India - a country with a peculiar, extremely interesting culture and their own original beliefs.It is unlikely that in any other country - except perhaps that of ancient Egypt and Greece - there are so many myths, legends and scriptures.Some researchers believe this peninsula cradle of humanity.Others suggest that the country - one of the main heirs of the culture of the Aryan peoples who came here from the dead Arctida.The ancient religion of ancient India - Vedism - later transformed into the existing and still Hinduism.
History of India briefly
inhabit the Indian subcontinent ancient tribes moved from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture about 6-7 thousand. BC.e.By the end of 3 thousand. In these areas there is already a highly developed culture of urban settlements.Modern scientists have named it "Harappan".This civilization lasted almost a millennium.In the ancient Indian Harappan cities were well developed craft and there was a rich class of merchants.What happened to this culture - is unknown.Some researchers suggest that there was a large-scale catastrophe, while others believe that the rich cities of the period, for whatever reason, simply went bankrupt and were abandoned.
Later in India for a long time ruled by the Muslim dynasty.In 1526, these territories conquered Khan Babur, after which India became part of the vast Mughal empire.The state was abolished only in 1858 by the British colonialists.
history of religion for centuries in this country Successive:
- Vedic religion of ancient India.
- Hinduism.To date, this religion is dominant in India.Its adherents is more than 80% of the population.
- Buddhism.Nowadays confession of the population.
Early beliefs
Vedism - the oldest religion of ancient India.Some scholars suggest that she appeared in this country some time after the disappearance of the huge flourishing ancient state - Arctida.Of course, this is not the official version, but is actually a very interesting and illuminating.According to this hypothesis, a long time ago for unknown reasons has shifted the earth's axis.As a result, the climate has changed dramatically.In Arctida located or at the North Pole, or in modern polar continental regions it was very cold.Therefore, inhabiting her arias were forced to migrate towards the equator.Some of them went to the Middle and Southern Urals, to build a city observatory, and then - to the Middle East.Another part moved through Scandinavia and the Valdai Hills.In the formation of the Indian culture and religion attended the third branch, which reached Southeast Asia and then mixed with the original inhabitants of these places - Dravidians.
basic concept
In fact, Vedism - the oldest religion of ancient India - is the initial stage of Hinduism.Distributed it was not all over the country, but only in part - in East Punjab and Uttar.According to the official version, it is here and Vedism born.For the adherents of this religion was characterized deification of the whole of nature as a whole, as well as its parts and some social phenomena.A clear hierarchy of gods in Vedism existed.The world was divided into three main parts - the earth, the sky and the intermediate scope - antarizhnu (compare with the Slavic reality, Navyu and right).Each of these worlds meet certain gods.I read and main creator - Purusha.
Vedas
That is the oldest religion of ancient India, we briefly talk to you.Next, let's deal with the fact that such Vedas - its basic scripture.
At the moment, this book is one of the oldest sacred works.It is believed that for millennia the Vedas were transmitted only orally - from teacher to student.About five thousand years ago, the sage Vyasadeva recorded their part.This book, which today actually believe in the Vedas, is divided into four parts (Turia) - "Rig Veda", "Sama Veda", "Yajur Veda" and "Atharva Veda".
It contains the work of this mantra and hymns, written in verse and guidance to employees of Indian priests (rules weddings, funerals and other ceremonies).Also, it has the spell for the treatment of humans and perform all sorts of magical rituals.Mythology and religion of ancient India are linked very closely.For example, in addition to the Vedas, the Puranas are.They describe the history of the creation of the universe, and the genealogy of the Indian kings and heroes.
emergence of Hindu beliefs
Over time, the oldest religion of ancient India - Vedism - is transformed into a modern Hinduism.It was connected, apparently, mainly to the gradual increasing influence on public life Brahmin caste.The updated religion established a clear hierarchy of gods.Creator comes to the fore.It appears trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva.Brahma play the role of creator of social laws and in particular the initiator of the division of society on caste.Vishnu is worshiped as the chief protector and Shiva - the god-like destroyer.Gradually, in Hinduism there are two directions.Vishnuism says eight descent of Vishnu on earth.One of the avatars at the same time is considered to be Krishna, the other - the Buddha.The representatives of the second trend - the cult of Shiva - especially revered god of destruction, considering it both a patron of fertility and livestock.
role of the dominant Hindu religion begins to play in India for the Middle Ages.As such it remains to this day.The representatives of this religion believe that you can not become a Hindu.They can only be born.That is varna (the social role of persons) - this is what is given and ordained by the gods, and therefore can not be changed.
social system of varnasrama-Dharna
Thus, another ancient religion of ancient India - Hinduism, became heir to many traditions and ceremonies of previous beliefs.In particular, the division of Indian society on caste arose in the days Vedism.In addition to the four social groups (Brahmins, kshtarii, vaisyas and Sudras), according to this religion, there are four orders of spiritual life.Stage of training called Brahmacharya, social and family life - Grihastha, aftercare from the mundane - Vanaprastha and final stage of life with the final enlightenment - Sannyas.
Whoever created varnashrama dharna like an orderly way of life is preserved in the world so far.In any country, there are priests (Brahmins), administrators and military (kshtarii), businessmen (vaisyas) and workers (Sudras).This division allows you to organize and create a social life for people most comfortable living conditions with the possibility to develop and improve.
Unfortunately, in India varnashrama Dharna to our time greatly degraded.That rigid division into castes (and, depending on the birth), which is here today, is contrary to the basic concept of this teaching about the need to man's spiritual growth.
Religion of Ancient India briefly: the emergence of Buddhism
This is another very common belief in the peninsula.Buddhism - one of the most unusual in the world of religions.The fact that, in contrast to the Christian, the founder of the cult - the person is quite historic.The creator of this at the moment quite common doctrine (and not only in India) Sidgartha Shanyamuni was born in 563 in the city Lumbene family kshtariya.It became known as the Buddha after he attained enlightenment at the age of 40 years.
religion and philosophy of ancient India always considered a deity, not as punishing or miluyuschuyu force, and as a role model, a sort of "beacon" of self-development.Buddhism is altogether abandoned the idea of creation of the world by any Creator.The adepts of this religion believe that a person may rely only on my own behalf, suffering is not sent to him from above, and the result of his own mistakes and the inability to reject worldly desires.However, as discussed above earlier Indian religions, Buddhism contains within itself the idea of salvation, that is, achieving Nirvana.
interaction with Western culture
For Europeans, culture and religion of ancient India for a long time remained a mystery.Start interaction of these two very different worlds was laid only at the end of the last century.His invaluable contributions to the process made by celebrities such as Helena Blavatsky, Nicholas and Helena Roerich, and others.
Today widely known one of the predictions of Vanga concerning India.The famous prophetess believed that soon the world will return to the most ancient teachings.And it comes just from India.On it will write new books, and spread it throughout the world.
Who knows, maybe the basis for future new beliefs will truly be an ancient religion of India."Fire the Bible," predicts Wang, "just white shielding the Earth," so people are saved.Maybe it is even known about the work written by the Roerichs - Agni Yoga."Agni" in translation means "Fire".
Culture of Ancient India
Religion and Culture of Ancient India - the phenomenon is closely related.Beyond the mystical world of the gods is almost always present in the works of Indian artists, sculptors and even architects.Even today, in each of its product master seek to make a profound content, a certain vision of inner truth, not to mention the ancient craftsmen.
Unfortunately, the ancient Indian paintings and frescoes reached us very little.But in this country there is a huge number of ancient sculptures of historical value and architectural monuments.Why are only, for example, huge Ellorskie caves with magnificent temple Kailasa in the center.Here you can see the majestic statues of the divine Trimurti of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva.
So we'll figure out what the most ancient religion of ancient India - is Vedism.It emerged later Hinduism and Buddhism are its development and continuation.Religious beliefs in India had a huge impact not only on culture, but also the social life in general.Nowadays, the country is still extremely interesting, unique, original and unlike any other country in the world.
