The Puranas and the Epic Histories

The Puranas and the Epic Histories Light of the Spirit Monastery The next in a series of excerpts from the book Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Religion which we publish. This book was originally printed nearly one hundred years ago in Varanasi (Benares) for use as a textbook by the students of the Central Hindu College – now known as the Benares Hindu University. Its original title was Sanatana Dharma, An Advanced Text Book of Hindu Religion and Ethics. The Puranas Next in succession to the Smriti come the Puranas, which, with the Itihasa, the histories, are sometimes said to form the Fifth Veda since they give a knowledge of the Vedas, and are therefore worthy objects of study. There are eighteen Puranas: Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Narada Purana, Markandeya Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, Linga Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Vamana Purana, Kurma Purana, Matsyav, Suparna or Garuda Purana, and Brahmanda Purana. Certain definite characteristic subjects of a Purana are: creation, secondary creation [some interpret the word as meaning “reabsorption,” “destruction”], genealogy, manvantaras, and history. The sage Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayana, the son of Parashara) is considered the compiler of the Puranas. The Puranas contain the history of remote times, when the conditions of existence were quite different from those which prevail in our days; they also describe regions of the universe not visible to the ordinary physical eye. Hence it is unfair to regard the conceptions of the Puranas as being of the same nature as those of modern science. When yoga-siddhis are developed, the puranic pictures of the universe and its past history are seen to be infinitely more correct than those arrived at by the modern scientific use of our physical organs of perception, however much these may be aided by delicate scientific apparatus. Two Bhagavatas Two other important books considered related to the Puranas are the Vishnu Bhagavata and the Devi Bhagavata. Both are equally valuable and instructive. The Devi Bhagavata is specially fitted for those who are inclined to metaphysics and science, while the Vishnu Bhagavata is most acceptable to the devotional temperament. Itihasa: Epic Histories The other part of the Fifth Veda is the Itihasa, the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana has for author Valmiki, and is the history of the family descended from Ikshwaku, in which was born the avatara of Vishnu, Ramachandra, and his three brothers. The whole story gives a vivid picture of Indian life as led towards the close of the Treta Yuga, and is intended to provide, in the life of Ramachandra and his brothers, a model of fraternal affection and mutual service, leading to prosperity and general welfare, that may serve as a lesson and inspiration in true aryan living, and a model of kingship for all aryan rulers. The Mahabharata was compiled by Vyasa early in the Kali Yuga, but different recensions of it have been made. The story is far more complicated and more modern than that of the Ramayana, and relates the varying fortunes of a family which, rent by jealousies and rivalries, perished by internecine strife. Against this dark background stands out the figure of the avatara, Sri Krishna, dominating the whole, surrounded by the Pandava family, which triumphs by virtue of its righteous cause over the opposing Kurus; while, among the latter, shine forth the heroic Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, the splendid but doomed defenders of wrongful sovereignty. The story fitly opens the Kali Yuga, in which good and evil contend with almost equal forces, and in which ethical problems and the complicated workings of karma baffle and bewilder the mind; in the destruction of the best and wisest of the kshatriya caste it seems to presage the coming invasions of India, and in the gloom of its closing earthly scenes to forecast the darkness that was soon to settle down on Aryavarta. The main thread of the story is constantly broken by interludes, consisting of instructive lessons and stories, among which are the immortal discourse of Bhishma on dharma, and the most famous jewel of aryan literature, the Bhagavad Gita. The whole forms an encyclopedia of history, morals and religion, not surpassed, or even rivaled, by any other epic in the world. Next: The Six Darshanas Frequently Asked Questions What are the Puranas and why are they important? The Puranas are a group of eighteen sacred Hindu texts that expand upon Vedic teachings through stories, cosmology, genealogies, and moral instruction. They are considered a vital part of the Fifth Veda, along with the Itihasas, because they help convey the spiritual essence of the Vedas in accessible narrative form. Who compiled the Puranas? The sage Vyasa—also known as Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Parashara—is traditionally regarded as the compiler of the Puranas, organizing ancient oral traditions into written form to preserve sacred knowledge for future generations. How are the Puranas different from modern science? The Puranas describe realities and cosmic structures that are often beyond physical perception. According to yogic insight, many puranic accounts are more accurate than modern scientific views when seen through spiritual realization and siddhis, rather than relying solely on the material senses. What is the role of the Ramayana and Mahabharata in Hindu tradition? The Ramayana and Mahabharata, known as the Itihasas, form the other part of the Fifth Veda. They serve as historical epics that convey spiritual, moral, and social ideals. The Ramayana presents Rama as the ideal king and human being, while the Mahabharata, with Krishna at its heart, explores complex ethical dilemmas and culminates in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Are the Devi Bhagavata and Vishnu Bhagavata also Puranas? While not always listed among the core eighteen Puranas, the Devi Bhagavata and Vishnu Bhagavata are closely related texts. The Devi Bhagavata is particularly suited to those with a metaphysical inclination, and the Vishnu Bhagavata is highly revered by devotional seekers. Both are considered equally instructive. The post The Puranas and the Epic Histories appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.