The Rig Veda
What is the Rig Veda?
Hinduism's oldest sacred text- a bunch of hymns detailing devotional sacrifice, ritual, creation stories, dialogue between gods.
What is the order of value for animal sacrifices?
Humans, Horses, Cattle, sheep, goats
What is the modern "Jatī" system?
Modern caste system stemming from varna system. Mainly divides labour
Is a horse sacrifice valuable? what kinds of things are appropriate to ask for?
Most valuable next to humans! male children, crops, success in battle, wealth...anything MASCULINE oriented
What role do women play Vedic Society?
Mothering sons, being wives...they are necessary for the man's fulfillment of 3 debts. Definitely didn't get their own lives, valued very highly, but just for sexuality. Also very good for talking to gods because the gods are more likely to pay attention to couples.
Which Varnas come out of which parts of the body, and what are their perspective roles in society?
Mouth: Brahmins: priest, speakers Arms: Kshatryas: warriors, rulers Thighs: Vaishyas: Merchants, Freemen. Feet: Shudras: Labourers, outcasts
Who are the people who wrote the Rig Veda? What does the name they gave themselves mean?
Ārya-noble/highborn
What are the three debts a man has? how does he alleviate them?
1)to the gods-by performing sacrifices-the more valuable the animal (or highest value, human or himself), to more he chips away at debt. 2) to the sages (priests) who perform sacrifice- pay them to perform sacrifice. 3) To Ancestors-by continuing bloodline and having sons: MEN MUST HAVE SONS
Why are materialistic things/sacrifice a way to communicate with the gods?
Because wealth is considered a blessing from gods-
What powers associated with speech do Brahmins have? How do they use these powers in the social sphere, what are their responsibilities?
Brahmins are able to spin words into truth by speaking them out loud. They are the only ones who can say the words of the Rig Veda. Brahmins are therefore responsible for performing sacrifices commissioned by other people the upper three varnas.
is charity good or bad? why or why not?
Charity is considered good in the Rig Veda, despite the emphasis on material gain in life. This is because there was also an emphasis on using everything one had it-if you don't use it, you will lose it
What is there to be said about Aryan Culture's origins? why is there a question?
Indo-European languages closely related to Sanskrit, therefore the question was raised. Did Aryan culture develop in Indus Valley, or was it brought in by invaders? this is the unanswerable question, but the invader theory is used to dismantle the agendas of Hindu nationalists even today and was used to spread Christianity in the colonial period.
What is Soma?
Soma is a plant, also a god, crushed uo and drunk as part of ritual to give people strength in battle
How was the universe created?
The giant man (purusha) was sacrificed.
How does one go about a horse sacrifice?
The horse is suffocated, then the dismemberment of limbs in a particular order with a mantra for each part and put into the fire. The horse is returned to gods in the form of smoke, but the power is then repaid back in war, along with whatever the patrons of the sacrifice asked for.
What is the main ritual practice described in the Rig Veda? What is significant about the involvement of people in the rituals?
This is sacrifice through fire. The most vivid description of sacrifice is the horse sacrifice, but other animals are acceptable as well.The rituals are community oriented.
What is the Varna System, how was it created?
Varna system is a system of hierarchy that was the model for the caste system of India today
What are the compnents necessairy for the fufillment of rituals?
Wealth, Access to gods through priests, Gods themselves
How is fire related to creation of universe?
fire is how Purusha was sacrificed when the universe was created-also related to desire, thought to be another original quality of the universe.
What qualities is the god Indra associated with?
masculinity, war, power, strength
