The Zen Studies Podcast Arising of Buddhism Part 1: Historical and Religious Context in India
Mar 9, 2017
Discover the fascinating historical and religious backdrop of Buddhism's origins in ancient India. Explore the decline of the Indus Valley civilization and the rise of the Aryan migration. Learn about the Vedic texts' emphasis on rituals and the emergence of philosophical inquiry through the Upanishads. Delve into the societal transformations of the Iron Age, the impact of karma and reincarnation, and the rise of alternative spiritual movements seeking liberation. Unravel the core spiritual questions that shaped this evolving landscape.
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Indus Civilization Set The Stage
- Northern India hosted the Indus Valley civilization with organized cities, agriculture, and fertility-focused religious artifacts.
- This urban, long-lived civilization declined around 1700 BCE before Aryan migrations reshaped the region.
Aryan Migration Transformed Society
- Aryan tribes from Central Asia migrated into northern India and brought chariot warfare, a three-part social order, and Vedic religion.
- Their Vedas recorded hymns, rituals, and myths that shaped later caste and priestly authority.
Purusha Myth Legitimated Caste
- The Rig Veda's Purusha myth ties social classes to parts of a cosmic being, legitimizing hierarchical caste origins.
- Ritual sacrifice and priestly recitation were central, empowering Brahmins socially and ritually.
