HUMA 1770 Lecture Notes - Stupa, Mahayana, Rigveda
3 May 2013
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Remarkable complexity (the way the city was layed out) System of writing: 400 distinct symbols, still undeciphered; Four castes: brahmins (priests, scholars, philosophers (intelectuals)) 3. vaisyas; (merchants, farmers that own some land) commoners . Advantages: social stability + clearly assigned roles + caste related support. Disadvantages: no social mobility + discrimination + no reforms + tyranny of the few + limited innovation; Aryan arrival -> subjugation to male values + confinement to the domestic realm (no say in politics); sati; Positive attitudes: important role within the family; to be treated with respect; fascination with female sexuality. The vedas (1500-600 bce), containing hymns, prayers, and epic poems. Complex polytheistic system + way of life + philosophy; Main gods; brahman (impersonal life force); shiva (creator and destroyer); and vishnu (preserver); Human nature: body (transitory) + soul (atman; eternal) Salvation (moksha): atman = brahman -> extinction of individuality. Second momentous experience -> enlightenment ( 4 noble truths _
