1. Religions of India Fed by many sources, branch off from flowing river
VEDIC RELIGIONS
(Aryans)
AUTOCHTONOUS RELIGIONS
“religions of soil” regional traditions,
incorporated into Hinduism as develops
indigenous ideas of ritual,
HETERODOX RELIGIONS
(effect Brahminical Hinduism,
respond to challenge of hegemony,
patronage)
JAINSM
Do not regard Vedas
as authoritative
UPANISHADS
(monotheism) one spirit under all humanity (BRAHMAN)
BRAHMINICAL
HINDUISM
Saguna Ram (Adyodha)
Buddha believed in karma, reincarnation, sought freedom from life/death, desire traps us, Developed path of own freedom, on decline without Ambedkar, 12th century Muslims killed, Buddhists; disregard caste but other things affirmed; untouchables embrace Buddhism and were persecuted (Ambedkar’s narrative)
BUDDHISM
ISLAM
God cannot be embodied, mantra,
Ram, disclose truth that divine present,
saturate reality
KABIN PANTH
AHIMSA
Nonviolence
Tendency for low caste to practice NIRGUNA (no forms); Upper caste saguna (give body to God), many low; Caste movements, group gains new ideology, world view, vehicle
For transformation
CHRISTIANITY SATNAMIS
MODERN REFORMED
HINDUISM
Saguna Ram (Adyodha)