Hinduism

Caution. This article/definition is in draft form and at this time may constitute no more than rough notes, reminders for required content, or absolutely nothing at all. Content is subject to revision.

Terms

Hinduism > Achara, Ashramas, Brahman, Brahmarishi, Dharma, GodHead, Gunas, Illusory Self, Moksha, Neo-Hinduism, Paramatman, Purushaarthas, Rishis, Salvation, Samadhi, Sanskrit Literature, Saptarishis, Satya Yuga, Srutis, The Imperishable, Varnas, Vichara

Notes

Composite of two traditions, Aryan and non-Aryan. Aryan peoples entered India after 2,000 BC. Marks a shift in spirituality. "The development of Hinduism is now seen as a progressive Indianization of the incoming tradition. By Indianization is meant that the non-Aryan native elements gradually modified the Aryan elements..." (Berry, 2992: 5).

Non-Aryan early elements from Indus Valley 2800 to 1700 B.C. Sites include Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Chanhu-Daro

Non-Aryan early elements from Tamil region in South, and Bengal region in East

Vedic Hymns, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads

Upanishads (1000 - 600 B.C.). Primarily Aryan

=Brahmanical Tradition

See Berry (1992) p. 38 for outline of Brahmanical tradition

Codes of conduct: Laws of Manu, Dharma Sutras, Grihya Sutras

Epics: Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad-Gita

Philosophical Sutras: Sankhya, Yoga, Vaishesika, Nyaya, Mimamsa, Vedanta

Puranas, Agamas, Tantras

Writings of Vedanta Theologians

Hymns and Writings of Saints

Modern spiritual and theological writings.

Further Reading

Berry, T. (1992). Religions of India: Hinduism, Yoga, Buddhism: Columbia University Press.

Citation and Legal

The SpiritWiki is a freely available, open-access Knowledge System devoted to health, healing, and reconnection. You may freely use information in the SpiritWiki; citation and attribution are welcomed, but not required. You can help this knowledge system grow by joining its Patreon.

The SpiritWiki is marked CC0 1.0 Universal and in the public domain, free for everyone on the planet to use. Please support its growth.

Footnotes

References