Introduction
to Brahmanism
page 2
The Brahmanic religion
places an emphasis on the role of society and the individual in maintaining
the cosmic rta. Rta is the proper structure of existence, the right order,
in which there is a uniformity and symmetry to all existence, which is
strengthened and maintained by strict observance of the proper sacrifices.
Later this concept was broadened to include all human activity as having
a proper cosmological pattern to follow, known as dharma. The Rig Veda
refers to tapas (heat) as the basic element of power in creation. Tapas
was originally considered a possession of the Brahmin and the sacrifice
he performed as a creative force sustaining the cosmos. This belief evolved
into the idea that an individual could perform the sacrifice within himself
by way of his knowledge of its essence, and be in possession of a unique
tapas that could raise him above human limitations. Thus sacrifice, primarily
to the great gods or powers of the universe, and a conviction that intellectual
reflection upon Vedic truth can endow humans with the tapas that enables
them to rise above human limitations are the foundations of the Brahmanic
religion.
Another primary concept in Brahmanic Hinduism is karma-samsara, rebirth-redeath.
This belief is that individual souls exist from beginningless time, passing
on fr
om one form of existence to another in continuous rebirth- redeath (reincarnation).
The conditions or circumstances of each new existence are determined by
the merits or demerits of the actions (karma) that have taken place in
previous lives. The aim is then to liberate the soul from bondage to the
suffering of this existence and to attainment of bliss by way of knowledge
and through the ritual sacrifices explained in the Brahmanas.
Later, an emphasis was placed on the utilization of yogic techniques
and meditation, and a concern with the unity of the universe and the acquisition
of spiritually potent knowledge (vidya). Although theistic devotionalism
took on new forms, such as Shaivism
and Vaishnavism, the
quest centered upon achieving Atman (the spiritual essence of man) as
a means of providing direct and unequivocal access to knowledge of Brahman,
and thus to achieve spiritual liberation and bliss. This approach to Brahman
developed around the seventh to eighth century A.D., and was taken from
the Upanishads. Thus knowledge (vidya), asceticism (tapas) and meditation
(dhyana) became the thrust of the Brahmanic religion. See also: Yoga.
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