The Zeliangrong people’s beliefs about the destiny of the soul, the Land of Death, and the Abode and Land of Sinners reflect a rich spiritual and moral framework deeply intertwined with their cultural heritage. Here is a detailed exploration of these concepts:
The Destiny of the Soul
The Zeliangrong people believe that the soul is immortal and its journey is influenced by one’s deeds (Karma). Good deeds lead to liberation from the cycle of life and death, while bad deeds result in continued suffering.
- Transmigration and Karma: The soul’s fate is determined by its actions. Noble deeds can free the soul from the cycle of reincarnation, allowing it to reach a state of eternal peace in Tingimram (the abode of the gods). In contrast, a soul tainted by sin may be reborn into lower forms of life, and if it continues to disregard divine warnings, it may be discarded forever.
- Human Existence: Being born as a human is considered a high destination for the soul, second only to the divine realm. Animals and plants also have souls, but the human form offers a unique opportunity for the soul to achieve enlightenment through righteous living.
- Judgment by Tingkao Ragwang: The supreme deity, Tingkao Ragwang, judges each soul based on its deeds. There is no escape from the consequences of one’s actions, and this divine judgment determines the soul’s next phase in its journey.
Taroiram/Herui-me-ram: The Land of Death
- Concept and Ruler: Taroiram, also known as Herui-me-ram in the Heraka faith, is the land where most ancestors’ spirits reside. It exists neither in the ‘upper realm’ nor the underworld. Taroigwang, or Tamanpu, is the ruler of Taroiram, appointed by Tingkao Ragwang. He judges souls based on their past deeds and serves as a guide for the souls.
- Location and Metaphor: Taroiram is believed to be located in the bowels of the earth. The Zeliangrong people metaphorically associate the bowels with divine communication, which is why they examine the intestines of sacrificed animals during rituals.
- Journey of the Soul: Upon death, the community prepares the soul for its journey to Taroiram. Myths such as the story of Meijipu and Angangpei illustrate the challenges and adjustments faced by souls transitioning from the human world to the Land of Death.
Thundijang: The Land of Sinners
- Punishment for Sins: According to TRC faith, souls of criminal or sinful individuals are condemned to Thundijang, a land of suffering inhabited by insects and mosquitoes. Here, souls endure hunger, pain, and darkness as punishment for their past actions.
- Cycle of Suffering and Rebirth: In Thundijang, a sinful soul’s journey involves a gradual degradation, starting as a plant called Thubang. When the plant dies, the soul becomes a worm, entering the food chain until it is eventually reborn as a human, continuing the cycle of life and suffering.
Summary
The Zeliangrong cosmology emphasizes the importance of righteous living and the inevitability of divine judgment. Souls are subject to a complex journey influenced by their deeds, with potential outcomes ranging from eternal peace in Tingimram to continuous suffering and rebirth in Thundijang. This belief system underscores the moral responsibility of individuals as architects of their destiny and highlights the interconnectedness of all forms of life.
Adapted from Khwairakpam Premjit Singh, ZELIANGRONG RELIGION IN NORTH EAST INDIA: DYNAMICS OF AMALGAMATED COLLECTIVE IDENTITY OF THREE COGNATE TRIBES
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