India has a very rich tradition of cultural heritage, but most of it being in the grab of symbols is difficult to understand.
The Aranyakas, a class of Vedic Literature, are conspicuous for treating a part or whole of a sacrifice as a representation of some spiritual activity or as a symbol of the Sun, Samvatsara, Purusa or Brahman etc., thereby revolutionsing the Brahmanic religion of sacrifice and bringing it back to its age-old right track of metaphysical spiritualism : Purusa evedam sarvam (R.V.X. 90.2) and ethics of duty for duty sake : Yajnena Yajnamayajanta devah (R.V.I. 164.50; X.90.16).
This revolution infuses a new life into Indian Culture and makes it potent enough to serve for ever as a guiding star for the seeker of Truth.
The Present work is primarily concened in elaborating the process of the above mentioned revolution on scientific, historical and comparative lines. The author will deem herrself successful in her attempt if this work succeeds in imparting an understanding of the spirit of the Aranyakas. |
