Vedic Literary Stages
Veda (religion)
Brahmana (religion)
Aranyaka (religion)
Upanishads (philosophy)
Brahmanical Movement
Based on Vedic religion - brought to India by Aryan invaders, 15th to 20th cen. BC.
Brahmin priests, religious offerings, worship of gods
Sacrifices became most powerful aspect
Affected society, as religion and education in hands of Brahmins
Caste System
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaisyas
Sudras
Light skins and dark skins (varna-bheda)
Women's Position
Lower than men, confined to households
Thought to be unintelligent by Brahmins
Upanishadic Philosophy
Contemporary works of Buddha's time
Reality of the world, final liberation from samsara
Reality held in permanent entity: Sat, Tat, Brahman, Atman (various names)
Cosmic/universal soul and individual soul the same, from Sat
Sramanic religious movement
Householders who left for religious life
6 main groups with 6 leaders
The Teaching of Purana Kassapa
No karma, no moral causation
The Teaching of Makkhali Gosāla
Fatalism, determined by fate
The Teaching of Pakudha Kaccāyana
7 elements make up universe, no moral causation
The Teaching of Ajita Kesakambali
4 elements, no moral causation
No spiritual perfection possible
The Teaching of Niganttha Nāthaputta
Jaina school
Transmigrating soul, karma
Non-violence
The Teaching of Sanjaya Belatthaputta
Agnostic thinker, never answered with a belief