Hinduism Vedas & Upanishas

1/30 - Hinduism: Vedas & Upanishads Vedas = oldest sacred texts of Hinduism & oldest religious texts that are still in use! No one, no god, no being, etc had written the Vedas (they've always existed) insider view Certain techniques to memorize the Vedas mainly taught to males would spend years memorizing recitation technique is identical to 2000 years ago students would memorize BEFORE learning the meanings India/South Asia *Christianity, Judaism, & Islam COULD be classified as Abrahamism" (an umbrella) *Hinduism originated in South Asia Nowadays, Hinduism is all around the world -"Diaspora Hinduism" Many diff practices of Hinduism what we learn isn't practiced by all Hindus but they had more specific classifications - From outsiders, they all practiced Hinduism in pre-modem era *Modern "Hinduism" formed for India to resist Britain impernalism (nationalism Hind/India/Hindu → outsider term by Serbians means "people living across river" (a geographical term!) *Makes it difficult to classify Hinduism - many traditions extreme Some scholars arque that we shouldn't call it Hinduism" Some angue that we keep it but adknowledge it's an umbrella ANOTHER argument it's one religion but it accepts diversity & multiplicaty Truth is one, the sages speak of it in many ways Many paths to approach Ultimate Reality The Vedas Some say it's the most sacred texts, others haven't even read it Outsider view Some scholars argue 4 Vedas & each one contains composed around 1500-500 BCE actual Vedaism & Hinduism hymns to have separate Vedic gods (but aren't worshipped today') ritual instructions 5- mystical & philosophical teachings (the Upanishads) Lots of sacrifices would let you enter heaven/eternal bliss The Upanishads - Interesting critique ritual instructions & heaven Pose questions & discuss them An internalization→ Inquiring in oneself Originally considered secret texts (secrets of the universe, teachers must be sure that you are worthy) "to be great, to expand, the infinite, God, absolute" 2 main themes: what is Ultimate Reality (Brahman)? -The highest essence - What is the nature of the Self? (our deepest essence) → atman = self & source of cosmos Our name, our body, desires... these are all material & not important Teach the answers to the questions are one & the same! * Highest source essence of Brahman AND Self are the same that thou art that you are (the highest essence Brahman is infinite bliss of cosmos!)