Aranyaka

For 1994 film, see Aranyaka (film).
A page of the Jaiminiya Aranyaka Gana found embedded in the Samaveda palm leaf manuscript (Sanskrit, Grantha script).
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The Aranyakas (/ɑːˈrʌnjəkəz/; Sanskrit: आरण्यक; IAST: āraṇyaka) are a part of the ancient Indian Vedas concerned with the meaning of ritual sacrifice, composed in about 700 BC.[1][2] They typically represent the later sections of the Vedas, and are one of many layers of Vedic texts.[3] The other parts of the Vedas are the Samhitas (benedictions, hymns), Brahmanas (commentary), and the Upanishads (spirituality and abstract philosophy).[4][5]

Aranyakas describe and discuss rituals from various perspectives; some include philosophical speculations. For example, the Katha Aranyaka discusses rituals connected with the Pravargya.[6] The Aitareya Aranyaka includes explanation of the Mahavrata ritual from ritualisitic to symbolic meta-ritualistic points of view.[7] Aranyakas, however, neither are homogeneous in content nor in structure.[7] Aranyakas are sometimes identified as karma-kanda (कर्मकाण्ड), ritualistic action/sacrifice section, while the Upanishads are identified as jnana-kanda (ज्ञानकाण्ड) knowledge/spirituality section.[4][8] In an alternate classification, the early part of Vedas are called Samhitas and the ritualistic commentary on the mantras and rituals are called the Brahmanas which together are identified as the ceremonial karma-kanda, while Aranyakas and Upanishads are referred to as the jnana-kanda.[9]

In the immense volume of ancient Indian Vedic literature, there is no absolute universally true distinction between Aranyakas and Brahmanas. Similarly, there is no absolute distinction between Aranyakas and Upanishads, as some Upanishads are incorporated inside a few Aranyakas.[10] Aranyakas, along with Brahmanas, represent the emerging transitions in later Vedic religious practices.[11] The transition completes with the blossoming of ancient Indian philosophy from external sacrificial rituals to internalized philosophical treatise of Upanishads.[12]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Keith1925 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Aranyaka | Upanishads, Vedic Rituals, Brahmanas | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  3. ^ In post-Vedic classifications by text types, the Aranyakas are one of five, with the other four being Samhita, Brahmana, Upasana and Upanishad. See A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 5-17
  4. ^ a b A Bhattacharya (2006), Hindu Dharma: Introduction to Scriptures and Theology, ISBN 978-0595384556, pages 8-14
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Holdrege1995 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Witzel2004 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference jago was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ See Shankara's Introduction at Google Books to Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad at pages 1-5; Quote - "The Vedas are divided in two parts, the first is the karma-kanda, the ceremonial part, also (called) purva-kanda, and treats on ceremonies; the second part is the jnana kanda, the part which contains knowledge, also named uttara-kanda or posterior part, and unfolds the knowledge of Brahma or the universal soul." (Translator: Edward Roer)
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Knapp2005 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ AB Keith (2007), The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120806443, pages 491-492
  11. ^ Edward F Crangle (1994), The Origin and Development of Early Indian Contemplative Practices, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447034791, pp. 55-59
  12. ^ AB Keith (2007), The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120806443, pages 491-509