RG ST 3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Nonviolent Resistance, Sallekhana, Improper Conduct
Document Summary
Upanishads were not for everyone, so bhakti came about so that everyone could pursue religion. Not everyone had time to go out to the forest. Conquered negative feelings, ego, and inner self. Non-brahmin groups arise during upanishadic era (8th-4th century bce) Created for people who wanted something completely new, different from vedic religions. Compromised of individuals called shramanas (wanderers, ascetics) Shramanas = one who tires oneself out to achieve liberation. Sought liberation (moksha) through yoga, meditation, physical austerities (tapas) Buddhism & jainism most famous shramana movements. Unlike upanishad followers, shramanas reject vedic authority. Upanishads believe that they are continuing on the vedic traditions and teachings. Sometimes referred to as heterodox (i. e. non-orthodox) Jains relatively small segment of indian population (4. 2 million) Jain values & practices have contributed to indian culture & religion. Non-indians are aware of jain advocacy of vegetarianism & non-violence (ahimsa) Jains = followers of the jinas (conquerers), who have conquered the passions.
