Khruscheva, P. V. Energy Pragmatism in Traditional Mentality: Example of Tamil Culture

Abstract: The author of the article discusses the traditional system of values aimed at acquiring, preservation and augmentation of energy and life force. Common sense advice, social rules and religious rituals are usually developed in the traditional culture according to the aforesaid system of values which the author calls ‘energy paradigm’. The force acquaints us with the sacral and creates roots in existence. The phenomenon of energy paradigm is viewed based on the example of Tamil culture where the phenomenon was represented by such aspects of culture as the concept of energy named Anangu (Shakti in later years), sacrifice rituals, experience of cross-cousin marriages, rituals of women’s fasting Nonbu, Tamils’ attitudes to suffering, giving, love and faithfulness. In Tamil culture where a woman is believed to be the personification of Shakti special attention is paid at chastity of women which directs her energy in the right direction. It is typical for Tamil myths and social practices to focus on energy interactions between supernatural being in myths, between people and gods in cults, between people in the society and between human and natural forces as well as man-made objects.

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