REL_ST 2110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Accrual, Vishu, Ethnic Religion
22 Sep 2017
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Poetic: written during muslim conflict in india, considered ageless and timeless (sanatana, meant for oral transmission, one definition of hinduism is the belief in vedas, duty of brahmins to recite hymns and perform sacrifices. Believed that things you say continue to work throughout the world. Vaidika dharma: vedic teachings/instructions: smiriti (remembered) **large impact on hinduism, epics (ca. ***oral tradition; most were illiterate, so word was heard rather than read. *hindu myth: killed purusha and out came: mouth: priests (brahmin)- speaks word, arms: warriors- strength; protection, thighs: commoners- middle class workers, feet: servants- unskilled laborers; lowest class. ***jati (cast)- designates purity; fit into class system, but is very complex. Vedic rituals: sacraments: birth: naming and establishing a horoscope, initiation: transition from childhood to adulthood, marriage: most important!! Done properly assures happiness and children: death: cremation is most common; eldest son/daughter lights pyre. Ceremonies throughout year assure transition from this life to the next (reincarnation)
