REL-1110 Lecture Notes - Rigveda, Four Books And Five Classics, Yajurveda
Document Summary
The religion textbook describes hinduism as having many paths to liberation. Hinduism is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of beliefs, most of which believe in the ultimate idea of liberation from the cycle of reincarnations. 500 b. c. e- ancient persians use the word hindu to describe inhabitants of the indus river. Valley that do not fall under other religious categories, such as christian or muslim. Sanatana dharma, (eternal teachings) or upper cast religious priests control the religion. 1300 c. e. - muslim invaders use term hindu to describe all non-muslims. 1500- european colonizers of india adopt the term. Thriving indus valley with dravidians as rulers. Indo-europeans migrate/invade this area and overcome rulers. (note- there is skepticism about an actual invasion. ) Sanskrit system is used and is the root of indian, german, and greek languages. Individual seers drank soma (unknown hallucinogen) to speak with the gods and hear the sounds of the cosmos.
