ESSENCE OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE (BNC502/ BNC602) Unit 3: Indian Religion, Philosophy, and Practices : Pre-Vedic and Vedic Religion, Buddhism, Jainism, Six System Indian Philosophy, Shankaracharya, Various Philosophical Doctrines . Other Heterodox Sects, Bhakti Movement, Sufi movement, Socio religious reform movement of 19th century, Modern religious practices.~ Religion Religion is the study of the soul, guiding how we live. In India, it has been important since ancient times and changed over time. Its connected to India's spiritual traditions. Philosophy in India helps understand life, wile religion shows how to live it Together, philosophy and religion work hand in hand. Pre-Vedic Religion ‘The Harappan civilization, which emerged around 3000 B.C. and matured by 2600 B.C, had a rich religious tradition, Key aspects of thet religion included the worship of the Mother Goddess, symbolizing ferility and nature, as seen in seals depicting female figures with plants or children, Male deities like a three-Faced figure resembling Shiva were also prominent, often portrayed in a meditative posture, Shiva was likely worshipped both 2s an idol and in the form of a linga. Animal worship was common, with various animals depicted on seals, and narural clements lke water, fire, and fees were also venerated.Vedic religion The carly Vedic tradition was focused on rituals led by priests, sacrifices were central, aiméd at gaining prosperiy in this fe andthe aller wolving a panticon of nature deities. Animal ‘The Vedic religion included two philosophical paths: Praveti Lakshiana (aetion) and Nivriti Lak (enunciation), withthe goal ofboth material prosperity (Abhyudaya) and liberation (Nisreyasa). Knowledge of Vedic religion comes from the Vedas, which consist of hymns, ritual guides, mystical teachings, and spiritual speculations. Rituals were categorized into public rites (Srauta) and domestic rites (Gry), ts, while domestic sites, Public rites, like Soma and Havir saerifices, were elaborate an requited multiple pr performed by householders, focused on personal or family rituals using the Garhapatya firefntroduction to Buddhism and Jainism Buddhism and Jainism are two ancient Indian religions that arose around the same time, Both promote the idea of overcoming suffering and achieving spictual liberation. Buddbism was founded by Gautama Buddha, while Jainism was popularized by Mahavira, although its teachings existed earlier. Budahis Gautama Budd Gautama Buddha, originally named Siddhartha, was born in Lumbini (now Nepal) to King Studdodana and ‘Queen Mayadevi. At age 29, disturbed by seeing human suffering, he left his luxurious life to seek enlightenment ier meditating under the Bodhi tee in Gays, he became the Buddha, “the ealightened one.” Buddha then spread his tesehings in simple language, Pali, about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, He organized his followers into the Sangha, a monastic community, and died at 80 in Kushinagar. Buddha's teachings were collected i three main volumes known asthe "Pitaka tta-pitakea - Dialogues for common people, including Jataka stores. pitaka - Rules for monastic life. ka - Philosophical teachings for scholars,Jainism, an ancient religion, emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and the liberation of the soul, ft was revitalized by Mahavira, the 24th tinhankara, who preached in the vemacular language of Ardhamagadhi Jainism teaches self-discipline, equality, andthe ejection of Vedic rituals. Basic Principles of Jainism Jainism focuses on non-violence, truth, non-stealing, non-possessiveness, and chastity. It emphasizes ‘controlling one’s ations to achieve liberation (moksha) through selfpuification. the support of traders and artisans, Jain communities built temples, caves, and educational centers. literature was written in local languages, making it accessible o more people,~Six System Indian Philosoph: The si main syste of ancient Indian philosophy areas follows: wT s Founded by Sage Kapila, this is one of the oldest philosophies. It teaches a dualistic view, recognizing two realities: Purusha (Spirit) and Prakeiti (Nature) Initially atheistic, it later incorporated some theistic ideas. 2. Yoga: Awibuted 10 Patanjai, Yous outlines cight steps to achieve spisitual connection and s including moral conéuet, posture, 3, and reaching bliss or enlightenment 3. Vaisheshika Developed by Kanada, ths philosophy holds that everything is made of ‘toms. Originally atheistic, it later merged with the theistic Nyaya system.od Nyayay Founded by Gautama, Nyaya focuses cnflogical reasoning)to gain knowledge, I lists four valid ways (Pramaana) and {our invalid ways of gaining knowiedg # Parva Mis Attributed to Jsimini, this system views the Vedas as eternal and unchanging. It empha morality) and believes ia a universe with no beginning or en. izes Dharma (duty of 6. Vedanta (Ui Mimamsa): Expounded by Badarayena, Vedanta is the culmination of Vedic thought. Key texts include the Vedanta Sutra and Brahma Sutra, Focusing on spiritual unity and the nature of reality Shankaracharya Adi Shankaracharya was an influential Indian philosopher who developed and promoted Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy of non-dualism that teaches the oneness of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). He Taught that Brahman is the only true reality, while the world is an illusion. Shankaracharya wrote important ‘commentaries on Hindu seriptures, traveled across India fo spread his teachings, and founded four monastie centers that continue to uphold Advaita Vedanta.‘Ffindu Philosophy (Vedic Schools) Focused on nature worship and evolved into deeper ideas of Atman (soul) and Brahman (cosmi principle). Shada Darshana (Six Systems): Includes Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Mimansa, and Vedanta. Heterodox Schools (Non-Vedic) 1. Charvaka: Materialistie philosophy, focusing on direct perception and joyful living; denies the supernatural 2. Jainism: Stresses ahimsa (non-violence), with beliefs in karma, soul purification, and liberation (moksha) through right conduct, knowledge, and faith 3. Buddhism: Founded by Buddha, focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end: suffering and reach Nirvana, 4, Ajivika: Believed in destiny and free will, practicing a simple, unrestricted life.Bhakti Movement and Sufi novemen ‘The Bhakti Movement and Sufi Movement were spiritual reform movements ip In {devotion to God over ritun 's and promoted social equality ia that emphasized love and ‘The Bhakti Movement started in South India around the 7th century and spread across the country. It was led by sins like Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, and others who preached that anyone, regaudless of caste or gender, could achieve salvation through sincere devotion. They promoted a personal connection with God and wrote in local languages, making their teachings accessible to everyone. The Bhakti saints also criticized social evils like the caste system and encouraged harmony among different communities. ‘The Sufi Movement began in India around the 1th and 12th centuries with the arrival of Sufi mystics from the Islamnie world. Sufi saints, like Khwaja Moinaddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Avliya, emphasized a path of love, compassion, and service to humanity. They rejected rigid rituals and embraced meditation and devotion as ways to experience God. Sufi believed in the unity of all beings and valued tolerance, helping bridge gaps between Hind and Muslim communities, Both movements encouraged spirituality, compassion, and social ha ‘culture and religious thought.‘io religious reform move! t of 19th century The socio-rligious reform movements of the 19th century in India were driven by a deste to address and eliminate various social, religious, and cultural issues within Indian society. This era marked the bevinaing of India’s ‘modernization, as reformers sought to balance traditional Indian values with the benefits of Western knowledge snd th Roy: Known as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" he promoted modem education, science, and technology, and fought agtiast social evils like sat and ebild macriage. 2. RG. Bh Ramade: Through the Prarthana Samaj in Maharashtra, they advocated for inter- caste marriages, freedom from priestly control, and women’s right, 7 ada Sa Founder ofthe Aja Sam he encouraged interpreting the Vedes independently and fought against untouchability and rigid caste divisions. smi Vivekananda: Through the Ramakrishna Mission, he promoted service o the poor condemned narrow religious views, and supported free thinking,Modern Religious Practices in Ini |. Hinduism: The most practiced religion in India, it encompasses diverse traditions and influences various aspects of society and culture. 2. Islam: The second most followed religion, it has influenced Indian art, architecture, and culture 3. Sikhism: Founded in India, it promotes devotion toa formless God, equality, humility, and service to others 4. Buddhism: Originated as a response to early Hinduism, focusing on universal ethics and liberation from suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path advise, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), which is reflected in practices S. Jainism: Also a response to early H 6. Christianity: The thd most practiced religion in India, concentrated in the south and Mumbai, with Roman Catholicism as the prominent denomination