Category: Indian Philosophy
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Understanding the Gitas
The term “Gita” generally refers to a sacred text that conveys spiritual teachings, often in the form of a dialogue between a teacher and a student. Here is a list of notable “Gitas” and their definitions: Shrimad Bhagavad Gita A dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on duty, life, and spirituality. Conversation: Lord Krishna, Arjuna Key…
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Upangas Overview
The term Upanga refers to the “limbs” or auxiliary parts that are associated with the Vedas, which complement the teachings found in the Vedas and Vedangas. These texts provide further elaboration, elaborative knowledge, and philosophical depth that support Vedic rituals and the spiritual life. While the Vedangas are directly associated with the ritual and linguistic…
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Vedangas Overview
The term Vedanga literally means “limbs of the Vedas.” They are six auxiliary disciplines or branches that were developed to assist in the proper understanding, recitation, and ritual practice of the Vedas. They are considered essential for the correct interpretation of the Vedic texts. The 6 Vedangas: Shiksha – The science of phonetics or the…
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Upavedas Overview
The Upavedas are the “supplementary Vedas” or secondary texts that are associated with the four primary Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda). Ayurveda (Associated with the Rigveda) Subject: Health, Medicine, and Well-being Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of health and medicine, focusing on the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. It offers teachings…
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Vedas vs Upavedas
Vedas vs Upavedas: Vedas The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism, often regarded as the foundation of Sanatan Dharma. Core Focus: Rituals, hymns, prayers, mantras, and philosophical discussions. The Vedas consist of four main texts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Purpose: The Vedas are primarily intended to guide spiritual practice, perform…
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Bhagavad Gita Summary
The Gita consists of 18 chapters, divided into three sections (each focusing on a particular aspect of spiritual wisdom): Arjuna’s Dilemma (Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga) Arjuna, facing the battlefield, is struck with doubt and sorrow. He is overwhelmed by the prospect of fighting and killing his own kin, leading to a moral crisis. He…
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Mahabharata Overview
The Mahabharata (महाभारत) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, Traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharata is not just an epic tale of war but a comprehensive philosophical and moral guide, exploring deep themes of dharma (righteousness), karma (action), justice, and the human condition. It is the longest epic…
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Mahakavya
In Indian philosophy, the term for epics is “महाकाव्य” (Mahākāvya), which refers to large, traditional narrative poems that tell the story of heroic deeds and significant events, often intertwined with philosophical, religious, and moral teachings. The two most famous epics in Indian philosophy are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, but there are other significant works…
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Vedas vs. Upanishads vs. Puranas
Vedas: Focused on rituals, hymns, and ceremonies to please the gods and maintain cosmic order. They include instructions on fire sacrifices (yajnas) and hymns for invoking various deities. Hymns to Indra, Agni, and other Vedic deities; instructions for performing fire sacrifices; the Gayatri Mantra in the Rigveda. The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts in…
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The Puranas
Overview There are 18 Mahapuranas and 18 Upapuranas in the traditional Hindu corpus, each of which covers various aspects of theology, cosmology, mythology, philosophy, and instructions for life and devotion. Vedas and Upanishads: Written in a highly structured and often symbolic language, the Vedas and Upanishads can be complex and require a deep understanding of…