The Vedic Origins of Karma
Cosmos as Man in Ancient Indian Myth and Ritual
Published on 15. August 1989
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-7914-0095-1 (ISBN)
Description
In this book, the author seeks access to Karma's origins by following several clues suggested by the doctrine's earliest formulation in the Upanistexts (circa 600-500 B.C.) These clues lead back to the mythical and ritual structures firmly established in the Brahmana texts, texts concerned with the rituals that chronologically and conceptually precede the UpanisThe rise of the karma doctrine is tied to the increasing dominance in late Vedic thought of the cosmic man (Purusa/Prajapati) mythology and its ritual analogue the "building of the fire altar" (agnicayana).
Reviews / Votes
"To anyone interested in the Vedic literature or the idea of karma, this book is fascinating. The prose is crisp and clear, well-ordered and lively. The arguments are clearly presented. Tull shows convincingly that the beginning of karma theory are to be found in the Brahmanas. And he helps us to see the logic of these texts more clearly than anyone else." - John M. Koller"The book is clearly written and organized. He uses primary materials intelligently and raises questions of significance. The author discusses some of the central areas in the study of Hinduism: the idea of karma, the relationship of the Upanisto the rest of the Veda, the interpretation of the Upanisand the meaning of the Vedic rites. He also challenges a number of received views, especially concerning the interpretation of karma in the Upanisand offers alternatives which are quite provocative. He lays out his arguments and evidence in a way that allows his readers to evaluate them." - Joel P. Brereton
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
287 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7914-0095-1 (9780791400951)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Herman W. Tull is Assistant Professor of Religion at Rutgers University.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Vedic Origins of the Karma Doctrine
A Note on Texts, Method, Terms, and Translations
Chapter 1. The Problem of Karma and the Textual Sources
The Brahmanas and Upanisads in the View of Nineteenth Century Indology
The Upanisads and the Vedic Origins of the Karma Doctrine
The Earliest Notice of the Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth in the Brhadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanisads
Conclusion: The Karma Doctrine in the Context of Brahmanic Thought
Chapter 2. The Cosmos as Man: The Image of the Cosmos in Vedic Thought
The Cosmic Image and Its Vicissitudes in Vedic Thought
Purusa and the Creation of the Cosmos
The Reenactment of the Cosmogony
Prajapati and the Creation of the Cosmos
Conclusion: The Reenactment of the Cosmogony
Chapter 3. The Fire Altar (Agnicayana) as Man and Cosmos
The Problem of Sacrifice
The Problem of Sacrifice and the Agnicayana
The Construction of the Fire Altar
Conclusion: Man and Cosmos in the Fire Altar
Chapter 4. From Death to Rebirth
The Agnicayana and the Smasanacayana
Conclusion: The Karma Doctrine in the Context of Brahmanic Thought
Abbreviations of Vedic Texts
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Introduction
The Vedic Origins of the Karma Doctrine
A Note on Texts, Method, Terms, and Translations
Chapter 1. The Problem of Karma and the Textual Sources
The Brahmanas and Upanisads in the View of Nineteenth Century Indology
The Upanisads and the Vedic Origins of the Karma Doctrine
The Earliest Notice of the Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth in the Brhadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanisads
Conclusion: The Karma Doctrine in the Context of Brahmanic Thought
Chapter 2. The Cosmos as Man: The Image of the Cosmos in Vedic Thought
The Cosmic Image and Its Vicissitudes in Vedic Thought
Purusa and the Creation of the Cosmos
The Reenactment of the Cosmogony
Prajapati and the Creation of the Cosmos
Conclusion: The Reenactment of the Cosmogony
Chapter 3. The Fire Altar (Agnicayana) as Man and Cosmos
The Problem of Sacrifice
The Problem of Sacrifice and the Agnicayana
The Construction of the Fire Altar
Conclusion: Man and Cosmos in the Fire Altar
Chapter 4. From Death to Rebirth
The Agnicayana and the Smasanacayana
Conclusion: The Karma Doctrine in the Context of Brahmanic Thought
Abbreviations of Vedic Texts
Notes
Bibliography
Index