Author: Israel Selvanayagam
Publisher: Manohar
Year: 1996
Language: English
Pages: 322
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8173041040
Description
This book deals with post-Vedic developments in understanding the concept of sacrifice (yajna) and the response of the Bhagavad Gita to it. Concepts such as Karma, Brahman and Tapas originated in the context of Vedic ritual and were the generators of autonomous power in the performance of sacrifice.
The book argues that the Upanishads are not simply sources of the Vedantic categories of Brahman, Atman and Moksa. They also present Vedic ritual notions together with the new teachings of the wandering renouncers (sramanas) who posed a formidable challenge to the ritual tradition and its social hierarchy.
The impact of the sramana movement on the religio-political scene during the second century BC is also discussed. The decline of sacrifice and emphasis on moral virtues find expression in the reformation of Asoka. His policy of giving equal respect to all religions, the decline of the Mauryan empire after his death and the political establishment of the Sunkan dynasty contributed to the revival of the brahmanic tradition. Incorporation of new values and practices and brahmanic amalgamation with the Bhagavata tradition are seen as adjustments within the revival.
The Gita’s position on Vedic sacrifice is examined in the light of these developments. Affirmation, addition and correction appear side by side with the superior values of knowledge (jnana) and devotion (bhakti). Taking into account the interaction and consistency between various stands of thought and practice, this book calls for a fresh understanding of the Hindu religious traditions.
Contents
FOREWORD
PREFACE
ABBREVIATIONS
A NOTE ON TRANSLITERATION
INTRODUCTION
PART I
Vedic Yajna: Its Form, Power and Meaning
PART II
Development of Jnana Yajna and Atma Yajna:
The Tension between Ritual and Interiorisation in the Upanisads
PART III
New Challenges to the cult of Yajna and the Brahmanic Reaction: some Considerations on the Influence of Changes in Socio-Economic –Religious Spheres
PART IV
Yajna in the Bhagavad Gita- Affirmation, Accommodation and New Interpretation
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX