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.
Footnotes
