THE PERIOD OF VEDAS:-3.
THE MANTRAS AND BRAHMANAS:- An important development in this age was the conception of the cosmic order --rta. Later the cosmic order was identified with a moral order. It was believed that the rta was maintained by the offering of sacrifices. This is the period of the Mantras (hymen or religious songs contained in the Vedas). Gradually sacrifices gained prominence, and the period of Brahmanas ( section of the Vedas dealing with rites and rituals) saw a purely sacrificial religion of mechanical nature and a special class of professional priests who alone could officiate at them. This period marks the emergence of Varnas ( classes)m and ashramas ( stages of life). It was only natural that in this period the priests became supreme and powerful in society.[ to be cont---d]
By Swami Chinmayananda.
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