Difference between revisions of "Tantra and Veda: The Untold Story"
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Ken Wilber, as one of the world's most influential and remarkable [[spiritual traditions]]. | Ken Wilber, as one of the world's most influential and remarkable [[spiritual traditions]]. | ||
[[Tantra]], perhaps better than no other [[spiritual path]], epitomizes the very [[soul]] and [[spirit]] of | [[Tantra]], perhaps better than no other [[spiritual path]], epitomizes the very [[soul]] and [[spirit]] of | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Yoga]]. As my essay will show, most [[forms]] of Yoga—from [[Hatha Yoga]] to Asthanga | [[Yoga]]. As my essay will show, most [[forms]] of Yoga—from [[Hatha Yoga]] to Asthanga | ||
Yoga—have their [[physical]] and [[spiritual]] [[roots]] in the [[ancient]] soil of [[Tantra]], not in the | Yoga—have their [[physical]] and [[spiritual]] [[roots]] in the [[ancient]] soil of [[Tantra]], not in the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Vedas]], as most [[yoga]] [[scholars]] in the [[West]] wants us to believe. In fact, it was [[Tantra]] that | [[Vedas]], as most [[yoga]] [[scholars]] in the [[West]] wants us to believe. In fact, it was [[Tantra]] that | ||
first influenced the [[Vedas]], then–during the time of the [[Wikipedia:Upanishads|Upanishads]] and the [[Brahmanas]] | first influenced the [[Vedas]], then–during the time of the [[Wikipedia:Upanishads|Upanishads]] and the [[Brahmanas]] | ||
− | (700 BCE and onwards)—the [[Tantric]] esprit influenced all the [[traditions]] of [[Indian philosophy]], [[including]] [[Vedanta]] and [[Samkhya]]. All of the practices known to be [[Yogic]] in | + | (700 BCE and onwards)—the [[Tantric]] esprit influenced all the [[traditions]] of [[Indian philosophy]], |
+ | |||
+ | [[including]] [[Vedanta]] and [[Samkhya]]. All of the practices known to be [[Yogic]] in | ||
nature—asanas ([[physical]] [[yoga]] exercises), [[pranayama]] ([[breathing]] exercises), [[mantra meditation]], [[kundalini]] [[awakening]], [[samadhi]] ([[spiritual]] [[ecstasy]]), are [[Tantric]], not {{Wiki|Vedic}}. | nature—asanas ([[physical]] [[yoga]] exercises), [[pranayama]] ([[breathing]] exercises), [[mantra meditation]], [[kundalini]] [[awakening]], [[samadhi]] ([[spiritual]] [[ecstasy]]), are [[Tantric]], not {{Wiki|Vedic}}. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Hence, [[Tantra]] and [[Yoga]] are {{Wiki|synonymous}} [[paths]] that have had great influence among the | Hence, [[Tantra]] and [[Yoga]] are {{Wiki|synonymous}} [[paths]] that have had great influence among the | ||
great [[sacred]] [[traditions]] of the East—from [[Buddhism]] to [[Zen]], from [[Jainism]] to [[Hinduism]]. | great [[sacred]] [[traditions]] of the East—from [[Buddhism]] to [[Zen]], from [[Jainism]] to [[Hinduism]]. | ||
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This essay has also been written, in part, as a response to the growing [[awareness]] | This essay has also been written, in part, as a response to the growing [[awareness]] | ||
that [[Tantra]] is more than just an [[esoteric]] version of [[hot]] {{Wiki|sex}}. This new [[awareness]] was even | that [[Tantra]] is more than just an [[esoteric]] version of [[hot]] {{Wiki|sex}}. This new [[awareness]] was even | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
reflected in an unlikely place: in O: Oprah Magazine. Here, its 14 million, mostly {{Wiki|female}}, | reflected in an unlikely place: in O: Oprah Magazine. Here, its 14 million, mostly {{Wiki|female}}, | ||
readers learned that [[Western]] [[Tantra]] has been “overly sexualized.” Mistakenly | readers learned that [[Western]] [[Tantra]] has been “overly sexualized.” Mistakenly | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
characterized as solely “the [[yoga]] of {{Wiki|sex}},” this age-old [[path]] is now being re-discovered for | characterized as solely “the [[yoga]] of {{Wiki|sex}},” this age-old [[path]] is now being re-discovered for | ||
what it truly is: “the [[yoga]] of sacredness.” For, according to [[Tantra]], everything in [[life]] can | what it truly is: “the [[yoga]] of sacredness.” For, according to [[Tantra]], everything in [[life]] can | ||
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− | + | =[[The Vedic Invasion: Truth or Myth]]?= | |
In a number of popular history [[books]] on [[India]], we are informed that [[India]] | In a number of popular history [[books]] on [[India]], we are informed that [[India]] | ||
developed one of the [[ancient]] world's most sophisticated urban {{Wiki|civilizations}}, namely, the | developed one of the [[ancient]] world's most sophisticated urban {{Wiki|civilizations}}, namely, the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|Harappa}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]] {{Wiki|civilizations}} in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} (4000 BCE). Largely inspired | {{Wiki|Harappa}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]] {{Wiki|civilizations}} in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} (4000 BCE). Largely inspired | ||
by [[Tantra]] and [[yoga]], this [[Dravidian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, it is claimed, was invaded and destroyed | by [[Tantra]] and [[yoga]], this [[Dravidian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, it is claimed, was invaded and destroyed | ||
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by {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan invaders]] around 1500 BCE. This {{Wiki|mainstream}} version of [[Indian history]] | by {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan invaders]] around 1500 BCE. This {{Wiki|mainstream}} version of [[Indian history]] | ||
has recently been challenged by a revisionist {{Wiki|theory}} that claims there is no {{Wiki|evidence}} the | has recently been challenged by a revisionist {{Wiki|theory}} that claims there is no {{Wiki|evidence}} the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Aryan]] invasion occurred at all. In their [[book]] In Search of the Cradle of [[Human]] | [[Aryan]] invasion occurred at all. In their [[book]] In Search of the Cradle of [[Human]] | ||
{{Wiki|Civilization}}, [[Georg Feuerstein]], David Frawley and Subash Kak assert that the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} was {{Wiki|Vedic}} rather than [[Tantric]]. | {{Wiki|Civilization}}, [[Georg Feuerstein]], David Frawley and Subash Kak assert that the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} was {{Wiki|Vedic}} rather than [[Tantric]]. | ||
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invasion around 1500 BCE, but are they correct in assuming it never happened at all? In | invasion around 1500 BCE, but are they correct in assuming it never happened at all? In | ||
this essay, I will outline a third alternative, a history of [[India]] based in part on {{Wiki|genetic}} | this essay, I will outline a third alternative, a history of [[India]] based in part on {{Wiki|genetic}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[science]] as well as [[Tantric]] [[traditional]] and oral history. According to this alternative view, | [[science]] as well as [[Tantric]] [[traditional]] and oral history. According to this alternative view, | ||
{{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan]] tribes did indeed migrate to [[India]], but it occurred thousands of years earlier | {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan]] tribes did indeed migrate to [[India]], but it occurred thousands of years earlier | ||
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Trying to piece together a coherent map of {{Wiki|ancient Indian}} history is no easy task. | Trying to piece together a coherent map of {{Wiki|ancient Indian}} history is no easy task. | ||
There is no {{Wiki|archaeological}} {{Wiki|evidence}} of [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] [[existence]], for example. Hence, to gain | There is no {{Wiki|archaeological}} {{Wiki|evidence}} of [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] [[existence]], for example. Hence, to gain | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[insight]] into the [[life]] and time of [[Shiva]], who supposedly lived in distant pre-history, 4,500 | [[insight]] into the [[life]] and time of [[Shiva]], who supposedly lived in distant pre-history, 4,500 | ||
years before [[Buddha]], we must access both [[traditional]] and contemporary sources in | years before [[Buddha]], we must access both [[traditional]] and contemporary sources in | ||
{{Wiki|literature}} on [[Tantra]], oral [[Tantric]] history as presented in the [[books]] by P. R. Sarkar (aka | {{Wiki|literature}} on [[Tantra]], oral [[Tantric]] history as presented in the [[books]] by P. R. Sarkar (aka | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti), [[scholars]] on {{Wiki|ancient Indian}} history, [[including]] prolific writers | Shrii Shrii Anandamurti), [[scholars]] on {{Wiki|ancient Indian}} history, [[including]] prolific writers | ||
Daniel Danielou and N. N. [[Bhattacharya]], {{Wiki|archaeological}} and {{Wiki|linguistics}} findings, and, | Daniel Danielou and N. N. [[Bhattacharya]], {{Wiki|archaeological}} and {{Wiki|linguistics}} findings, and, | ||
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Sometimes these divergent sources overlap beautifully, such as in the case of | Sometimes these divergent sources overlap beautifully, such as in the case of | ||
{{Wiki|genetic}} [[science]] and oral [[Tantric]] history about the time of the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan]] invasion. | {{Wiki|genetic}} [[science]] and oral [[Tantric]] history about the time of the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryan]] invasion. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Indeed, P. R. Sarkar maintains that the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] migrated into [[India]] around the time | Indeed, P. R. Sarkar maintains that the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] migrated into [[India]] around the time | ||
of [[Shiva]] (5000 BCE). As you will learn in more detail soon, this [[traditional]] view of | of [[Shiva]] (5000 BCE). As you will learn in more detail soon, this [[traditional]] view of | ||
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been much farther back in prehistoric time. Indeed, that is exactly what Wells’ {{Wiki|genetic}} | been much farther back in prehistoric time. Indeed, that is exactly what Wells’ {{Wiki|genetic}} | ||
[[science]] has proven. The {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] did indeed come from outside [[India]], he asserts, | [[science]] has proven. The {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] did indeed come from outside [[India]], he asserts, | ||
− | bringing with them, according to Sarkar, the first portion of their vast [[scriptures]], the [[Rig Veda]]. Hence, [[Indian]] {{Wiki|culture}} eventually became a [[philosophical]], [[spiritual]] and {{Wiki|cultural}} | + | bringing with them, according to Sarkar, the first portion of their vast [[scriptures]], the [[Rig Veda]]. Hence, |
+ | |||
+ | [[Indian]] {{Wiki|culture}} eventually became a [[philosophical]], [[spiritual]] and {{Wiki|cultural}} | ||
confluence of those two mighty [[rivers]] of [[Tantra]] and [[Veda]]. | confluence of those two mighty [[rivers]] of [[Tantra]] and [[Veda]]. | ||
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[[mystical]] [[traditions]], namely [[Tantra]] and [[Yoga]]. In his award-winning [[book]], A Brief History | [[mystical]] [[traditions]], namely [[Tantra]] and [[Yoga]]. In his award-winning [[book]], A Brief History | ||
of [[India]], Daniel Danielou outlines in broad, colorful strokes an [[ancient]] history of [[India]] | of [[India]], Daniel Danielou outlines in broad, colorful strokes an [[ancient]] history of [[India]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
that contrasts with the one presented to most [[Western]] [[scholars]]. Danileou reminds us that | that contrasts with the one presented to most [[Western]] [[scholars]]. Danileou reminds us that | ||
[[yoga]] originated with the [[ancient]] [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Shiva]] and that these practices were “wholly | [[yoga]] originated with the [[ancient]] [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Shiva]] and that these practices were “wholly | ||
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and the writings of Danileou and Sarkar—it was [[Shiva]] who [[taught]] the early {{Wiki|Indians}} [[yogic]] | and the writings of Danileou and Sarkar—it was [[Shiva]] who [[taught]] the early {{Wiki|Indians}} [[yogic]] | ||
[[spirituality]], the [[arts]] and [[sciences]]. Moreover, [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] teachings remained the dominant | [[spirituality]], the [[arts]] and [[sciences]]. Moreover, [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] teachings remained the dominant | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|culture}} and [[spiritual]] teachings in [[India]], even though its {{Wiki|adherents}} were often violently | {{Wiki|culture}} and [[spiritual]] teachings in [[India]], even though its {{Wiki|adherents}} were often violently | ||
attacked by the early {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]]. The [[Tantric teachings]] of [[Shiva]] continued to be the | attacked by the early {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]]. The [[Tantric teachings]] of [[Shiva]] continued to be the | ||
[[religion]] of the [[people]], Danielou asserts, and what we today have come to appreciate as | [[religion]] of the [[people]], Danielou asserts, and what we today have come to appreciate as | ||
[[Indian]] {{Wiki|culture}} and [[religion]] was more influenced by [[Tantra]] than the [[Vedas]]. This [[assertion]], | [[Indian]] {{Wiki|culture}} and [[religion]] was more influenced by [[Tantra]] than the [[Vedas]]. This [[assertion]], | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
however, is contrary to what most {{Wiki|modern}} practitioners of [[yoga]] are [[taught]] about the | however, is contrary to what most {{Wiki|modern}} practitioners of [[yoga]] are [[taught]] about the | ||
history of their practice. | history of their practice. | ||
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[[discipline]] created by [[Shiva]]...” (2) But his historical time line does conflict somewhat with | [[discipline]] created by [[Shiva]]...” (2) But his historical time line does conflict somewhat with | ||
Wells' {{Wiki|genetic}} findings and what we can learn from [[traditional]] [[Tantric]] sources. | Wells' {{Wiki|genetic}} findings and what we can learn from [[traditional]] [[Tantric]] sources. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
According to [[traditional]] sources and the writings of Sarkar, the Rig {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] seem | According to [[traditional]] sources and the writings of Sarkar, the Rig {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] seem | ||
to have arrived not only after, but also before and during [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] time, a timeline that has | to have arrived not only after, but also before and during [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] time, a timeline that has | ||
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the [[Yajur]], [[Sama]] and Atharva, originated both outside and inside [[India]]. From early on, the | the [[Yajur]], [[Sama]] and Atharva, originated both outside and inside [[India]]. From early on, the | ||
{{Wiki|culture}} and [[spiritual practices]] that originated with [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] [[Tantra]] also spread outside | {{Wiki|culture}} and [[spiritual practices]] that originated with [[Wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva's]] [[Tantra]] also spread outside | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[India]], even as far as {{Wiki|Europe}}. Writes Danielou: “Although—due to scarcity of | [[India]], even as far as {{Wiki|Europe}}. Writes Danielou: “Although—due to scarcity of | ||
documentation—the importance of this great fundamental [[religion]] in the formation of | documentation—the importance of this great fundamental [[religion]] in the formation of | ||
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written down starting as late as 500 AD, thus making most [[scholars]] and [[lay people]] | written down starting as late as 500 AD, thus making most [[scholars]] and [[lay people]] | ||
believe this is when the history of [[Tantra]] began? In [[actuality]], [[Tantric teachings]] were | believe this is when the history of [[Tantra]] began? In [[actuality]], [[Tantric teachings]] were | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
assimilated into {{Wiki|Vedic}} and [[Brahmanic]] teachings and writings at an early age; thus one | assimilated into {{Wiki|Vedic}} and [[Brahmanic]] teachings and writings at an early age; thus one | ||
will find [[Tantric]] [[influences]] in the earliest writings in [[India]], starting around 3000 BCE | will find [[Tantric]] [[influences]] in the earliest writings in [[India]], starting around 3000 BCE | ||
+ | |||
with the compilation of the [[Atharva Veda]]. All of the [[yogic]] references to [[breathing]] | with the compilation of the [[Atharva Veda]]. All of the [[yogic]] references to [[breathing]] | ||
exercises and [[yoga]] in general in the [[Atharva Veda]] can, according to Sarkar, be traced | exercises and [[yoga]] in general in the [[Atharva Veda]] can, according to Sarkar, be traced | ||
back to the [[Tantra]] of [[Shiva]], 2,000 years earlier. In other words, by the time of the so | back to the [[Tantra]] of [[Shiva]], 2,000 years earlier. In other words, by the time of the so | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
called [[Tantric]] {{Wiki|renaissance}} in the middle ages, when [[Tantric yogis]] further developed | called [[Tantric]] {{Wiki|renaissance}} in the middle ages, when [[Tantric yogis]] further developed | ||
[[Hatha Yoga]], [[Tantra]] had already blended with and influenced [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]] to | [[Hatha Yoga]], [[Tantra]] had already blended with and influenced [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]] to | ||
a great extent. In summary, [[yoga]] is thus not an invention of the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] but rather a | a great extent. In summary, [[yoga]] is thus not an invention of the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] but rather a | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
result of the [[spiritual]] [[aspirations]] of [[yogis]] who lived in [[India]] both prior to and after the | result of the [[spiritual]] [[aspirations]] of [[yogis]] who lived in [[India]] both prior to and after the | ||
time of [[Shiva]], the great systematizer of [[Tantra]], and thus, as he is called in [[India]], the [[King]] | time of [[Shiva]], the great systematizer of [[Tantra]], and thus, as he is called in [[India]], the [[King]] | ||
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The [[love]] for [[Shiva]] and the [[practice of Tantra]] are alive and well in [[India]] and the | The [[love]] for [[Shiva]] and the [[practice of Tantra]] are alive and well in [[India]] and the | ||
− | [[world]] today. Indeed, [[Shiva]] is undoubtedly one of the most popular [[deities]] in the [[Hindu pantheon]]. Danielou maintains that [[Hinduism]] owes much more to its pre-Vedic [[Tantric tradition]] than it does to the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[tradition]]. Noted {{Wiki|Indologist}} N. N. [[Bhattacharyya]] also | + | [[world]] today. Indeed, [[Shiva]] is undoubtedly one of the most popular [[deities]] in the [[Hindu pantheon]]. |
+ | |||
+ | Danielou maintains that [[Hinduism]] owes much more to its pre-Vedic [[Tantric tradition]] than it does to the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[tradition]]. Noted {{Wiki|Indologist}} N. N. [[Bhattacharyya]] also | ||
observes that “[[Tantrism]] as a {{Wiki|heterogeneous}} set of [[ideas]] and practices characterized the | observes that “[[Tantrism]] as a {{Wiki|heterogeneous}} set of [[ideas]] and practices characterized the | ||
[[religious]] fabric of India—ancient, {{Wiki|medieval}}, and even {{Wiki|modern}}.” | [[religious]] fabric of India—ancient, {{Wiki|medieval}}, and even {{Wiki|modern}}.” | ||
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(4) And in the words of Sarkar: “Not only in [[India]], but in quite a large part of the [[world]], in every [[sphere]] of [[life]], | (4) And in the words of Sarkar: “Not only in [[India]], but in quite a large part of the [[world]], in every [[sphere]] of [[life]], | ||
the laws and injunctions of [[Shiva]] alone prevailed for a long time. Even today the | the laws and injunctions of [[Shiva]] alone prevailed for a long time. Even today the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|civilization}} of {{Wiki|modern India}} is intrinsically [[Tantric]]. On the outside only is there a {{Wiki|Vedic}} | {{Wiki|civilization}} of {{Wiki|modern India}} is intrinsically [[Tantric]]. On the outside only is there a {{Wiki|Vedic}} | ||
stamp.” | stamp.” | ||
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− | + | =[[The Aryan Controversy]]= | |
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[[Dravidians]] of {{Wiki|ancient India}}. | [[Dravidians]] of {{Wiki|ancient India}}. | ||
+ | |||
[[India]] is a country of great {{Wiki|ethnic}} diversity. In southern [[India]], there are Austric | [[India]] is a country of great {{Wiki|ethnic}} diversity. In southern [[India]], there are Austric | ||
peoples whose facial features and complexion are similar to Africans or the [[Australian]] | peoples whose facial features and complexion are similar to Africans or the [[Australian]] | ||
aborigines. In the [[south]], [[east]] and [[west]], there are tall and dark-brown complexioned | aborigines. In the [[south]], [[east]] and [[west]], there are tall and dark-brown complexioned | ||
+ | |||
[[Dravidians]]. In the [[north]] of [[India]], and in [[Nepal]], the facial features reveals various {{Wiki|ethnic}} | [[Dravidians]]. In the [[north]] of [[India]], and in [[Nepal]], the facial features reveals various {{Wiki|ethnic}} | ||
backgrounds. Some appears to be Caucasian, others have {{Wiki|light}}, yellowish {{Wiki|skin}} and are | backgrounds. Some appears to be Caucasian, others have {{Wiki|light}}, yellowish {{Wiki|skin}} and are | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Tibetan]] or {{Wiki|Mongolian}}, and others have [[Dravidian]] features. Indeed, [[India]] is composed of | [[Tibetan]] or {{Wiki|Mongolian}}, and others have [[Dravidian]] features. Indeed, [[India]] is composed of | ||
largely four main {{Wiki|ethnic}} groups—the [[Mongolians]], [[Dravidians]], Austrics and [[Aryans]]. But | largely four main {{Wiki|ethnic}} groups—the [[Mongolians]], [[Dravidians]], Austrics and [[Aryans]]. But | ||
where did these [[people]] originally come from? | where did these [[people]] originally come from? | ||
+ | |||
It is not easy to piece together the vast tapestry of [[India's]] {{Wiki|past}}. Most [[scholars]] | It is not easy to piece together the vast tapestry of [[India's]] {{Wiki|past}}. Most [[scholars]] | ||
[[thought]] for many years that [[Indian history]] started when ruthless, blue-eyed [[Aryans]] | [[thought]] for many years that [[Indian history]] started when ruthless, blue-eyed [[Aryans]] | ||
conquered the indigenous population in successive raids from1500 BCE to 1200 BCE. | conquered the indigenous population in successive raids from1500 BCE to 1200 BCE. | ||
Advocated by German-born [[Sanskrit scholar]] {{Wiki|Max Muller}}, this {{Wiki|theory}} made [[universal]] and | Advocated by German-born [[Sanskrit scholar]] {{Wiki|Max Muller}}, this {{Wiki|theory}} made [[universal]] and | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
bold claims. "The [[Aryan]] nations have become the rulers of history," he once wrote. (8) In | bold claims. "The [[Aryan]] nations have become the rulers of history," he once wrote. (8) In | ||
other words, [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}} was great only because of its white-skinned, [[Aryan]] | other words, [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}} was great only because of its white-skinned, [[Aryan]] | ||
origin. Later in his career, though, {{Wiki|Max Muller}} retracted the [[idea]] that [[India]] owed all its | origin. Later in his career, though, {{Wiki|Max Muller}} retracted the [[idea]] that [[India]] owed all its | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
greatness to the invading [[Aryans]]. The [[Aryans]], he finally ventured, indicated a group of | greatness to the invading [[Aryans]]. The [[Aryans]], he finally ventured, indicated a group of | ||
[[people]] {{Wiki|speaking}} {{Wiki|Indo-European}} [[languages]]. | [[people]] {{Wiki|speaking}} {{Wiki|Indo-European}} [[languages]]. | ||
+ | |||
So what does the [[word]] [[Aryan]] actually mean? To the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] in early [[India]], | So what does the [[word]] [[Aryan]] actually mean? To the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] in early [[India]], | ||
the [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] [[arya]] meant “[[noble]]” or “cultured.” In the [[ancient]] {{Wiki|Vedic}} texts, the place | the [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] [[arya]] meant “[[noble]]” or “cultured.” In the [[ancient]] {{Wiki|Vedic}} texts, the place | ||
+ | |||
between the [[Himalayas]] and the [[Vindhya]] [[Mountains]] were called arya-varta, or “the | between the [[Himalayas]] and the [[Vindhya]] [[Mountains]] were called arya-varta, or “the | ||
abode of the [[noble]] [[people]].” A third meaning is “the [[people]] from {{Wiki|Iran}}.” [[Aryan]] is also used | abode of the [[noble]] [[people]].” A third meaning is “the [[people]] from {{Wiki|Iran}}.” [[Aryan]] is also used | ||
by [[scholars]] as an {{Wiki|ethnic}} or racial label for the {{Wiki|Caucasian peoples}}. | by [[scholars]] as an {{Wiki|ethnic}} or racial label for the {{Wiki|Caucasian peoples}}. | ||
+ | |||
Then comes the next important piece of this historical puzzle: Since {{Wiki|Max Muller}} | Then comes the next important piece of this historical puzzle: Since {{Wiki|Max Muller}} | ||
advanced his invasion {{Wiki|theory}}, there have been several alternative theories about the origin | advanced his invasion {{Wiki|theory}}, there have been several alternative theories about the origin | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
of the [[Aryan]] [[people]] in [[India]]. Most [[scholars]] now agree there was a succession of [[Aryan]] | of the [[Aryan]] [[people]] in [[India]]. Most [[scholars]] now agree there was a succession of [[Aryan]] | ||
migrations into [[India]], but they disagree about whether these ancients were warlike | migrations into [[India]], but they disagree about whether these ancients were warlike | ||
invaders or [[peaceful]] immigrants. | invaders or [[peaceful]] immigrants. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Indeed, the [[idea]] that a group of [[noble]], {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] invaded a primitive [[Indian]] | Indeed, the [[idea]] that a group of [[noble]], {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] invaded a primitive [[Indian]] | ||
{{Wiki|culture}} around 1500 BCE was overthrown in 1920 when the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} | {{Wiki|culture}} around 1500 BCE was overthrown in 1920 when the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} | ||
was discovered. This discovery proved that the achievements of {{Wiki|ancient India}} could no | was discovered. This discovery proved that the achievements of {{Wiki|ancient India}} could no | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
longer be credited to the descendants of the [[Aryan invaders]] alone. Why? Because the | longer be credited to the descendants of the [[Aryan invaders]] alone. Why? Because the | ||
aboriginal [[Dravidians]] of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} had planned cities and a standardized system of | aboriginal [[Dravidians]] of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} had planned cities and a standardized system of | ||
weights and bricks for at least two thousands years before the alleged invasion. Indeed, | weights and bricks for at least two thousands years before the alleged invasion. Indeed, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
their {{Wiki|civilization}} was more advanced than the [[nomadic]] tribes that supposedly conquered | their {{Wiki|civilization}} was more advanced than the [[nomadic]] tribes that supposedly conquered | ||
them. | them. | ||
+ | |||
But the [[controversy]] does not stop here. Were the [[people]] of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | But the [[controversy]] does not stop here. Were the [[people]] of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | ||
{{Wiki|Vedic}}, or were they [[Tantric]]? A popular, alternative [[idea]] about [[Indian history]] today | {{Wiki|Vedic}}, or were they [[Tantric]]? A popular, alternative [[idea]] about [[Indian history]] today | ||
suggests the [[Aryan]] invasion {{Wiki|theory}} is at worst based on a racist [[myth]] and at best on faulty | suggests the [[Aryan]] invasion {{Wiki|theory}} is at worst based on a racist [[myth]] and at best on faulty | ||
[[scientific]] {{Wiki|evidence}}. This [[idea]] has been promoted by some of the world's most prominent | [[scientific]] {{Wiki|evidence}}. This [[idea]] has been promoted by some of the world's most prominent | ||
+ | |||
[[scholars]] on [[yoga]], [[Tantra]] and [[Ayurveda]]. In other words, according to them, the [[Aryan]] | [[scholars]] on [[yoga]], [[Tantra]] and [[Ayurveda]]. In other words, according to them, the [[Aryan]] | ||
invasion never happened. For these [[scholars]], the only alternative appears to be that the | invasion never happened. For these [[scholars]], the only alternative appears to be that the | ||
[[Aryans]] must have been indigenous to [[India]]. In [[truth]], they claim the [[Aryans]] are the | [[Aryans]] must have been indigenous to [[India]]. In [[truth]], they claim the [[Aryans]] are the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
“[[noble]]” and “cultured” [[people]] of [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, those who invented [[yoga]], advanced | “[[noble]]” and “cultured” [[people]] of [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, those who invented [[yoga]], advanced | ||
[[spiritual]] [[philosophy]], built the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} and developed [[Ayurvedic medicine]]. But is this truly what happened? | [[spiritual]] [[philosophy]], built the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} and developed [[Ayurvedic medicine]]. But is this truly what happened? | ||
+ | |||
As the [[word]] [[arya]] indicates, the [[Aryans]] could as well have been a [[people]] who | As the [[word]] [[arya]] indicates, the [[Aryans]] could as well have been a [[people]] who | ||
came from outside [[India]] and settled in the [[Himalayas]]. Thus, according to Sarkar, the | came from outside [[India]] and settled in the [[Himalayas]]. Thus, according to Sarkar, the | ||
[[pastoral]], Caucasian nomads could at various times, have come to [[India]] through {{Wiki|Iran}} from | [[pastoral]], Caucasian nomads could at various times, have come to [[India]] through {{Wiki|Iran}} from | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|Central Asia}}. For [[scholars]] David Frawley and [[Georg Feuerstein]], however, there appears | {{Wiki|Central Asia}}. For [[scholars]] David Frawley and [[Georg Feuerstein]], however, there appears | ||
to be only one possibility: the [[Aryans]] have always been indigenous to [[India]], and they are | to be only one possibility: the [[Aryans]] have always been indigenous to [[India]], and they are | ||
the [[people]] from the [[highest]], noblest [[castes]] of [[society]], most notably the [[Brahmins]]. For | the [[people]] from the [[highest]], noblest [[castes]] of [[society]], most notably the [[Brahmins]]. For | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
these authors, the [[Aryans]] represent all that is [[noble]] and great about [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, | these authors, the [[Aryans]] represent all that is [[noble]] and great about [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}, | ||
namely the {{Wiki|Vedic}} {{Wiki|cultural}} heritage. | namely the {{Wiki|Vedic}} {{Wiki|cultural}} heritage. | ||
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The [[Vedas]] contain some of the most [[sublime]] [[philosophical]] [[insights]] [[humanity]] has | The [[Vedas]] contain some of the most [[sublime]] [[philosophical]] [[insights]] [[humanity]] has | ||
ever [[conceived]]. Yet, the same [[Vedas]], like all [[religious]] [[scriptures]], also contain many | ever [[conceived]]. Yet, the same [[Vedas]], like all [[religious]] [[scriptures]], also contain many | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
irrational {{Wiki|dogmas}} and [[myths]], [[including]] instructions for [[animal]] [[sacrificial rites]] to | irrational {{Wiki|dogmas}} and [[myths]], [[including]] instructions for [[animal]] [[sacrificial rites]] to | ||
conciliate the [[gods]]. Moreover, the {{Wiki|culture}} that advanced these texts also instituted a [[caste]] | conciliate the [[gods]]. Moreover, the {{Wiki|culture}} that advanced these texts also instituted a [[caste]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
system in which millions of [[people]] to this day are treated as virtual slaves. Consequently, | system in which millions of [[people]] to this day are treated as virtual slaves. Consequently, | ||
surgery was forbidden by early [[Ayurvedic]] [[doctors]] due to possible “contamination” by | surgery was forbidden by early [[Ayurvedic]] [[doctors]] due to possible “contamination” by | ||
lower [[castes]]. | lower [[castes]]. | ||
+ | |||
Women, according to many {{Wiki|Vedic}} injunctions were considered too low to study | Women, according to many {{Wiki|Vedic}} injunctions were considered too low to study | ||
and teach the [[scriptures]]. Indeed, it was only a few years ago a famous [[religious]] authority, | and teach the [[scriptures]]. Indeed, it was only a few years ago a famous [[religious]] authority, | ||
the [[Shankaracharya]] of Sumerpeeth [[Kanchi]], declared that women should not recite the | the [[Shankaracharya]] of Sumerpeeth [[Kanchi]], declared that women should not recite the | ||
+ | |||
[[Vedas]]. Such [[religious]] practices would be detrimental to their [[health]] and prevent them | [[Vedas]]. Such [[religious]] practices would be detrimental to their [[health]] and prevent them | ||
from having healthy babies, he claimed. (9) [[Tantric teachings]], on the other hand, have | from having healthy babies, he claimed. (9) [[Tantric teachings]], on the other hand, have | ||
always been against the [[caste]] system and have generally held women in high regard. | always been against the [[caste]] system and have generally held women in high regard. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Indeed, it is [[inconceivable]] that an authority on [[Tantra]] would ever warn women from | Indeed, it is [[inconceivable]] that an authority on [[Tantra]] would ever warn women from | ||
studying the [[scriptures]]. | studying the [[scriptures]]. | ||
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that [[people]] from outside the [[Indian]] continent might have arrived thousands of years | that [[people]] from outside the [[Indian]] continent might have arrived thousands of years | ||
earlier. And this is what appears to have taken place. Among most [[scientists]], the [[idea]] of | earlier. And this is what appears to have taken place. Among most [[scientists]], the [[idea]] of | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
one single, [[violent]] invasion by [[barbarian]] [[Aryan]] hordes has been replaced by immigration | one single, [[violent]] invasion by [[barbarian]] [[Aryan]] hordes has been replaced by immigration | ||
and acculturation over a long period of time. Recent {{Wiki|genetic}} and other [[scientific]] {{Wiki|evidence}} | and acculturation over a long period of time. Recent {{Wiki|genetic}} and other [[scientific]] {{Wiki|evidence}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
supports this historical scenario. In fact, all the various peoples of India—the Austrics, | supports this historical scenario. In fact, all the various peoples of India—the Austrics, | ||
the [[Dravidian]], the [[Mongolians]] and the Aryans—came, at some point, from somewhere | the [[Dravidian]], the [[Mongolians]] and the Aryans—came, at some point, from somewhere | ||
else. | else. | ||
− | + | ||
+ | =[[Genetic and Linguistic Science and Ancient Indian History]]= | ||
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claimed—that the [[Aryan]] {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] migrated to [[India]] from Eastern [[Russia]]. | claimed—that the [[Aryan]] {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]] migrated to [[India]] from Eastern [[Russia]]. | ||
+ | |||
Indeed, the {{Wiki|genetic}} discoveries by Dr. Wells confirm the oral history well known | Indeed, the {{Wiki|genetic}} discoveries by Dr. Wells confirm the oral history well known | ||
among [[Indian]] [[Tantrics]] as well as many of the stories written in the {{Wiki|Puranas}}. Actually, his | among [[Indian]] [[Tantrics]] as well as many of the stories written in the {{Wiki|Puranas}}. Actually, his | ||
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in [[Tamil Nadu]], he spotted a {{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|mutation}} that had been passed on to aboriginal | in [[Tamil Nadu]], he spotted a {{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|mutation}} that had been passed on to aboriginal | ||
[[people]] in Australia--thus [[offering]] the first {{Wiki|biological}} [[proof]] that African {{Wiki|ancestors}} of the | [[people]] in Australia--thus [[offering]] the first {{Wiki|biological}} [[proof]] that African {{Wiki|ancestors}} of the | ||
+ | |||
[[Australian]] natives passed through [[India]] on the way to their new home. His research also | [[Australian]] natives passed through [[India]] on the way to their new home. His research also | ||
proved beyond a shadow of [[doubt]] that the [[people]] who later moved into [[India]] in the [[north]] | proved beyond a shadow of [[doubt]] that the [[people]] who later moved into [[India]] in the [[north]] | ||
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A few days after I had seen this captivating PBS program, I continued my | A few days after I had seen this captivating PBS program, I continued my | ||
research and located an interview with Dr. Wells in the online Rediff magazine. There he | research and located an interview with Dr. Wells in the online Rediff magazine. There he | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
states emphatically that there is {{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|evidence}} that “the [[Aryans]] came from outside | states emphatically that there is {{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|evidence}} that “the [[Aryans]] came from outside | ||
[[India]].” The [[Rig-Vedic]] [[Aryan]] peoples, he claims, emerged on the southern {{Wiki|steppes}} of | [[India]].” The [[Rig-Vedic]] [[Aryan]] peoples, he claims, emerged on the southern {{Wiki|steppes}} of | ||
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{{Wiki|evidence}} that there was a heavy migration from the {{Wiki|steppes}} down toward [[India]].” Wells | {{Wiki|evidence}} that there was a heavy migration from the {{Wiki|steppes}} down toward [[India]].” Wells | ||
maintains that he does not agree with [[scholars]] David Frawley and [[Georg Feuerstein]], who | maintains that he does not agree with [[scholars]] David Frawley and [[Georg Feuerstein]], who | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
claim the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] were the “original inhabitants” of [[India]]. To Wells, there is clear | claim the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] were the “original inhabitants” of [[India]]. To Wells, there is clear | ||
{{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|evidence}} that “the [[Aryans]] came later, after the [[Dravidians]].” In other words, | {{Wiki|genetic}} {{Wiki|evidence}} that “the [[Aryans]] came later, after the [[Dravidians]].” In other words, | ||
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[[Salt Lake City]] come to similar conclusions. They compared the {{Wiki|DNA}} of 265 [[Indian]] men | [[Salt Lake City]] come to similar conclusions. They compared the {{Wiki|DNA}} of 265 [[Indian]] men | ||
of different [[castes]] with {{Wiki|DNA}} from nearly 750 African, {{Wiki|European}}, {{Wiki|Asian}} and other [[Indian]] | of different [[castes]] with {{Wiki|DNA}} from nearly 750 African, {{Wiki|European}}, {{Wiki|Asian}} and other [[Indian]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
men. First, they analyzed mitochondrial {{Wiki|DNA}}, which [[people]] inherit only from their | men. First, they analyzed mitochondrial {{Wiki|DNA}}, which [[people]] inherit only from their | ||
mothers. When the researchers looked at specific sets of {{Wiki|genes}} that tend to be inherited as | mothers. When the researchers looked at specific sets of {{Wiki|genes}} that tend to be inherited as | ||
Line 308: | Line 407: | ||
early [[Aryan]] settlers were by and large upper-caste [[Brahmins]] and Ksyattrias. | early [[Aryan]] settlers were by and large upper-caste [[Brahmins]] and Ksyattrias. | ||
− | + | The {{Wiki|genes}} that entered [[India]] when [[Aryan]] settlers emigrated from {{Wiki|Central Asia}} and | |
the {{Wiki|Middle East}} are still there. And, according to these [[scientists]] from the {{Wiki|University}} of | the {{Wiki|Middle East}} are still there. And, according to these [[scientists]] from the {{Wiki|University}} of | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Utah]] and from [[Andhra Pradesh]] {{Wiki|University}} in [[India]], they still remain entrenched at the top | [[Utah]] and from [[Andhra Pradesh]] {{Wiki|University}} in [[India]], they still remain entrenched at the top | ||
of the [[caste]] system. The invaders apparently subdued the local men, [[married]] many of | of the [[caste]] system. The invaders apparently subdued the local men, [[married]] many of | ||
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{{Wiki|males}}" was largely responsible for the [[Aryan]] invasion. If women had accompanied the | {{Wiki|males}}" was largely responsible for the [[Aryan]] invasion. If women had accompanied the | ||
invaders, the {{Wiki|evidence}} should be seen in the mitochondrial {{Wiki|genes}}, but it is not evident. | invaders, the {{Wiki|evidence}} should be seen in the mitochondrial {{Wiki|genes}}, but it is not evident. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
The research team found clear {{Wiki|evidence}} that women could be upwardly mobile, in terms | The research team found clear {{Wiki|evidence}} that women could be upwardly mobile, in terms | ||
of [[caste]], if they [[married]] higher-caste men. In contrast, men generally did not move | of [[caste]], if they [[married]] higher-caste men. In contrast, men generally did not move | ||
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or true [[Aryans]], indeed came from the outside and conquered the northern parts of the | or true [[Aryans]], indeed came from the outside and conquered the northern parts of the | ||
[[Indian]] subcontinent. The [[people]] they subdued—the [[Mongolians]], Dravidyans and the | [[Indian]] subcontinent. The [[people]] they subdued—the [[Mongolians]], Dravidyans and the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Austrics—descended from the original inhabitants who had arrived thousands of years | Austrics—descended from the original inhabitants who had arrived thousands of years | ||
earlier from {{Wiki|Africa}}, the {{Wiki|Middle East}} and other parts of {{Wiki|Asia}}. (12) Finally, the [[People]] of | earlier from {{Wiki|Africa}}, the {{Wiki|Middle East}} and other parts of {{Wiki|Asia}}. (12) Finally, the [[People]] of | ||
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{{Wiki|individual}} informants from all over [[India]]. It was found that there are four major [[language]] | {{Wiki|individual}} informants from all over [[India]]. It was found that there are four major [[language]] | ||
families in India--Austric, [[Dravidian]], {{Wiki|Indo-European}} and [[Sino-Tibetan]]. These [[languages]] | families in India--Austric, [[Dravidian]], {{Wiki|Indo-European}} and [[Sino-Tibetan]]. These [[languages]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
also correspond to the four main racial groups in [[India]]: the Austrics, [[Dravidians]], [[Aryans]] | also correspond to the four main racial groups in [[India]]: the Austrics, [[Dravidians]], [[Aryans]] | ||
and the [[Mongolians]] respectively. According to this study, it appears the {{Wiki|Indo-European}} | and the [[Mongolians]] respectively. According to this study, it appears the {{Wiki|Indo-European}} | ||
+ | |||
[[Aryans]] brought the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[language]] to [[India]] from {{Wiki|Central Asia}}, a fact that has also been | [[Aryans]] brought the {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[language]] to [[India]] from {{Wiki|Central Asia}}, a fact that has also been | ||
substantiated by the historical sequences and details outlined in Sarkar’s many | substantiated by the historical sequences and details outlined in Sarkar’s many | ||
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The {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] and the [[Tantric]] Dravidians—A Clash and Fusion of {{Wiki|Civilizations}} | The {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[Aryans]] and the [[Tantric]] Dravidians—A Clash and Fusion of {{Wiki|Civilizations}} | ||
− | + | Sarkar often emphasized that the early parts of the [[Vedas]], the [[Rig-Veda]], were | |
composed outside of [[India]]. This occurred both long before and during the time of [[Shiva]], | composed outside of [[India]]. This occurred both long before and during the time of [[Shiva]], | ||
at a time when these fair-skinned [[Aryan]] composers migrated into [[India]]. | at a time when these fair-skinned [[Aryan]] composers migrated into [[India]]. | ||
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the main [[reason]] for this was that the early [[Aryans]] were pastoralists. In contrast | the main [[reason]] for this was that the early [[Aryans]] were pastoralists. In contrast | ||
, the | , the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Tantric]] [[Dravidians]] were rice-growing {{Wiki|farmers}}. Moreover, you will not find any | [[Tantric]] [[Dravidians]] were rice-growing {{Wiki|farmers}}. Moreover, you will not find any | ||
descriptions of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} in the [[Rig-Veda]] or even in the later [[Vedas]]. | descriptions of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} in the [[Rig-Veda]] or even in the later [[Vedas]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Nor will you find any references to the sophisticated grid pattern of streets. Nor will you | Nor will you find any references to the sophisticated grid pattern of streets. Nor will you | ||
find any mention of the careful {{Wiki|engineering}} of the drainage systems, nor to granaries, | find any mention of the careful {{Wiki|engineering}} of the drainage systems, nor to granaries, | ||
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(14) | (14) | ||
+ | |||
Some {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[scholars]] and writers on [[yoga]] argue that the [[Indus]] {{Wiki|Civilization}} was | Some {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[scholars]] and writers on [[yoga]] argue that the [[Indus]] {{Wiki|Civilization}} was | ||
purely a {{Wiki|Vedic}} {{Wiki|civilization}}. Popular writers on [[yoga]], [[including]] David Frawley, [[Georg Feuerstein]], and [[Deepak Chopra]] promote this view. This so-called cradle of [[human]] | purely a {{Wiki|Vedic}} {{Wiki|civilization}}. Popular writers on [[yoga]], [[including]] David Frawley, [[Georg Feuerstein]], and [[Deepak Chopra]] promote this view. This so-called cradle of [[human]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|civilization}}, they affirm, had few or no traces of [[Tantra]]. But is this a correct [[assertion]]? | {{Wiki|civilization}}, they affirm, had few or no traces of [[Tantra]]. But is this a correct [[assertion]]? | ||
Marshall, [[Bhattacharya]], Danielou and other [[scholars]] point out that the various {{Wiki|artifacts}} | Marshall, [[Bhattacharya]], Danielou and other [[scholars]] point out that the various {{Wiki|artifacts}} | ||
+ | |||
found in these [[ancient]] ruins are, in fact, [[yogic]] or [[Tantric]] in [[nature]]. These include proto | found in these [[ancient]] ruins are, in fact, [[yogic]] or [[Tantric]] in [[nature]]. These include proto | ||
[[Tantric]] {{Wiki|fertility}} [[symbols]] such a [[lingams]] and yonis, or [[Mother Goddess]] figurines. The | [[Tantric]] {{Wiki|fertility}} [[symbols]] such a [[lingams]] and yonis, or [[Mother Goddess]] figurines. The | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[yogi]] [[Shiva]], in the [[form]] of the [[Pashupati]] {{Wiki|seal}}, is one of the most common figures found in | [[yogi]] [[Shiva]], in the [[form]] of the [[Pashupati]] {{Wiki|seal}}, is one of the most common figures found in | ||
these ruins. Here {{Wiki|archaeologists}} have also discovered a marble statue of a [[yogi]] with [[eyes]] | these ruins. Here {{Wiki|archaeologists}} have also discovered a marble statue of a [[yogi]] with [[eyes]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
fixed on the tip of his {{Wiki|nose}}. This marble statue displays a type of [[yogic]] gaze that I am | fixed on the tip of his {{Wiki|nose}}. This marble statue displays a type of [[yogic]] gaze that I am | ||
quite familiar with. This trance-inducing gaze is actually an [[essential]] [[element]] in one of | quite familiar with. This trance-inducing gaze is actually an [[essential]] [[element]] in one of | ||
the [[Tantric meditation]] lessons I received many years ago. | the [[Tantric meditation]] lessons I received many years ago. | ||
+ | |||
These {{Wiki|archaeological}} finds, according to many [[scholars]], all point in one | These {{Wiki|archaeological}} finds, according to many [[scholars]], all point in one | ||
[[direction]]— that [[Tantra]] was widely practiced in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}}. This does | [[direction]]— that [[Tantra]] was widely practiced in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}}. This does | ||
not mean, however, that all members of this [[society]] were [[meditating]] [[yogis]]. Much like in | not mean, however, that all members of this [[society]] were [[meditating]] [[yogis]]. Much like in | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
today’s [[India]], we can assume that only a minority of the [[people]] were practicing [[Tantric meditation]] and [[yoga]]. Like today, most [[people]] were worshipers of [[Tantric]] [[Gods]] and | today’s [[India]], we can assume that only a minority of the [[people]] were practicing [[Tantric meditation]] and [[yoga]]. Like today, most [[people]] were worshipers of [[Tantric]] [[Gods]] and | ||
+ | |||
[[Goddesses]], but not always practitioners of its advanced [[spiritual]] [[sciences]]. {{Wiki|Archaeological}} | [[Goddesses]], but not always practitioners of its advanced [[spiritual]] [[sciences]]. {{Wiki|Archaeological}} | ||
digs have also unearthed [[fire]] pits used for {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[rituals]] in these old ruins. Therefore, I | digs have also unearthed [[fire]] pits used for {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[rituals]] in these old ruins. Therefore, I | ||
think it is reasonable to conclude that the [[Aryan]] and [[Dravidian]] peoples and cultures | think it is reasonable to conclude that the [[Aryan]] and [[Dravidian]] peoples and cultures | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
coexisted in {{Wiki|northern India}} for several millennia. Indeed, by the time of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | coexisted in {{Wiki|northern India}} for several millennia. Indeed, by the time of the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | ||
{{Wiki|civilization}}, they probably lived together much like [[people]] from various [[castes]], {{Wiki|cultural}} | {{Wiki|civilization}}, they probably lived together much like [[people]] from various [[castes]], {{Wiki|cultural}} | ||
and [[spiritual traditions]] coexist in [[India]] today. | and [[spiritual traditions]] coexist in [[India]] today. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
This coexistence was not always [[peaceful]]. While the [[Rig-Veda]] contains hymns of | This coexistence was not always [[peaceful]]. While the [[Rig-Veda]] contains hymns of | ||
[[sublime]] [[spiritual knowledge]], [[including]] a few references to [[yoga]], many of its stories are | [[sublime]] [[spiritual knowledge]], [[including]] a few references to [[yoga]], many of its stories are | ||
focused on the nature-worshiping [[rites]] of [[pastoral]] [[warrior]] [[clans]]. Some also tell colorful | focused on the nature-worshiping [[rites]] of [[pastoral]] [[warrior]] [[clans]]. Some also tell colorful | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
tales about the conquest of the “dark-skinned [[devils]],” namely the [[Dravidians]] of [[India]]. | tales about the conquest of the “dark-skinned [[devils]],” namely the [[Dravidians]] of [[India]]. | ||
The [[Aryan]] {{Wiki|priests}} made it painstakingly clear that non-aryans (Anarya) were not allowed | The [[Aryan]] {{Wiki|priests}} made it painstakingly clear that non-aryans (Anarya) were not allowed | ||
to pollute their {{Wiki|culture}} and {{Wiki|blood}}. In [[India]] you will find vestiges of this racist {{Wiki|superiority}} | to pollute their {{Wiki|culture}} and {{Wiki|blood}}. In [[India]] you will find vestiges of this racist {{Wiki|superiority}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
even today. In personal ads in the newspapers, you will quite often find men and women | even today. In personal ads in the newspapers, you will quite often find men and women | ||
looking for a [[marriage]] partner with “wheatish complexion.” | looking for a [[marriage]] partner with “wheatish complexion.” | ||
+ | |||
So, what about all the [[symbolic]] references in the [[Vedas]]? Do all of them contain | So, what about all the [[symbolic]] references in the [[Vedas]]? Do all of them contain | ||
{{Wiki|subtle}} messages of [[transcendental]] meaning? And do they therefore prove that the [[Vedas]] | {{Wiki|subtle}} messages of [[transcendental]] meaning? And do they therefore prove that the [[Vedas]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
are the source of all [[Indian]] [[spirituality]], [[including]] [[Tantra]]? When the [[Rig-Vedic]] [[people]] | are the source of all [[Indian]] [[spirituality]], [[including]] [[Tantra]]? When the [[Rig-Vedic]] [[people]] | ||
spoke of the [[Sun God]] Azura, for example, they did not describe a deep [[state]] of | spoke of the [[Sun God]] Azura, for example, they did not describe a deep [[state]] of | ||
[[meditation]] as some contemporary {{Wiki|Vedic}} writers today want us to believe? Did they | [[meditation]] as some contemporary {{Wiki|Vedic}} writers today want us to believe? Did they | ||
+ | |||
describe the “[[spiritual]] {{Wiki|Sun}} within”? It is more likely that the early {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]], who | describe the “[[spiritual]] {{Wiki|Sun}} within”? It is more likely that the early {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[people]], who | ||
were pagans and lived during a time Wilber would characterize as {{Wiki|archaic}} and [[mythic]], | were pagans and lived during a time Wilber would characterize as {{Wiki|archaic}} and [[mythic]], | ||
[[thought]] the {{Wiki|Sun}} had [[magical powers]]. Hence, they worshiped this bright, life-giving [[entity]] | [[thought]] the {{Wiki|Sun}} had [[magical powers]]. Hence, they worshiped this bright, life-giving [[entity]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
in the sky directly. They literally believed the {{Wiki|sun}} was a [[God]]. In other words, to the | in the sky directly. They literally believed the {{Wiki|sun}} was a [[God]]. In other words, to the | ||
[[Aryans]], the {{Wiki|sun}} was not a [[symbol]] of a trans-rational [[state]] of [[meditation]]. Their [[devotion]] to | [[Aryans]], the {{Wiki|sun}} was not a [[symbol]] of a trans-rational [[state]] of [[meditation]]. Their [[devotion]] to | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
the {{Wiki|sun}} [[God]] Azura simply represented a pre-rational [[belief]] in the [[magical powers]] of that | the {{Wiki|sun}} [[God]] Azura simply represented a pre-rational [[belief]] in the [[magical powers]] of that | ||
[[extraterrestrial]] and life-giving {{Wiki|planet}}. | [[extraterrestrial]] and life-giving {{Wiki|planet}}. | ||
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Indeed, most [[people]] at that time (10-6000 BCE) believed in a variety of nature's | Indeed, most [[people]] at that time (10-6000 BCE) believed in a variety of nature's | ||
[[magical powers]] and spoke quite literally about those [[beliefs]]. Similarly, when the early | [[magical powers]] and spoke quite literally about those [[beliefs]]. Similarly, when the early | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Aryans]] called the dark-skinned [[people]] [[devils]], they also meant it rather literally. They | [[Aryans]] called the dark-skinned [[people]] [[devils]], they also meant it rather literally. They | ||
were not {{Wiki|speaking}} of some [[symbolic]] struggle between [[good and evil]]. Their verses were | were not {{Wiki|speaking}} of some [[symbolic]] struggle between [[good and evil]]. Their verses were | ||
+ | |||
often fearfully direct, and many [[symbolic]] references to higher, [[transcendental]] [[truths]] are | often fearfully direct, and many [[symbolic]] references to higher, [[transcendental]] [[truths]] are | ||
Line 438: | Line 582: | ||
classic {{Wiki|epic}}, [[Mahabharata]]. | classic {{Wiki|epic}}, [[Mahabharata]]. | ||
+ | |||
Likewise, many of the [[mythological]] [[Gods]] of the [[Vedas]], such as [[Indra]], [[Agni]] and | Likewise, many of the [[mythological]] [[Gods]] of the [[Vedas]], such as [[Indra]], [[Agni]] and | ||
{{Wiki|Varuna}}, were actual [[warrior]] leaders. Indeed, it was [[warrior]] leaders such as these who | {{Wiki|Varuna}}, were actual [[warrior]] leaders. Indeed, it was [[warrior]] leaders such as these who | ||
after a few thousand years of [[gradual]] migrations and conquest finally conquered most of | after a few thousand years of [[gradual]] migrations and conquest finally conquered most of | ||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|northern India}}. “It was not difficult for the healthy, {{Wiki|martial}}, almost [[invincible]] [[Aryans]] to | {{Wiki|northern India}}. “It was not difficult for the healthy, {{Wiki|martial}}, almost [[invincible]] [[Aryans]] to | ||
conquer {{Wiki|northern India}},” writes Sarkar. “The victorious [[Aryans]] treated the vanquished | conquer {{Wiki|northern India}},” writes Sarkar. “The victorious [[Aryans]] treated the vanquished | ||
non-Aryans as slaves, trampling them underfoot to the bottom of their trivarna (three | non-Aryans as slaves, trampling them underfoot to the bottom of their trivarna (three | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[caste]]) society—their [[society]] of [[Brahmanas]] ({{Wiki|priests}}), [[Ksattriyas]] (soldiers) and Vaeshyas | [[caste]]) society—their [[society]] of [[Brahmanas]] ({{Wiki|priests}}), [[Ksattriyas]] (soldiers) and Vaeshyas | ||
({{Wiki|merchants}}). There the non-Aryans became [[the fourth]] class, or [[Shudra Varna]], while | ({{Wiki|merchants}}). There the non-Aryans became [[the fourth]] class, or [[Shudra Varna]], while | ||
Line 451: | Line 599: | ||
While the [[Aryans]] maintained {{Wiki|political}} control in {{Wiki|northern India}}, the [[Dravidian]] | While the [[Aryans]] maintained {{Wiki|political}} control in {{Wiki|northern India}}, the [[Dravidian]] | ||
influence in the {{Wiki|social}} and {{Wiki|cultural}} [[sphere]] gradually increased. According to Sarkar, | influence in the {{Wiki|social}} and {{Wiki|cultural}} [[sphere]] gradually increased. According to Sarkar, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
“From the non-Aryans the [[Aryans]] acquired a well-knit {{Wiki|social}} system, {{Wiki|subtle}} [[insight]], | “From the non-Aryans the [[Aryans]] acquired a well-knit {{Wiki|social}} system, {{Wiki|subtle}} [[insight]], | ||
[[spiritual]] [[philosophy]] and [[Tantra]] [[sadhana]] [[[meditation]]].” (16) | [[spiritual]] [[philosophy]] and [[Tantra]] [[sadhana]] [[[meditation]]].” (16) | ||
Line 456: | Line 606: | ||
A merger between two {{Wiki|civilizations}} took place in {{Wiki|Europe}} when the Romans | A merger between two {{Wiki|civilizations}} took place in {{Wiki|Europe}} when the Romans | ||
conquered {{Wiki|Greece}}. Similarly, the so-called {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} eventually became a | conquered {{Wiki|Greece}}. Similarly, the so-called {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} {{Wiki|civilization}} eventually became a | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
composite {{Wiki|culture}} influenced by both [[Tantric]] and {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[traditions]]. | composite {{Wiki|culture}} influenced by both [[Tantric]] and {{Wiki|Vedic}} [[traditions]]. | ||
{{Wiki|Harappa}}, [[Kashi]] and Mehrgarh—Ancient Cities of [[Tantra]]? | {{Wiki|Harappa}}, [[Kashi]] and Mehrgarh—Ancient Cities of [[Tantra]]? | ||
Line 461: | Line 613: | ||
The [[Tamil]] [[language]] of [[south]] [[India]] is considered one of the world’s oldest living | The [[Tamil]] [[language]] of [[south]] [[India]] is considered one of the world’s oldest living | ||
[[languages]] with its [[own]] [[script]]. An [[ancient]] [[Dravidian]] [[language]], [[Tamil]] is more than 6,000 | [[languages]] with its [[own]] [[script]]. An [[ancient]] [[Dravidian]] [[language]], [[Tamil]] is more than 6,000 | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
years old. In fact, an [[ancient]] [[form]] of [[Tamil]], or [[Dravidian]], is still spoken by the Brahui | years old. In fact, an [[ancient]] [[form]] of [[Tamil]], or [[Dravidian]], is still spoken by the Brahui | ||
[[people]] today. These people's [[language]] and {{Wiki|culture}} are indeed a living link back to the | [[people]] today. These people's [[language]] and {{Wiki|culture}} are indeed a living link back to the | ||
Line 471: | Line 625: | ||
[[people]] still live, the old [[Dravidian]] [[language]] has remained virtually unchanged for | [[people]] still live, the old [[Dravidian]] [[language]] has remained virtually unchanged for | ||
millennia. The [[language]] of the Brahuis of [[Baluchistan]], an area in {{Wiki|Afghanistan}} and | millennia. The [[language]] of the Brahuis of [[Baluchistan]], an area in {{Wiki|Afghanistan}} and | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
{{Wiki|Pakistan}}, has many {{Wiki|linguistic}} similarities to the [[Dravidian]] [[languages]] still spoken by the | {{Wiki|Pakistan}}, has many {{Wiki|linguistic}} similarities to the [[Dravidian]] [[languages]] still spoken by the | ||
[[Tamils]] in [[south]] [[India]] today. [[Scholars]] have noted similarities in the numerals, personal | [[Tamils]] in [[south]] [[India]] today. [[Scholars]] have noted similarities in the numerals, personal | ||
Line 482: | Line 638: | ||
nearly 20,000 {{Wiki|individuals}}. In comparison, the population of {{Wiki|Egypt}} at the time was about | nearly 20,000 {{Wiki|individuals}}. In comparison, the population of {{Wiki|Egypt}} at the time was about | ||
30,000. Living in brick houses, [[skilled]] in pottery making and the [[cultivation]] of {{Wiki|rice}}, these | 30,000. Living in brick houses, [[skilled]] in pottery making and the [[cultivation]] of {{Wiki|rice}}, these | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[ancient]] [[shamanic]] and proto-Tantric [[Dravidians]] were likely the first {{Wiki|Indians}} encountered | [[ancient]] [[shamanic]] and proto-Tantric [[Dravidians]] were likely the first {{Wiki|Indians}} encountered | ||
by the invading [[Aryans]] more than seven thousand years ago. | by the invading [[Aryans]] more than seven thousand years ago. | ||
Line 491: | Line 649: | ||
{{Wiki|Harappan}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]] {{Wiki|civilizations}} in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} around 4000 BCE. The | {{Wiki|Harappan}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]] {{Wiki|civilizations}} in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} around 4000 BCE. The | ||
current consensus is that the primary [[language]] represented by the {{Wiki|Harappan}} [[script]] is | current consensus is that the primary [[language]] represented by the {{Wiki|Harappan}} [[script]] is | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
related to {{Wiki|modern}} [[Dravidian]]. The archaeologist Marshall was the first [[scientist]] to suggest | related to {{Wiki|modern}} [[Dravidian]]. The archaeologist Marshall was the first [[scientist]] to suggest | ||
a {{Wiki|linguistic}} link between the Harappans and [[Dravidians]]. | a {{Wiki|linguistic}} link between the Harappans and [[Dravidians]]. | ||
Line 500: | Line 660: | ||
dedicated to [[Shiva]], who by many today is considered the father of [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}. | dedicated to [[Shiva]], who by many today is considered the father of [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}}. | ||
− | + | Since [[Tantra]] existed in [[India]] before [[Shiva]], it is very likely that the old [[Tantric]] | |
{{Wiki|civilization}} in [[India]] had its early [[roots]] in Mehrgarh, was systematized and refined during | {{Wiki|civilization}} in [[India]] had its early [[roots]] in Mehrgarh, was systematized and refined during | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
the time of [[Shiva]], and continued to flourish for thousands of years in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | the time of [[Shiva]], and continued to flourish for thousands of years in the {{Wiki|Indus Valley}} | ||
{{Wiki|civilizations}} of {{Wiki|Harappa}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]]. Most important, perhaps, [[Tantra]] remains alive | {{Wiki|civilizations}} of {{Wiki|Harappa}} and [[Wikipedia:Mohenjo-daro|Mohenjodaro]]. Most important, perhaps, [[Tantra]] remains alive | ||
Line 511: | Line 673: | ||
stood at the beginning of time. [[Benares]] is the point in which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery | stood at the beginning of time. [[Benares]] is the point in which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery | ||
pillar of {{Wiki|light}} by which [[Shiva]] [[manifested]] his supremacy over other [[Gods]], broke through | pillar of {{Wiki|light}} by which [[Shiva]] [[manifested]] his supremacy over other [[Gods]], broke through | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
the [[earth's]] crust and flared toward the [[heavens]]. More significant than the [[cremation]] | the [[earth's]] crust and flared toward the [[heavens]]. More significant than the [[cremation]] | ||
ghats, and even the {{Wiki|holy}} [[river]] [[Ganges]], the [[Shivalinga]] in the Golden [[temple]] remains, to | ghats, and even the {{Wiki|holy}} [[river]] [[Ganges]], the [[Shivalinga]] in the Golden [[temple]] remains, to | ||
Line 522: | Line 686: | ||
[[Shiva’s]] and Tantra’s [[immeasurable]] contribution to [[humanity]] [[urges]] us to correct | [[Shiva’s]] and Tantra’s [[immeasurable]] contribution to [[humanity]] [[urges]] us to correct | ||
the common {{Wiki|misconception}} that [[Tantra]] and [[yoga]] are relatively recent {{Wiki|expressions}} of | the common {{Wiki|misconception}} that [[Tantra]] and [[yoga]] are relatively recent {{Wiki|expressions}} of | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[Indian]] [[spirituality]]. Indeed, it appears the [[Classical Yoga]] period did not actually start with | [[Indian]] [[spirituality]]. Indeed, it appears the [[Classical Yoga]] period did not actually start with | ||
the famed [[Yoga Sutras]] of the [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Wikipedia:Patanjali|Patanjali's]] in 200 BCE, but rather with [[Shiva]], almost | the famed [[Yoga Sutras]] of the [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[Wikipedia:Patanjali|Patanjali's]] in 200 BCE, but rather with [[Shiva]], almost | ||
Line 532: | Line 698: | ||
− | + | =Summary= | |
[[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}} is based on two mighty {{Wiki|cultural}} rivers—the {{Wiki|Vedic}} and the | [[Indian]] {{Wiki|civilization}} is based on two mighty {{Wiki|cultural}} rivers—the {{Wiki|Vedic}} and the | ||
[[Tantric]]. Of these two [[ancient]] streams, it appears [[Tantra]] has had the most influence on the | [[Tantric]]. Of these two [[ancient]] streams, it appears [[Tantra]] has had the most influence on the | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[birth]] and growth of [[yoga]] and other [[mystical]] practices within [[Indian]] [[spiritual traditions]]. | [[birth]] and growth of [[yoga]] and other [[mystical]] practices within [[Indian]] [[spiritual traditions]]. | ||
While some [[scholars]] maintain there was no [[Aryan]] invasion in [[India]], both {{Wiki|genetic}} [[science]] | While some [[scholars]] maintain there was no [[Aryan]] invasion in [[India]], both {{Wiki|genetic}} [[science]] | ||
Line 567: | Line 735: | ||
8. {{Wiki|Max Muller}}, “The [[Veda]],” Chips from a [[German]] Workshop, vol 1, [[New York]], Charles | 8. {{Wiki|Max Muller}}, “The [[Veda]],” Chips from a [[German]] Workshop, vol 1, [[New York]], Charles | ||
Scribner, 1900, | Scribner, 1900, | ||
+ | |||
9. Arvind [[Kumar]], “Women and the [[Vedas]]: Limiting Women Limits All of [[Society]],” | 9. Arvind [[Kumar]], “Women and the [[Vedas]]: Limiting Women Limits All of [[Society]],” | ||
[[India]] Curents, September, 1994 | [[India]] Curents, September, 1994 | ||
10. Spencer Wells, Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey, Random House, [[New York]], | 10. Spencer Wells, Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey, Random House, [[New York]], | ||
2004. | 2004. | ||
+ | |||
11. Interview with Dr. Spencer Wells, www.rediff.com | 11. Interview with Dr. Spencer Wells, www.rediff.com | ||
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/27inter.htm November 27, 2002 | http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/27inter.htm November 27, 2002 | ||
12. Robert Cooke, “History of [[Aryan]] Conquest of [[India]] told in Genes, [[San Francisco]] | 12. Robert Cooke, “History of [[Aryan]] Conquest of [[India]] told in Genes, [[San Francisco]] | ||
Chronicle, 26 May, 1999 | Chronicle, 26 May, 1999 | ||
+ | |||
13. “Peopling Of [[India]],” Independent research paper published by Madhav Gadgil, N. V. | 13. “Peopling Of [[India]],” Independent research paper published by Madhav Gadgil, N. V. | ||
Joshi from [[Indian]] Institute of [[Science]]; U. V. [[Shambu]] [[Prasad]], Centre for Research in | Joshi from [[Indian]] Institute of [[Science]]; U. V. [[Shambu]] [[Prasad]], Centre for Research in | ||
Indo-Bangladesh Relations; S. Manoharan and Suresh Patil from Anthropological Survey | Indo-Bangladesh Relations; S. Manoharan and Suresh Patil from Anthropological Survey | ||
of [[India]]. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/cesmg/peopling.html#sec1 | of [[India]]. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/cesmg/peopling.html#sec1 | ||
+ | |||
14. Romila Thapar, “Hindutva and History,” Frontline, Volume 17 | 14. Romila Thapar, “Hindutva and History,” Frontline, Volume 17 | ||
15. Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (a.k.a. P. R. Sarkar), [[Discourses]] on [[Tantra]], Volume I, AM | 15. Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (a.k.a. P. R. Sarkar), [[Discourses]] on [[Tantra]], Volume I, AM |
Latest revision as of 20:02, 30 November 2023
By Roar Bjonnes
Introduction
Tantra has been described by many prominent writers on spirituality, including Ken Wilber, as one of the world's most influential and remarkable spiritual traditions. Tantra, perhaps better than no other spiritual path, epitomizes the very soul and spirit of
Yoga. As my essay will show, most forms of Yoga—from Hatha Yoga to Asthanga
Yoga—have their physical and spiritual roots in the ancient soil of Tantra, not in the
Vedas, as most yoga scholars in the West wants us to believe. In fact, it was Tantra that
first influenced the Vedas, then–during the time of the Upanishads and the Brahmanas
(700 BCE and onwards)—the Tantric esprit influenced all the traditions of Indian philosophy,
including Vedanta and Samkhya. All of the practices known to be Yogic in nature—asanas (physical yoga exercises), pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra meditation, kundalini awakening, samadhi (spiritual ecstasy), are Tantric, not Vedic.
Hence, Tantra and Yoga are synonymous paths that have had great influence among the
great sacred traditions of the East—from Buddhism to Zen, from Jainism to Hinduism.
This essay has also been written, in part, as a response to the growing awareness
that Tantra is more than just an esoteric version of hot sex. This new awareness was even
reflected in an unlikely place: in O: Oprah Magazine. Here, its 14 million, mostly female, readers learned that Western Tantra has been “overly sexualized.” Mistakenly
characterized as solely “the yoga of sex,” this age-old path is now being re-discovered for
what it truly is: “the yoga of sacredness.” For, according to Tantra, everything in life can
be a sacred experience, including the sexual.
The Vedic Invasion: Truth or Myth?
In a number of popular history books on India, we are informed that India developed one of the ancient world's most sophisticated urban civilizations, namely, the
Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations in the Indus Valley (4000 BCE). Largely inspired
by Tantra and yoga, this Dravidian civilization, it is claimed, was invaded and destroyed
by Vedic Aryan invaders around 1500 BCE. This mainstream version of Indian history has recently been challenged by a revisionist theory that claims there is no evidence the
Aryan invasion occurred at all. In their book In Search of the Cradle of Human
Civilization, Georg Feuerstein, David Frawley and Subash Kak assert that the Indus Valley civilization was Vedic rather than Tantric.
These eminent authors are perhaps correct in claiming there was no Aryan
invasion around 1500 BCE, but are they correct in assuming it never happened at all? In
this essay, I will outline a third alternative, a history of India based in part on genetic
science as well as Tantric traditional and oral history. According to this alternative view,
Vedic Aryan tribes did indeed migrate to India, but it occurred thousands of years earlier
than most scholars claim—at the time of Shiva, around 5000 BCE, when this so-called
King of Yogis systematized the spiritual tradition of Tantra, invented the octave and also the beginning of India’s ancient medical system, Ayurveda. Moreover, the Indus Valley culture, which according to some archaeologists is at least 6,000 years old, was not a Vedic civilization but primarily a Tantra-based civilization.
Trying to piece together a coherent map of ancient Indian history is no easy task.
There is no archaeological evidence of Shiva's existence, for example. Hence, to gain
insight into the life and time of Shiva, who supposedly lived in distant pre-history, 4,500
years before Buddha, we must access both traditional and contemporary sources in
literature on Tantra, oral Tantric history as presented in the books by P. R. Sarkar (aka
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti), scholars on ancient Indian history, including prolific writers
Daniel Danielou and N. N. Bhattacharya, archaeological and linguistics findings, and,
finally, the genetic science of Dr. Spencer Wells.
Sometimes these divergent sources overlap beautifully, such as in the case of
genetic science and oral Tantric history about the time of the Vedic Aryan invasion.
Indeed, P. R. Sarkar maintains that the Vedic Aryans migrated into India around the time
of Shiva (5000 BCE). As you will learn in more detail soon, this traditional view of
history has recently been corroborated by the genetic research of Dr. Wells. Most of the
time lines and views on Tantra between Sarkar, Danileou and Bhattacharya are also compatible. The two latter scholars believed, however, that the Vedic Aryans arrived in India much later, a theory that has been contested fiercely by writers such as Georg Feuerstein and David Frawley, who claim there was no such invasion and that ancient India was fundamentally a Vedic culture. If it ever occurred, they assert, it must have
been much farther back in prehistoric time. Indeed, that is exactly what Wells’ genetic science has proven. The Vedic Aryans did indeed come from outside India, he asserts, bringing with them, according to Sarkar, the first portion of their vast scriptures, the Rig Veda. Hence,
Indian culture eventually became a philosophical, spiritual and cultural confluence of those two mighty rivers of Tantra and Veda.
A Brief History of Tantra
In order to understand ancient Indian history, we must go to the heart of its mystical traditions, namely Tantra and Yoga. In his award-winning book, A Brief History of India, Daniel Danielou outlines in broad, colorful strokes an ancient history of India
that contrasts with the one presented to most Western scholars. Danileou reminds us that
yoga originated with the ancient sage Shiva and that these practices were “wholly
unknown” to the early Vedas and their authors, the invading Aryans. (1)
According to multiple sources—including ancient scriptures such as the Puranas
and the writings of Danileou and Sarkar—it was Shiva who taught the early Indians yogic
spirituality, the arts and sciences. Moreover, Shiva's teachings remained the dominant
culture and spiritual teachings in India, even though its adherents were often violently
attacked by the early Vedic Aryans. The Tantric teachings of Shiva continued to be the
religion of the people, Danielou asserts, and what we today have come to appreciate as
Indian culture and religion was more influenced by Tantra than the Vedas. This assertion,
however, is contrary to what most modern practitioners of yoga are taught about the
history of their practice.
“It should be remembered,” Danielou writes, “that in Hindusim, Yoga is a
discipline created by Shiva...” (2) But his historical time line does conflict somewhat with
Wells' genetic findings and what we can learn from traditional Tantric sources.
According to traditional sources and the writings of Sarkar, the Rig Vedic Aryans seem
to have arrived not only after, but also before and during Shiva's time, a timeline that has
been confirmed by Dr. Wells genetic findings. Their so-called invasion was more likely a
series of migrations over a long period of time. The early portions of the Rig Veda may be as old as 10,000 BCE, and was composed outside India, while the three other Vedas— the Yajur, Sama and Atharva, originated both outside and inside India. From early on, the culture and spiritual practices that originated with Shiva's Tantra also spread outside
India, even as far as Europe. Writes Danielou: “Although—due to scarcity of
documentation—the importance of this great fundamental religion in the formation of
later religions has been largely under-estimated, it was almost universal.”(3)
If Shiva's teachings are 7,000 years old, why were Tantric wisdom and rites only written down starting as late as 500 AD, thus making most scholars and lay people believe this is when the history of Tantra began? In actuality, Tantric teachings were
assimilated into Vedic and Brahmanic teachings and writings at an early age; thus one
will find Tantric influences in the earliest writings in India, starting around 3000 BCE
with the compilation of the Atharva Veda. All of the yogic references to breathing
exercises and yoga in general in the Atharva Veda can, according to Sarkar, be traced
back to the Tantra of Shiva, 2,000 years earlier. In other words, by the time of the so
called Tantric renaissance in the middle ages, when Tantric yogis further developed
Hatha Yoga, Tantra had already blended with and influenced Hinduism and Buddhism to
a great extent. In summary, yoga is thus not an invention of the Vedic people but rather a
result of the spiritual aspirations of yogis who lived in India both prior to and after the
time of Shiva, the great systematizer of Tantra, and thus, as he is called in India, the King
of Yoga.
The love for Shiva and the practice of Tantra are alive and well in India and the world today. Indeed, Shiva is undoubtedly one of the most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon.
Danielou maintains that Hinduism owes much more to its pre-Vedic Tantric tradition than it does to the Vedic tradition. Noted Indologist N. N. Bhattacharyya also observes that “Tantrism as a heterogeneous set of ideas and practices characterized the religious fabric of India—ancient, medieval, and even modern.”
(4) And in the words of Sarkar: “Not only in India, but in quite a large part of the world, in every sphere of life,
the laws and injunctions of Shiva alone prevailed for a long time. Even today the
civilization of modern India is intrinsically Tantric. On the outside only is there a Vedic
stamp.”
(5) This view is echoed by Swami Satyananada Saraswati, founder of the Bihar School of Yoga, who writes: “It should be remembered that present day Hinduism is almost entirely based on tantra; it is not completely based on the Vedas as so many people think.”
(6) And finally, in the words of author Lalan Prasad Singh: “We observe that the Tantric tradition of ancient India, contrary to the general belief, has greatly influenced the [[[Wikipedia:Vedic|Vedic]]] Aryan civilization.”
The Aryan Controversy
In order to understand the ancient history of Tantra, one needs to understand the complex relationship between Tantra and the Vedas. Indeed, one needs to learn about the complex and often contentious relationship between the Vedic Aryans and the Tantric Dravidians of ancient India.
India is a country of great ethnic diversity. In southern India, there are Austric
peoples whose facial features and complexion are similar to Africans or the Australian
aborigines. In the south, east and west, there are tall and dark-brown complexioned
Dravidians. In the north of India, and in Nepal, the facial features reveals various ethnic
backgrounds. Some appears to be Caucasian, others have light, yellowish skin and are
Tibetan or Mongolian, and others have Dravidian features. Indeed, India is composed of
largely four main ethnic groups—the Mongolians, Dravidians, Austrics and Aryans. But
where did these people originally come from?
It is not easy to piece together the vast tapestry of India's past. Most scholars
thought for many years that Indian history started when ruthless, blue-eyed Aryans
conquered the indigenous population in successive raids from1500 BCE to 1200 BCE.
Advocated by German-born Sanskrit scholar Max Muller, this theory made universal and
bold claims. "The Aryan nations have become the rulers of history," he once wrote. (8) In
other words, Indian civilization was great only because of its white-skinned, Aryan
origin. Later in his career, though, Max Muller retracted the idea that India owed all its
greatness to the invading Aryans. The Aryans, he finally ventured, indicated a group of
people speaking Indo-European languages.
So what does the word Aryan actually mean? To the Vedic people in early India,
the Sanskrit word arya meant “noble” or “cultured.” In the ancient Vedic texts, the place
between the Himalayas and the Vindhya Mountains were called arya-varta, or “the abode of the noble people.” A third meaning is “the people from Iran.” Aryan is also used by scholars as an ethnic or racial label for the Caucasian peoples.
Then comes the next important piece of this historical puzzle: Since Max Muller
advanced his invasion theory, there have been several alternative theories about the origin
of the Aryan people in India. Most scholars now agree there was a succession of Aryan
migrations into India, but they disagree about whether these ancients were warlike
invaders or peaceful immigrants.
Indeed, the idea that a group of noble, Vedic Aryans invaded a primitive Indian culture around 1500 BCE was overthrown in 1920 when the Indus Valley civilization was discovered. This discovery proved that the achievements of ancient India could no
longer be credited to the descendants of the Aryan invaders alone. Why? Because the
aboriginal Dravidians of the Indus Valley had planned cities and a standardized system of
weights and bricks for at least two thousands years before the alleged invasion. Indeed,
their civilization was more advanced than the nomadic tribes that supposedly conquered
them.
But the controversy does not stop here. Were the people of the Indus Valley
Vedic, or were they Tantric? A popular, alternative idea about Indian history today
suggests the Aryan invasion theory is at worst based on a racist myth and at best on faulty
scientific evidence. This idea has been promoted by some of the world's most prominent
scholars on yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda. In other words, according to them, the Aryan
invasion never happened. For these scholars, the only alternative appears to be that the
Aryans must have been indigenous to India. In truth, they claim the Aryans are the
“noble” and “cultured” people of Indian civilization, those who invented yoga, advanced
spiritual philosophy, built the Indus Valley civilization and developed Ayurvedic medicine. But is this truly what happened?
As the word arya indicates, the Aryans could as well have been a people who
came from outside India and settled in the Himalayas. Thus, according to Sarkar, the
pastoral, Caucasian nomads could at various times, have come to India through Iran from
Central Asia. For scholars David Frawley and Georg Feuerstein, however, there appears
to be only one possibility: the Aryans have always been indigenous to India, and they are
the people from the highest, noblest castes of society, most notably the Brahmins. For
these authors, the Aryans represent all that is noble and great about Indian civilization,
namely the Vedic cultural heritage.
The Vedic Aryans
The Vedas contain some of the most sublime philosophical insights humanity has ever conceived. Yet, the same Vedas, like all religious scriptures, also contain many
irrational dogmas and myths, including instructions for animal sacrificial rites to
conciliate the gods. Moreover, the culture that advanced these texts also instituted a caste
system in which millions of people to this day are treated as virtual slaves. Consequently,
surgery was forbidden by early Ayurvedic doctors due to possible “contamination” by
lower castes.
Women, according to many Vedic injunctions were considered too low to study
and teach the scriptures. Indeed, it was only a few years ago a famous religious authority,
the Shankaracharya of Sumerpeeth Kanchi, declared that women should not recite the
Vedas. Such religious practices would be detrimental to their health and prevent them
from having healthy babies, he claimed. (9) Tantric teachings, on the other hand, have
always been against the caste system and have generally held women in high regard.
Indeed, it is inconceivable that an authority on Tantra would ever warn women from
studying the scriptures.
So where did the Aryans come from? The revisionist historians who claim that the
Aryan invasion never occurred, at least not around 1500 BCE, leave the possibility open
that people from outside the Indian continent might have arrived thousands of years earlier. And this is what appears to have taken place. Among most scientists, the idea of
one single, violent invasion by barbarian Aryan hordes has been replaced by immigration
and acculturation over a long period of time. Recent genetic and other scientific evidence
supports this historical scenario. In fact, all the various peoples of India—the Austrics,
the Dravidian, the Mongolians and the Aryans—came, at some point, from somewhere
else.
Genetic and Linguistic Science and Ancient Indian History
In PBS television program, Journey of Man, Dr. Spencer Wells offers scientific evidence for what P. R. Sarkar, Lalan Prasad Singh and many others authors had claimed—that the Aryan Vedic people migrated to India from Eastern Russia.
Indeed, the genetic discoveries by Dr. Wells confirm the oral history well known
among Indian Tantrics as well as many of the stories written in the Puranas. Actually, his
extensive research shows that India experienced four large migratory settlements over a
period of nearly 55,000 years. By sampling DNA of people in a village close to Madurai in Tamil Nadu, he spotted a genetic mutation that had been passed on to aboriginal people in Australia--thus offering the first biological proof that African ancestors of the
Australian natives passed through India on the way to their new home. His research also proved beyond a shadow of doubt that the people who later moved into India in the north were of Aryan stock. (10)
A few days after I had seen this captivating PBS program, I continued my
research and located an interview with Dr. Wells in the online Rediff magazine. There he
states emphatically that there is genetic evidence that “the Aryans came from outside India.” The Rig-Vedic Aryan peoples, he claims, emerged on the southern steppes of Russia and the Ukraine about 5-1,0000 years ago. From there, they migrated east and
south through Central Asia toward India. He further emphasized that “there is clear evidence that there was a heavy migration from the steppes down toward India.” Wells maintains that he does not agree with scholars David Frawley and Georg Feuerstein, who
claim the Vedic Aryans were the “original inhabitants” of India. To Wells, there is clear
genetic evidence that “the Aryans came later, after the Dravidians.” In other words,
Wells' genetic research clearly supports the ideas expressed in the oral teachings of
Tantra.. (11)
The research work of a team led by Michael Bamshad of the University of Utah in
Salt Lake City come to similar conclusions. They compared the DNA of 265 Indian men
of different castes with DNA from nearly 750 African, European, Asian and other Indian
men. First, they analyzed mitochondrial DNA, which people inherit only from their
mothers. When the researchers looked at specific sets of genes that tend to be inherited as
a unit, they found that about 20 to 30 percent of the Indian sets resembled those in
Europeans. The percentage was highest in upper-caste males, which is natural since the
early Aryan settlers were by and large upper-caste Brahmins and Ksyattrias.
The genes that entered India when Aryan settlers emigrated from Central Asia and the Middle East are still there. And, according to these scientists from the University of
Utah and from Andhra Pradesh University in India, they still remain entrenched at the top
of the caste system. The invaders apparently subdued the local men, married many of
their women and created the rigid caste system that exists even today. Their descendants
are still the elite within Hindu society.
According to geneticist Lynn Jorde of the University of Utah that "a group of
males" was largely responsible for the Aryan invasion. If women had accompanied the
invaders, the evidence should be seen in the mitochondrial genes, but it is not evident.
The research team found clear evidence that women could be upwardly mobile, in terms of caste, if they married higher-caste men. In contrast, men generally did not move higher, because women rarely married men from lower castes. Since the caste system is still in vogue today, the same practice prevails.
Thus, genetic science corresponds with the Tantric view that the Indo-Europeans, or true Aryans, indeed came from the outside and conquered the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. The people they subdued—the Mongolians, Dravidyans and the
Austrics—descended from the original inhabitants who had arrived thousands of years
earlier from Africa, the Middle East and other parts of Asia. (12) Finally, the People of
India project of the Anthropological Survey of India assigned the entire Indian population
to 4,635 ethnic communities and put together detailed information from over 25,000
individual informants from all over India. It was found that there are four major language families in India--Austric, Dravidian, Indo-European and Sino-Tibetan. These languages
also correspond to the four main racial groups in India: the Austrics, Dravidians, Aryans
and the Mongolians respectively. According to this study, it appears the Indo-European
Aryans brought the Vedic language to India from Central Asia, a fact that has also been substantiated by the historical sequences and details outlined in Sarkar’s many discourses on the history of India. (13)
Linguistic Group Ethnicity Arrival in India Religion
Austric Austric (Australoid) 60,000 BCE from Africa Animism
10-8000 BCE from Near East Proto-Tantra
10-8000 BCE from Far East Proto-Tantra
Indo-European Caucasian
6-4000 BCE from Central Asia Rig-Veda
The Vedic Aryans and the Tantric Dravidians—A Clash and Fusion of Civilizations
Sarkar often emphasized that the early parts of the Vedas, the Rig-Veda, were
composed outside of India. This occurred both long before and during the time of Shiva,
at a time when these fair-skinned Aryan composers migrated into India.
Is there any proof of this? Authors like Bhattacharyya and Danielou have, for
example, remarked on the lack of references to agriculture in the Rig-Veda. They think
the main reason for this was that the early Aryans were pastoralists. In contrast
, the
Tantric Dravidians were rice-growing farmers. Moreover, you will not find any
descriptions of the Indus Valley civilization in the Rig-Veda or even in the later Vedas.
Nor will you find any references to the sophisticated grid pattern of streets. Nor will you
find any mention of the careful engineering of the drainage systems, nor to granaries,
warehouses and areas of intensive craft production, nor to the various seals found there.
(14)
Some Vedic scholars and writers on yoga argue that the Indus Civilization was
purely a Vedic civilization. Popular writers on yoga, including David Frawley, Georg Feuerstein, and Deepak Chopra promote this view. This so-called cradle of human
civilization, they affirm, had few or no traces of Tantra. But is this a correct assertion?
Marshall, Bhattacharya, Danielou and other scholars point out that the various artifacts
found in these ancient ruins are, in fact, yogic or Tantric in nature. These include proto
Tantric fertility symbols such a lingams and yonis, or Mother Goddess figurines. The
yogi Shiva, in the form of the Pashupati seal, is one of the most common figures found in
these ruins. Here archaeologists have also discovered a marble statue of a yogi with eyes
fixed on the tip of his nose. This marble statue displays a type of yogic gaze that I am
quite familiar with. This trance-inducing gaze is actually an essential element in one of
the Tantric meditation lessons I received many years ago.
These archaeological finds, according to many scholars, all point in one
direction— that Tantra was widely practiced in the Indus Valley civilization. This does
not mean, however, that all members of this society were meditating yogis. Much like in
today’s India, we can assume that only a minority of the people were practicing Tantric meditation and yoga. Like today, most people were worshipers of Tantric Gods and
Goddesses, but not always practitioners of its advanced spiritual sciences. Archaeological
digs have also unearthed fire pits used for Vedic rituals in these old ruins. Therefore, I
think it is reasonable to conclude that the Aryan and Dravidian peoples and cultures
coexisted in northern India for several millennia. Indeed, by the time of the Indus Valley
civilization, they probably lived together much like people from various castes, cultural
and spiritual traditions coexist in India today.
This coexistence was not always peaceful. While the Rig-Veda contains hymns of sublime spiritual knowledge, including a few references to yoga, many of its stories are focused on the nature-worshiping rites of pastoral warrior clans. Some also tell colorful
tales about the conquest of the “dark-skinned devils,” namely the Dravidians of India.
The Aryan priests made it painstakingly clear that non-aryans (Anarya) were not allowed
to pollute their culture and blood. In India you will find vestiges of this racist superiority
even today. In personal ads in the newspapers, you will quite often find men and women
looking for a marriage partner with “wheatish complexion.”
So, what about all the symbolic references in the Vedas? Do all of them contain
subtle messages of transcendental meaning? And do they therefore prove that the Vedas
are the source of all Indian spirituality, including Tantra? When the Rig-Vedic people
spoke of the Sun God Azura, for example, they did not describe a deep state of
meditation as some contemporary Vedic writers today want us to believe? Did they
describe the “spiritual Sun within”? It is more likely that the early Vedic people, who
were pagans and lived during a time Wilber would characterize as archaic and mythic,
thought the Sun had magical powers. Hence, they worshiped this bright, life-giving entity
in the sky directly. They literally believed the sun was a God. In other words, to the
Aryans, the sun was not a symbol of a trans-rational state of meditation. Their devotion to
the sun God Azura simply represented a pre-rational belief in the magical powers of that
extraterrestrial and life-giving planet.
Indeed, most people at that time (10-6000 BCE) believed in a variety of nature's magical powers and spoke quite literally about those beliefs. Similarly, when the early
Aryans called the dark-skinned people devils, they also meant it rather literally. They
were not speaking of some symbolic struggle between good and evil. Their verses were
often fearfully direct, and many symbolic references to higher, transcendental truths are
often incorrect or were added in the much later written versions. Sarkar has pointed out
that many of the Gods and Goddesses described in various Indian religious scriptures
were, in fact, representations of actual historical leaders. The Godman Krishna of Hindu mythology is a prime example, for he was, according to Sarkar, both a Tantric yogi and a historical king who united India around 1500 BCE in a mighty war described in the classic epic, Mahabharata.
Likewise, many of the mythological Gods of the Vedas, such as Indra, Agni and
Varuna, were actual warrior leaders. Indeed, it was warrior leaders such as these who
after a few thousand years of gradual migrations and conquest finally conquered most of
northern India. “It was not difficult for the healthy, martial, almost invincible Aryans to
conquer northern India,” writes Sarkar. “The victorious Aryans treated the vanquished
non-Aryans as slaves, trampling them underfoot to the bottom of their trivarna (three
caste) society—their society of Brahmanas (priests), Ksattriyas (soldiers) and Vaeshyas
(merchants). There the non-Aryans became the fourth class, or Shudra Varna, while
society became a caturvarna (four-caste) society.” (15)
While the Aryans maintained political control in northern India, the Dravidian influence in the social and cultural sphere gradually increased. According to Sarkar,
“From the non-Aryans the Aryans acquired a well-knit social system, subtle insight,
spiritual philosophy and Tantra sadhana [[[meditation]]].” (16)
A merger between two civilizations took place in Europe when the Romans conquered Greece. Similarly, the so-called Indus Valley civilization eventually became a
composite culture influenced by both Tantric and Vedic traditions.
Harappa, Kashi and Mehrgarh—Ancient Cities of Tantra?
The Tamil language of south India is considered one of the world’s oldest living languages with its own script. An ancient Dravidian language, Tamil is more than 6,000
years old. In fact, an ancient form of Tamil, or Dravidian, is still spoken by the Brahui
people today. These people's language and culture are indeed a living link back to the
early dawn of Tantric history.
When the first Vedic Aryans migrated to India through the Khyber and the Bolan Passes, and mingled with the local population of the north, the north Indian proto Dravidian languages changed to a great extent. However, in the area where the Brahui
people still live, the old Dravidian language has remained virtually unchanged for millennia. The language of the Brahuis of Baluchistan, an area in Afghanistan and
Pakistan, has many linguistic similarities to the Dravidian languages still spoken by the
Tamils in south India today. Scholars have noted similarities in the numerals, personal
pronouns, syntax and other linguistic features between Brahui and Tamil.
It is not only linguistics, however, that makes Baluchistan such an interesting historical area. This region, at the foot of the Bolan Pass, is also the site of Mehrgarh. Estimated to be more than 8,000 years old, it is regarded as the largest town of early antiquity. Covering an area of over 500 acres, Mehrgarh’s population may have reached
nearly 20,000 individuals. In comparison, the population of Egypt at the time was about 30,000. Living in brick houses, skilled in pottery making and the cultivation of rice, these
ancient shamanic and proto-Tantric Dravidians were likely the first Indians encountered
by the invading Aryans more than seven thousand years ago.
Urban culture was thus already in existence in India at the time of Shiva. Indeed, Mehrgarh had existed for almost two thousand years when Shiva was born. There is thus evidence of a continuous urban culture from Mehrgarh around 7000 BCE to the
Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilizations in the Indus Valley around 4000 BCE. The current consensus is that the primary language represented by the Harappan script is
related to modern Dravidian. The archaeologist Marshall was the first scientist to suggest
a linguistic link between the Harappans and Dravidians.
As mentioned elsewhere, the complex and ancient Indus Valley civilization, which stretched from Afghanistan to the River Ganges, was largely a Tantra-oriented culture. In fact, the word “hara” refers to Shiva, and “appa” means father in the local language. The city of Harappa in the Indus Valley can thus be considered a place
dedicated to Shiva, who by many today is considered the father of Indian civilization. Since Tantra existed in India before Shiva, it is very likely that the old Tantric civilization in India had its early roots in Mehrgarh, was systematized and refined during
the time of Shiva, and continued to flourish for thousands of years in the Indus Valley
civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Most important, perhaps, Tantra remains alive
and well in India and the rest of the world even today.
While Mehrgarh is perhaps the oldest archaeological city in the world, Kashi (today known as Benares or Varanasi) is the world’s oldest living city. In Indian mythology, Kashi is considered the “original ground” where Lord Shiva and Parvati
stood at the beginning of time. Benares is the point in which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other Gods, broke through
the earth's crust and flared toward the heavens. More significant than the cremation
ghats, and even the holy river Ganges, the Shivalinga in the Golden temple remains, to
millions of Shiva devotees, the devotional focus of Kashi.
Once again, Indian mythology leads us to a deeper understanding of history; the historical Shiva did, according to traditional sources, spend many years in Kashi, especially during the cool winter months, when Kashi, or Benares—the “holiest” city in all of India today—was his favorite resting place.
Shiva’s and Tantra’s immeasurable contribution to humanity urges us to correct the common misconception that Tantra and yoga are relatively recent expressions of
Indian spirituality. Indeed, it appears the Classical Yoga period did not actually start with
the famed Yoga Sutras of the sage Patanjali's in 200 BCE, but rather with Shiva, almost
5,000 years earlier. Most fundamental aspects of yoga—including many of the yoga exercises, breathing and meditation techniques used today—originated with the teachings of this great sage. What we today know as Hatha Yoga was consequently developed by Tantric sages over thousands of years and finally written down in the Hatha Yoga Pardipika by the Natha yogis around 1000 CE.
Summary
Indian civilization is based on two mighty cultural rivers—the Vedic and the Tantric. Of these two ancient streams, it appears Tantra has had the most influence on the
birth and growth of yoga and other mystical practices within Indian spiritual traditions.
While some scholars maintain there was no Aryan invasion in India, both genetic science
as well as Tantric oral history maintain that these migrations occurred in ancient pre
history (5000 BCE), during the time of Shiva, when this so-called King of Yogis
systematized the mystical science of Tantric Yoga as well as Ayurvedic medicine. Roar Bjonnes spent several years studying Tantra in India and Nepal. Currently working on a book on Tantra and Yoga, he is the co-founder of the Prama Institute, a holistic retreat center in North Carolina, USA, a newspaper columnist and contributing editor of the online New Renaissance Magazine. He can be reached at: rbjonnes@aol.com
Notes
1. Daniel Danielou, A Brief History of India, Inner Traditions, Vermont, 2003
2. Ibid
3. Ibid
4. N. N. Bhattacharya, History Of Tantric Religion, Manohar Publishers, New Delhi,
1999
5. Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (a.k.a. P. R. Sarkar), Discourses on Tantra, Volume II, AM
Publications, Calcutta, 1994
6. Swami Satyananda Sarawati, A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques
of Yoga and Kriya, Yoga Publkications Trust, Bihar, 1981
7. Prasad Lalan Singh, Tantra: Its Mystic and Scientific Basis, Concept Publishing
Company, Delhi, 1976
8. Max Muller, “The Veda,” Chips from a German Workshop, vol 1, New York, Charles
Scribner, 1900,
9. Arvind Kumar, “Women and the Vedas: Limiting Women Limits All of Society,”
India Curents, September, 1994
10. Spencer Wells, Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey, Random House, New York,
2004.
11. Interview with Dr. Spencer Wells, www.rediff.com
http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/27inter.htm November 27, 2002
12. Robert Cooke, “History of Aryan Conquest of India told in Genes, San Francisco
Chronicle, 26 May, 1999
13. “Peopling Of India,” Independent research paper published by Madhav Gadgil, N. V.
Joshi from Indian Institute of Science; U. V. Shambu Prasad, Centre for Research in
Indo-Bangladesh Relations; S. Manoharan and Suresh Patil from Anthropological Survey
of India. http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/cesmg/peopling.html#sec1
14. Romila Thapar, “Hindutva and History,” Frontline, Volume 17
15. Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (a.k.a. P. R. Sarkar), Discourses on Tantra, Volume I, AM
Publications, Calcutta, 1994
16. Ibid.