RELS 203 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Northeast India, Vedic Period, Vedas
12 Dec 2014
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Jainism rose around 500 bce at the same time as hinduism (before common era) The time that buddhism and jainism arose, changes occurred within the hindu traditions asceticism= renunciation. Goal of life was to enjoy life/ones status. Karma rebirth- heaven is not the highest goal. Two periods are mirror images of one another rejection of earthly desires, those things keep us in the cycle of rebirth after 500 bce attempt to harmonize the two time periods. Four asramas (householder, permanent studentship, hermit (forest dweller) and renouncer. ) 100 ce ---> studentship, householder, forest dweller, renunciate. Ascetics: wanderer, mendicant, certain possessions (walking stick, pot/bowl, a cup (for drinking), shoes, patch garment (second hand), water strainer (strain living organisms from the water to not cause harm to the small organisms), outer garment (robe). Remain unnoticed like a worm, if noticed be despised. Staff bowl and outer garment become the symbols of the renunciate.
