Outline - Hinduism and the Vedic Tradition

I. Vedic Religions (ca. 15000-500 BCE)

A. Indo-Aryan

1. Dasa

2. Indus Valley

3. Harappan civilization, ca. 2500 bce

B. Vedic Literature

1. Four Vedas:

a. Rig Veda (1200-900)

b. Sama Veda

c. Yajur Veda

d. Atharva Veda

2. Brahmanas, 850-700 bce

3. Upanishads, 600-400

C. Developments in Vedic Religion

1. Vedas - Devas

a. Celestial - Varana

b. Atmospheric - Indra

2. Brahmanas - Brahmanism (1000-700 bce)

a. Two types of sacred fire

1) Griha

2) Shranta

b. Vac - Brahma - Tapas

c. Priests

d. Sin

3. Upanishads

a. Atman - Brahman

b. Doctrine of rebirth

1. Samsara - karma - moksha