Aranyaka

The Aranyakas (Sanskrit, n, आरण्यक, Aranyaka, "Forest Text", forest, wilderness ) are texts of early Hinduism, which are similar in nature to the Brahmanas. These were to ritual texts for the orthodox Brahmins, who had retired to the solitude of the forest. These forest dwellers took the first step towards renunciation Samnyasa. This has been an increasingly strong trend in Indian society during the following centuries.

Most of the texts of the Aranyakas were lost; but the following have been preserved:

  • - The Aitareya - and - Aranyaka Kaushitaki (part of the Rig -Veda )
  • - The Taittiriya Aranyaka - ( the Black Yayur Veda belonging )
  • - The Brihad - Aranyaka ( the White Yayur Veda belonging )
  • ( There are no more Aranyaka of the Sama and the Atharva - Veda. )

Aranyaka originally means forest, wilderness and was used as a text label, as these lessons were not taught in the village, but in the solitude of the forest with a teacher. Traditionally, the Aranyakas in conjunction with the third stage of life Vanaprastha ( in the forest solitude survivor ). After meeting the family and social obligations as Grihastha ( housekeeper; frequent: householder ) Hinduism provides two additional stages ( ashrama ) that serve the religious education and spiritual development. The Vanaprastha lives in the forest to continue his religious studies, the Samnyasin puts all bindings to family and society.

The Aranyakas were pioneers for the esoteric philosophy of the Upanishads and for the subsequent ascetic form of the yoga tradition.

Credentials

  • Literature ( Vedic )
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