Vedic Sacrifice : Challenge and Response

This book deals with post-Vedic developments in understanding the con­cept of sacrifice (yajña) and the response of the Bhagavad Gita to it. Concepts such as Karma, Brahman and Tapas originated in the context of Vedic ritual and were the generators of autonomous power in the performance of sacrifice. The book argues that the Upanishads are not simply sources of the Vedantic categories of Brahman, Atman and Moksa. They also present Vedic ritual notions together with the new teachings of the wandering renouncers (ramanas) who posed a formidable challenge to the ritual tradition and its social hierarchy. The impact of the ramana movement on the religio-political scene during the second century bc is also discussed. The decline of sacrifice and emphasis on moral virtues find expression in the reformation of Asoka. His policy of giving equal respect to all religions, the decline of the Mauryan empire after his death and the political establishment of the unkan dynasty contributed to the revival of the brhmanic tradition. Incorporation of new values and practices and brhmanic amalgamation with the Bhgavata tradition are seen as adjustments within the revival. The Gita’s position on Vedic sacrifice is examined in the light of these developments. Affirmation, addition and correction appear side by side with the superior values of knowledge (jñana) and devotion (bhakti). Taking into account the interaction and consistency between various strands of thought and practice, this book calls for a fresh understanding of the Hindu religious traditions.