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About the Book
Sample Chapter
1. Vedic religion
The Aryan religious heritage leaves an indelible imprint on the
character of Hinduism. Its character is most evident in Vedic religious
literature, beliefs, and practices, which are explored here. The
various genres of Vedic religious texts, such as their hymn collections,
ritual manuals, and works of speculative philosophy are characterized,
as are works on health and astrology. The chapter presents close
examinations of certain Vedic rituals, some of which are humanity's
oldest enduring rites, and discusses the nature of important Vedic
deities. The crucially significant conception of the Vedic Absolute,
or the One, is also introduced here, as is its relationship to the
pervasive notion of sacrifice.
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