Brahmanic and Shramanic tradition PDF

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Indian Political Theory. Differences and Similarities between Brahmamic and Shramamic tradition....

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Q. Difference between Brahminic and Shramanic Traditions. ● Ans. Brahmanism and Shamanism are the two important branches of Hinduism that existed in India around 6th – 7th century B.C. Though both the traditions have very contradictory belief systems, values, teachings and practices. These two traditions are crucial for understanding the political thinking of that period. Brahmanism derives its authority from the Vedas thus it is also known as Vedic religion. On the other hand Shramanic tradition comprises a group of ascetics and renouncers who gave up worldly life and practiced Tapah to attain Moksha. That is why the Shramanic tradition is often referred to as Renouncer tradition. Brahmanic Tradition in India – This term ‘Brahminism’ derives its origin because of the religious supremacy and importance given to the ‘Brahmans’, priestly class of the society. It is referred to as a Classic or Orthodox tradition. It was based on Caste and gender hierarchy. Brahmanism as a belief system developed from Vedas which holds the supreme authority. Vedas are basically a vast body of literature handed down through oral tradition known as Shruti from one generation to another. That is why it is also known as Memory tradition. Now sources to study Brahmanic tradition are – Shruti, Smriti, Shastras and Puranas. Three most important features of Brahmanic tradition are – Continuity, Holism and Hierarchy. Entire Brahminic tradition revolves around and thrives based on these three features. Belief system and Practices in Brahmanism ● Caste system – it was the product of varna system. Caste system was dominated by the idea of purity and impurity and hierarchy. The varna system was based on a theory that humans are made from the body parts of God Brahma. Which means brahman is made from the head, kshatriya from the arms, Vaishya from the thighs and shudras from the foot. The brahmans hold the supreme authority and also the responsibility to regulate this system and ensure that every individual is working within their varna or caste. If anyone doesn’t belong to one of these four castes then they are not considered as human beings. ● Sacrifice – it was the core practice in the Brahminical tradition. Killings of animals used to take place in the name of the sacrifice to get the blessing of God and to connect with divine power. ● Women – they were not considered equal in society. No important responsibility or duty was given to them in the entire varna system. ● The central practice of Brahmanism is Sacrifice in order to attain Moksha. ● Metaphysics is the core concept of the Brahminical belief system. ● Reincarnation – rebirth and karma are the prominent beliefs based on Vedas. They believe the soul would be reborn again in another body.

● Acceptance of Vedas as sacred and supreme authority. According to Brahminic tradition no one has written the Vedas, these are gifted by the god Brahma to the world. ● They believed and accepted themselves as the creator of God and belonged to the group who practiced Brahminic tradition and considered themselves as the protector of the Vedas. Shramanic Tradition in India – This term originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Shram’. This word has two connotations, firstly shram means labor and the other means Wander. It is inclusive, diverse and heterodox in nature. Shramanism included traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, Tantra, Nath, siddhanta, Bhakti, lokayatas, Ajivikas. Shramanic were basically a group of renouncers who practiced Tapah to attain spiritual power and were not interested in worldly life. However, they are considered as Non vedic renouncers. Shramanic traditions were the reactions against oppressive Brahmanical traditions. In Fact caste system, oppression of women, rigidness, animal sacrifice, dominance of brahmins, untouchability and violence in the name of rituals were the prominent reasons for the rise of shramanic traditions. It was in this context that the shraminism movement spreaded, Buddhism came up with a message of equality and posed a challenge to Brahman dominance. Therefore, they attracted the majority of low and oppressed caste people. Shamans were basically the people who couldn’t adjust themselves in Brahmanical order. They rejected the authority of Vedas and the Brahmans. Shramanic tradition emphasized more on Karma than rituals. Their teachings encouraged people to do good deeds and Tapasya to attain Moksha as Moksha according to them is the main goal of life. The Shramanic tradition also tried to establish a peace loving society through promoting universal brotherhood and ahimsa [ non-violence]. Similarities between Shramanic and Brahminic Traditions :● Danda and Dharma – this was the common point between the two traditions, both believed in the concept of Danda and Dharma. Dharma means righteousness, duty, moral obligation. Whereas Danda means punishment by force to maintain harmony, peace and social order. Artha and Danda were superior to Dharma. Danda was considered as a means to achieve the dharma that is the end. Differences between Shramanic and Brahmanic Traditions :● Caste System – maintaining hierarchy in society is considered important for ensuring stability in society. It is a core concept in both Brahmanical tradition and Hinduism and also an integral part of Dharma. Though Shramanic tradition rejected caste system and social hierarchy, they questioned the supremacy of brahmins in the society. They did not believe in the universality of caste and also criticized the inequality that shudras faced. Caste system was a clear-cut division of labor where brahmins and kshatriyas hold high positions in the society. Shramanic tradition believed in equality and argued that superiority and entitlements given on the basis of caste is unjust and unnatural. They believed that one

does not become brahmin by birth, but by purity of heart, purity of act, moral and spiritual and wise. ● Authority of Vedas – Brahmanical tradition considers Veda as ultimate truth, knowledge and the most sacred gift of the God Brahma. Vedas hold the supreme authority in Brahmanism and brahmans hold the responsibility to spread its teachings among the society. Vedas are considered as divine, eternal and authoritative. In order to validate the authority of Vedas, Brahmans gave few argument – 1. Swata Pramanaya Vaad [self- validating character of knowledge] 2. Shabd Nitiyata Vaad [eternity of the word] 3. Porushat [ uninterpreted tradition of Vedic study which means impersonal authorship]. On the other hand Shramanic rejects the authority of Vedas as ultimate truth and knowledge. Shramanic criticize Brahmans on the ground that they are unable to trace the author of Vedas. Brahmans believe that the author of Vedas is God. But the shramanic tradition argues that the brahmans are the author of Vedas and they have written it to establish their monopoly and deviate the masses from the real question. They rejected Vedas as authoritative and eternal on the grounds that as it is written by humans, not God it neither can be eternal nor divine. ● Belief in God – Brahmanic tradition considered the world as the creation of God. They regarded God as the savior of humankind. On the other hand Shramanic tradition rejected this idea, they didn’t believe in the existence of God and argued that the world is created by natural powers and law of nature and not by god. Shramans also believed the powerful human teacher is the savior of the world. Such as Buddha, Mahavira, etc. Brahamans also believed that Pain and suffering is given by God, Shramans rejected this idea as well and put forward the doctrine of Karma. Shramanic tradition believed in Karma rather than God and rituals and argued that pain and suffering is due their failure or karma and God has no role to play in it. In order to prove the existence of God, Brahmans gave major arguments – 1. In this world, nothing is made on its own; it has a maker. Thus, this earth, sky, star, and nature all are made by God. 2. The authority of Vedas implies a reliable person from whom the Vedas must have proceeded. 3. Since, numbers are inconceivable without a mind which relates objects. There must have been a super mind to explain the efficacy of numbers. 4. Linguistic and social behavior is acquired in a tradition which must have been originated by some first person. 5. Solar system and the whole universe and other systems are held in a fixed position in space by a force which presupposes the effort. Thus, Brahmans are trying to establish that there is a perfect mind working to

cause and hold laws of nature which are beyond human reasoning, rationality and perception. However, Shramans counter argues that this knowledge of numbers, linguistic and social behavior is not given by God, humans were already aware of it. Nothing can be beyond human reason and rationality, not even the god. Shramanic tradition was a firm believer of the idea that Each human has equal worth and social status should be based on karma and not by birth. CONCLUSION One can conclude that Brahmanical and Shramanic traditions are key to understanding entire political thinking in India as far as the ancient period is concerned. We can also find its impact and influence on contemporary political thought. Brahmanic tradition has a rigid and exclusive approach whereas Shramanic tradition has more of an egalitarian and inclusive approach....