Hindu sacred texts Flashcards
1
Q
The Rig Veda
A
Oldest sacred text
The vedas mean “knowledge”
About 1000 sacred hymns
Traditionally, women were not allowed to read it
2
Q
Upanishads
A
Written 900-200BCE
ancient philosophical commentary on the vedas
Basis of Hindu doctrines and teachings
3
Q
Mahabharata
A
Long epic poem
Contains the Bhagavad-Gita
The Gita-most popular text
Main characters: Krishna, Arjuana
4
Q
Ramayana
A
long epic poem
Main Characters: Rama (God)
5
Q
The Laws of manu
A
Manu was a Ancient teacher of sacred laws (c. 500BCE)
A supplement to the vedas
describes norms of domestic, social and religious life under Brahmin rule
Contemporary scholars argue that the rules should change
