubdaka story by Vijaya Ashram, in Jl. Siulan Gg. Nusa Indah
Mpu Tanakung. III No. 3. This ashram was chosen due to there
Siva Puraana as one of the eighteen is a reading session of Siva Puraana routinely
Mahapuraana also describes the abolition of every month and also devotion of Gods Siva
sin. It tells about Brahmana’s wife who was and all the manifestation as well. The primary
sinful, while she was alive, got a good place data resources were derived from informant
in Gods Siva place (Kailash) just because she related to the sin abolition in Siva Puraana and
listened to Siva Puraana’s reading session also the perception about it. The secondary
unintentionally. Siva Puraana is certainly data resources were gotten from journals,
believed a divine revelation directly from researchers, and literatures regarding this
Gods Siva. There is a statement in one of Siva research’s object.
Puraana’s sloka telling that “by reading Collecting data technique was also
several texts in Siva Puraana, then mankind conducted by doing nonparticipant
will be free from any kind of sin, and the good observation and deeply interview regarding
people will getting lofty only by reading and this research topic to the management of
listening to this holy Siva Puraana. Its gonna Vrata Vijaya Ashram, devotee, students, and
be the big question due to its impossible to Hinduism academician in Denpasar City.
wipe out the sin. Documentation study was also done, such as
Reading Siva Puraana used to do in a a gallery of the event in this ashram or linga
special place like an ashram, and in this case, as a devotion object. The research instrument
research location was located at Vrata Vijaya was the researcher itself due to qualitative
Ashram, Penatih, Denpasar City. This ashram research. Analysis technique used was Miles
was chosen because the reading activity of and Huberman’s model.
Siva Puraana text was conducted routinely
and this ashram also devoted to Gods Siva and
all the manifestation. The abolition of sin in

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III. Result and Discussion b. Spiritual teacher/Acarya: Sri Hasta
3.1 General Description of Research Dala (Drs. Ketut Murdana, M.Si)
Location c. Head of Asram: Drs. Dewa Putu
Vrata Vijaya Ashram was formally Mertha, M.Si
declare by Mahaguru Sri Jaya Nara on d. Deputy Head of Ashram: Made
October 14th, 2008 and use the traditional Mahardika
architecture of Bali. This ashram was led by a e. Secretary: Gede Sudarpa
spiritual teacher named Guru Sri Hasta Dala. f. Treasurer: Gede Arda
Devotion in this ashram is especially directed g. Main Members:
to Gods Siva and the manifestation in the Komang Suriadi
form of holy linggams (Gods Siva’s symbol). Ida Bagus Astawa
Those holy linggams are: 1) Sri Karnath as Agung Putri
the Gods Siva aspect to protect this universe; Ni Ketut Suriani
2) Air Lingga as a place to beg a holy water Ni Luh Sukiartini
from the Mother Nandini to sublime ourself; The other members are around 240
3 Sri Nandini as Gods Siva aspect which gives people
a prosperous to the mankind; 4) Lingga Guru Source: Secretary of Ashram
functioned to respect Sad and Sat Guru; 5)
Beji as a place to clean up ourselves before 3.2 Form of Sin Abolition in Siva
doing a devotion; 6 Graha Guru as a place to Puraana’s Text
welcome and sublime Sad and Sat Guru; 7: Sin abolition in Siva Puraana’s text
Linggam Siva, Ganesha, and Hanuman as a is written in short holy text (sloka) and
central point of devotion; 8) Mandala as a become an interesting story ie:
Gods Siva’s shakti symbol which is spread a. Glory of Sivaratri
out to all corner. This place functioned as a b. Vedanidhi
place for meditation, japa, and the other c. Yama’s Obligation
special activity. One of those linggams is as d. Result of Mentioning God’s name
shown in the picture below. (Siva)
Picture 1. Sri Nandini e. Ganesha’s birth
f. The greatness of Mahabala
g. Achieving a good goal by women
outside the caste
h. The greatness and glory of
Mahabala
i. The Greatness of the other Siva’s
Lingga
j. Siva Puraana in Rudra Samhita part
Documentation I Made Arsa Wiguna, 2017
I Chapter I.38 (The Greatness of
Vrata Vijaya Ashram is well managed
Siva Puraana)
and the managements are as follow:
k. Chapter IV.37, 38, 44, 46, 49, 50,
a. Maha Guru: Maha Guru Sri Jaya Nara
51, 52, 53, 59, 60, 71 (Narada went
(Wayan Sujaya, S.Ag);

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to Vaikunta dan come accross y. Chapter XI.19, 58 (The way to
Visnu over there) Praise Linggam and create an
l. Chapter VI.2 (Description of offerings)
Mahapralaya’s Character and who z. Chapter XII.14 (An explanation
is Visnu actually) about various temples of the Gods
m. Chapter XVIII.24 (Redemption of Siva)
mistakes from Gunanidhi) aa. Chapter XIV.44 (An explanation
n. Siva Puraana in Rudra Samhita part about the holy fire ceremony/
II Chapter VI.1 (Praise sung by agnihotra)
Sandhya and Sandhya get the grace bb. Chapter XV.32 (An explanation
from Siva) about terms, time, and place for
o. Chapter XX.38 (Wedding of Siva conducting Devayajna and others)
and Sati) cc. Chapter XVI.43, 63, 64, 67, 113,
p. Chapter I.10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 23, 25, 115 (Someways to worship Gods
38, 42, 45 (The Greatness of Siva Statue and the result)
Purana) dd. Chapter XVII.11, 53, and 147
q. Chapter II.1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 37, 39-40 (The Greatness of Om syllables
(Liberation of Devaraja) and five syllables mantra)
r. Chapter IV.1, 15, 40 (Liberation of ee. Chapter XVIII.148, 149, 162 (The
Cencula) nature of bonding, and liberation,
s. Chapter V.50 (Liberation of and the majesty of Siva)
Binduga) ff. Chapter XIX.19, 20, 21 (The
t. Siva Puraana in Vidyesvara Greatness of Worship To The Siva
Samhita Chapter II.2, 3, 4, 20, 23, Lingga Statue Made of Clay)
36, 40, 43, 45 (The Answer that gg. Chapter XX.42, 43, 64, 65 (The
Given To Answer the Doubt of the Way to Worship Lingga Statue
Rsi) Made of Clay by Saying Vedic
u. Chapter V.3, and 31 (The Mantra)
Greatness of Siva Lingga Siva hh. Chapter XXII.13, 18, 27, 28, 29
Lingga) (The rule of sharing Naivedya
v. Chapter VIII.18 (Forgiveness of Siva with others, and the Grandeur
Siva to Brahma) of the Bilva Tree)
w. Chapter IX.20, 26, 34 ii. Chapter XXIII.6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15,
(Inauguration for Siva as 17, 22-24, 27-31, 35-37, 39, 41-44
Mahesvara) (The Greatness of Rudhraksa Tree
x. Chapter X.37 (The disappearance abd Siva’s Name)
of Siva after explaining the five jj. Chapter XXIV.19, 20, 51, 52, 53,
obligations of God, and the 55, 56, 76 (The Greatness of Hoky
Omkara mantra on Brahma, and Ashes)
Visnu)

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kk. Chapter XXV.9, 19, 32, 48, 54, 64, aaa. Chapter XI.31-33 (Kumara's
66, 70, 71 (The Greatness of Victory and Death of Bana and
Rudhraksa Seed) Pralamba)
ll. Siva Puraana in Rudresvara bbb. Siva Puraana in Rudra Samhita
Samhita Parvatikhanda Part III Yudha Kanda Part V Chapter I
Chapter I until LV. Start form until LIX. Start from Chapter III.
Chapter I.3, 23 and 24 42 and 54 (Tripura’s Virtue)
(Himacala’s Wedding) ccc. Chapter IV.35 (Tripura’s
mm. Chapter III.5 (Praise that offered Initiation)
by Visnu and the other Gods) ddd. Chapter XI. 4 (Prayers of the
nn. Chapter IV.49 and 50 (Mahadewi Gods)
is Entertaining the Gods) eee. Chapter XXV. 21, 27, 35, and
oo. ChapterVI.52 (Parvati’s Birth) 36 (Prayers of the Gods)
pp. Chapter VIII.49 (Conversation fff. Chapter XXVI. 57, 58, and 61
between Naradha and Himalaya) (The disappearance of Gods
qq. Chapter XXI.35 and 36 (Narada Visnu’s Illusion)
Teaches Parvati about Tapasya) ggg. XXVII. 3 (Sankhacuda’s Birth)
rr. Chapter XXIV.73 (Siva Agree to hhh. Siva Puraana Chapter LVI.28
Married with Parvati) (Bana Sura is Achieving Position
ss. Chapter XXIX. 2 (Dialog between as Gana of Gods Siva)
Siva and Sakti) iii. Chapter LVII. 66, 67, and 73 (The
tt. Chapter XXXIX. 2 (The Gods Killing of Gaja Sura)
Arrive at Kailas Attending Siva’s jjj. Chapter LVIII. 47 and 50 (The
Invitation and Siva Starting the Killing of Dundubhi Nirhrada)
Preparation) kkk. Chapter LIX. 40 (The Killing of
uu. Chapter XLII.31 (Story is Telling Vidala and Utpala)
about the Meeting between Siva
and Himawan) 3.3 Comprehension of Hindus in
vv. Chapter XLIV.97 (Mena Regained Denpasar City about Siva Puraana’s
Consciousness) Text
ww. Chapter XLV. 8 (The Historically, Purana began to flourish in
appearance of Siva which is very the era of Hindu renaissance in India
handsome and the whole people (Mahajan and Majumdar inside Phalgunadi,
are happy) 2013: 39). Then Titib (2004: 14 explained that
xx. Chapter LIV. 72 and 78 (An etymologically Puraana comes from the word
Explanation abput Obligation of a pura meaning ancient, and ana meaning to
Holy Wife) say. Puraana is defined as an ancient history
yy. Chapter LV. 31-34 (Siva Back to that tells the birth and life of the Gods, kings,
Kailas) and Rsi. Each puraana story essentially
zz. Chapter I.7 (Loving Game of Gods contains religious education.
Siva)

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Similarly, described by Sivananda than the attractiveness of a woman.
(2003: 26), that Puraana in general aims to Sravana also will be effective if
popularize the religion of the Vedas, which someone joins in a collection of saints.
contain the essence of Vedic teachings. The b. Kirtana is expressing the greatness of
goal is to cram the minds of the layman about Siva, his attributes, being, his name,
the Vedic teachings and to awaken their etc., in a holy way by telling the story
devotion to God through concrete examples, of his greatness, singing hymns of
myths, stories, legends, the lives of saints, praise to him, even by using the
kings and great men, figurative stories and the language in daily life.
historical sequence of major events. The wise c. Manana is a meditation on his form. If
use this to describe the principles of eternal all of these ways happen, then
religion. Sivayoga or union with Siva will be
Correspondingly, Saraswati (2009: achieved. But not everyone can do
251), describes the Puranas as the that, so there is an easier way to reach
"Magnifying Glass" of the Vedas because the liberation itself. In Siva Puraana
they enlarge the small images into big Chapter V.1-17, it is explained that the
drawings. The Vedic teachings listed in small person who is unable to perform the
statements that are enlarged and elaborated in three prescribed rituals to attain
the form of stories or anecdotes within the liberation, should make a Siva Lingga,
Puranas. and worship him daily. Lord Siva is
Siva Puraana is one of 18 worshiped with his phallus and his
Mahapuraana which describes the majesty of own form.
Siva and Lingga. The book of Siva Puraana Based on the observations in the Vrata
consists of 7 Samhita namely Vidyesvara, Vraya Ashram, worship is done periodically
Rudra, Satarudra, Kotirudra, Uma, Kailasa, every month, the 7th is the worship of
and Vayaviya Ganesha, the 10th worship of Bhatara Siva, the
The glory of Siva Puraana as stated by 13th worship of Mother Parwathi, and the 27th
Sanjaya (2010: xv), that Siva Purana was worship day of the teacher. The means used
honored as a great Puraana because of its are: pejati, accompanied by bungkak gading
contents explaining the ritual of Siva worship. or the other means at best. Generally the
This Puraana perceived Siva as the eternal devotees in the ashram has a good
principle, the supreme god, cosmic soul, and comprehension of the worship to Siva and his
the buffer of the universe. manifestation. It can be seen from the
Broadly speaking, there are three explanation of Dewa Putu Merta (Interviewed
ways to achieve liberation (attaining union on August 10th, 2017)
with Siva) namely: "Siva Puraana is about the life of God
a. Sravana or imagine and meditate on (Siva). The meaning of Siva in this case
his sacred name, listening to all the that is according to the concept of Tri
stories, words of praise related with Purusa (Parama Siva that cannot be
Siva in any way, anywhere, that will imagined, Sada Siva in its manifestation
always produce a fascination more as Tri Murti i.e. Brahma Vishnu and Siva,

125 Vol. 2 No.1 May 2018
that gives life to the universe and its The worship of Siva is also done by making
contents). Siva linga along with His manifestations, and
Another statement came from Gede the worship of Siva is also accompanied by a
Sudarpa who’s also one of the ashram's dance that aims to worship and glorify Siva
devotees and managers (interviewed on and His aspects.
August 10th, 2017): Anggre (interviewed on August 3rd,
"I like to read Siva Puraana including the 2017 gave a statement as follows:
dharmawacana collection of the Grand "I only have a few books of Siva Puraana,
Master and believe in the content of it. I and read it not too often, only in my spare
like God Siva because He is not tied to time. I am interested in reading Siva
worldly treasures seen from His Puraana to know how to worship Siva. The
appearance that does not use gold and essence of His teaching is about how to
other jewelry. In general, the content of live life and the achievement of life
the Siva Puraana text is about the life and (heaven and hell). By reading Siva
lila of God Siva. The reading of some Puraana, I get the benefit of the ordinance
sloka from Siva Puraana in Vrata Wijaya guidelines for living in the world. Related
ashram was done at the time of Siva to the ethics in the reading of Siva Puraana,
worship on the 10th followed by the I see that the Siva Puraana can be read
explanation of the sloka by Guru Sri everywhere as long as it is comfortable, it
Hasta Dala, so that the devotees is also deppend on the reader's own
understand the intent of it. The reading atmanastuti (peace of mind). The rules in
was done in the front of Guru Sri Hasta reading Siva Puraana must be considered
Dala and the devotees". in order to get benefit by reading it. In my
In line with the teachings of Siva opinion, anyone can read it, beside its
Puraana, there are three main ways to attain essence, Siva Puraana also contains moral
liberation or unification with Siva: 1) teachings. In Siva Puraana, the devotion is
Sravana; 2) Kirtana; and 3.Manana. These directed to God Siva, but it is only as a
three ways have been done in Vrata Vijaya perception that helps to understand the
Ashram as well. Sravana with the recitation essence contained"
of Siva Puraana at the time of Siva worship on Similarly, Saputra as a student at one of
the 10th of each month, listening to the the Hindu universities in Denpasar City stated
majesty of Siva, the words of praise for Siva, that he did not have Siva Puraana but
the body posture in reciting the praise through sometimes took the time to read Siva Puraana.
the reading of Siva Puraana is the form of According to him, in each Puraana, it glorifies
Sravana's application. Then Kirtanam that is each Gods who is considered to have
by singing praises to Siva like one of song everything, but basically in the teachings of
called Swari Sundaram which aims to glorify Hinduism all the Gods are honored as a
the soul, glorify the greatness of the beautiful, manifestation of Brahman or Ida Sang Hyang
liberate the worldly bonds, namely satwam, Widhi Wasa in accordance with own function,
rajas, tamas. Manana is done with meditation so to learn and understand the essence of
while repeating the holy name of God Siva. Brahman (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) and

126 Vol. 2 No.1 May 2018
all His manifestations, we should read and that the Puraana’s reading is always
study about Puraana, including Siva Puraana blessed and could be implemented in
which essentially teaches about the majesty daily life. Basically, everyone can read
and omnipotence of God Siva. The benefit of Siva Puraana. In Siva Puraana, the
studying Siva Puraana according to him is by bhakti’s form of the people to God is the
doing any positive deeds according to the majesty of God Siva. I think it is normal
teachings of Siva Puraana, will definitely get because by reading and listening to
a positive reward as well. Puraana we are taught to strengthen our
Related to the ethics of reading Siva sraddha (belief) against the path we
Puraana, according to him, it could be read choose according to our heart".
anywhere because knowledge cannot be
limited by space and time, but of course, there 3.4 Hindus Perception in Denpasar
are rules that must be followed in reading Siva City about the Abolition of Sin in Siva
Puraana. It is based on the sloka in Puraana’s Text
Sarasamuccaya, which states that the Vedas Siva Puraana explains the majesty
are afraid of people with little knowledge so and journey of Lord Siva, also describing the
that it is very important for anyone who wants various forms about the abolition of sins
to read Siva Puraana to pass the Pawintenan which are contained in the form of sloka. As
Saraswati (Sanctification) process as a form explained on the previous chapter, the
of niskala (unseen circumstances) cleansing. abolition of sins can be done only by listening
One of the academics at Denpasar or reading Siva Puraana, even a brahmana
Higher Education, Widyasena, has a different who does not perform his obligation as well,
understanding of Siva Puraana as follows: his sin was wiped out by listening to Siva
"By reading Siva Puraana, I know about Puraana's recitation. By reading this Siva
the majesty of God Siva, and as I know, Puraana, someone will be free from sins.
Siva Puraana consist of the three things After enjoying all the worldly pleasures then
that is about the majesty of Siva as the will reach Siva's palace.
ultimate reality, the creation of the It is only by listening to Siva
universe and the way of reaching Siva. Puraana's recitation, someone has benefited
By reading Siva Puraana I can open my as well as the implementation of Rajasuya and
heart to continue to be good with sincere Agnistoma. Those who listen to Siva Puraana
caring towards others and the will become a nobleman, surely could be
environment. Related to the ethical considered as a manifestation of Rudra, one
reading of Siva Puraana, that can be read of Siva's manifestations. Someone who wants
anywhere, as long as the place is clean liberation is suggested to listen to that sacred
and holy. Before reading Siva Puraana, Siva Puraana with great adoration. If someone
someone should perform the Siva puja does not have enough time to listen to Siva
with namasmaranam Siva, such as Om Puraana on a daily life, so that could listen to
Namah Sivaya's mantra, Sivoham and it in certain holy months.
other Siva Mantra and ending also with Someone who listens to Siva
Siva Namasmaranam and meditation so Puraana’s recitation, even if only 48 minutes,

127 Vol. 2 No.1 May 2018
or half of that time, even a quarter of that time, and of course to be a better person. Therefore,
or even a moment, will not get hurt. The house it will not repeat the same sin because it has
where the texts of Siva Puraana are kept will understood and practice the teachings of Siva
be sacred. He can destroy the sins of the directly. It added that holy knowledge, karma
inhabitants of the house. A sinner remains jnana, fasting, and self-control are the keys to
sinful until hears Siva Puraana with great liberation. Mother is a person who should be
worship. glorified according to Siva Puraana because
Related to the abolition of sin the mother will protect and love. Doing puja
according to Sudarpa (interviewed on August will reach the union between Atman with
10th, 2017), it can only be done by doing good Paramatman, sukha tanpa wali dukha. When
because it can compensate for the sins that souls have risen by knowing the sacred
have been done. The existence of the story knowledge then the souls will know the Soul
about the abolition of sin in the text of Siva of the Great.
Puraana according to him, aims to improve Widyasena has a different perception
sradha (believes) and bhakti of Hindus about sin abolition in Siva Puraana
especially Siva worshipers. The teachings of (interviewed on September 2nd, 2017), he
Jnana Buda Siva taught in this ashram aims to states that similar with the any other Puraana,
increase the understanding of the attributes of Siva Puraana can wipe out all the sins
God, knowing that God exists within and committed by a man as in the story of
outside of self that raises the ministry to Chencula who saved her husband and in the
oneself and others, and of course, this can story of Dewaraja in Siva Puraana. Someone
erode slowly the sins ever committed by not will be forgiven even if he only reads and
repeating them. listens to just a little bit of Siva Puraana, but
Meanwhile, according to Guru Sri it would be even better if the truthful and good
Hasta Dala (interviewed on July 23rd, 2017), doctrine implied in Siva Puraana can also be
the word for the removal of sin in the Siva well implemented in daily life. Further,
Puraana text should not be misunderstood. according to Widyasena, all sins can be wiped
The sin actually cannot be wiped out, but the out by worshiping Siva, because the teachings
sinful man has indeed enjoyed his bad karma of religion and God are a form of human
through the events that afflict him or the belief in His majesty. The abolition of sin in
problems in his life and will be cleansed of his Siva Puraana as proof of Siva's form of power
thoughts, words, and deeds by reading and as the ultimate reality can bring happiness and
understanding the teachings of Siva Puraana. strength in breaking away from earthly bonds
If reading Siva Puraana without practicing it, and destroying sin. In principle, almost all
then the result is less than maximum. At Vrata human actions are based on their belief in an
Vijaya Ashram, Siva's teachings are not only object. Similarly, with Siva's blessing as the
understood but well-practiced, so that ultimate reality, if belief in Siva can wipe out
devotees get positive benefits from such all sins committed and give happiness, then it
worship such as increasing concentration, will happen. Like a child who trusts his father
adding feelings about and being peaceful, to give him happiness.
being able to control emotions, to be healthier

128 Vol. 2 No.1 May 2018