Afro-Asian Intro PDF

Introduction to Afro-asian literature Module 1 Appreciate the relevance of Afro-Asian literature. Analyze the Rigveda and Dhammapada discussed and be able to reflect on the significant ideas and values expressed in them. T  The LARGEST ASIA continent in the world. Covers one...

Introduction to Afro-asian literature Module 1 Appreciate the relevance of Afro-Asian literature. Analyze the Rigveda and Dhammapada discussed and be able to reflect on the significant ideas and values expressed in them. T  The LARGEST ASIA continent in the world. Covers one - third of the ASIA land surface of the earth  Has 48 ASIA countries Most populous ASIA continent in the World. The SECOND largest continent in the world. Boasts a wide range of ecosystems and a home to a vast array of wildlife  20 % of the total land area of Earth Consists of 54 countries; second most populous continent Land where mankind originated  Diverse Vibrant Magnificent Rich of life Beautiful and Evocative excitement Evocative reflects the customs, traditions, and contemplative philosophies of African and Asian countries. reflection of the storm and the stress of developing nations seeking a place under the sun. many literary works are handed down by Oral Tradition.  Why is it important to study Afro- Asian Literature?  Rig-veda Dhammapada RIG VEDA an ancient form of Sanskrit about 1500 BCE; oldest of the sacred books of Hinduism was preserved orally before it was written down about 300 BCE. has four major components  THE SAMHITAS hymns to the deities and constitute the oldest section of the Rig Veda.  THE BRAHMANAS section pertaining to the commentaries for the hymns.  THE ARYANKAS also known as "forest books"; composed in a more secluded, contemplative setting (the forest) and contain explanations of the philosophical and symbolic aspects of the rituals  THE UPANISHADS includes other verses of the scripture that explore profound questions about the nature of reality MANDELAS the 10 circles or books of Rigveda hymns in the praise of the Hindu deities documentation of their stories ( Surya, Indra, Rudra, Vayu, Agni, Vishnu, etc.) SUKTAS the 1,028 poems reflection of the Hindu philosophy and belief system used for ritualistic purposes in marriages and other religious to drive away illness and other forms of negativity from one‘s life. served both as a religious source as well as a moral guide in the Vedic and post Vedic times. provides insights into the geographical features in Indus Valley subcontinent contains knowledge of weapons and shields, mentions of the rains and seasons, etc. had a profound influence on the development of Hinduism "The truth is one, but the wise call it by many names." derived from Rig Veda Samhita 1.164. 46  DHAMMAPADA “Words of Doctrine” or “Way of Truth” 423 stanzas arranged in 26 chapters addressing various aspects of human life, ethics, and spirituality. Buddha Siddhartha Gautama born and grew up in ancient Indian traditions and studied both Vedic and ascetic paths. Brahmans Ascetics - performed all kinds for -suggest that extreme sacrifices and rituals personal penance is the way to realize the truth. There is no Supreme being judge or creator. This world and life, actually all our perceptions, sensations, forms and thoughts are illusory aggregates and on deep thought, one finds they have no substance. In that sense, they are impermanent. The thinker is not a separate self and there is no substantive self.  There are Four Noble Truths about ‘ suffering’ in the world - the cause of suffering being the nature of our conditioned existence which is constantly in the state of attraction or aversion. This suffering can be stopped and the way to stop the suffering is through the Eight-fold Path. Living with high purity and avoiding sensual pleasures is the way to “liberation”. Dhammapada is highly regarded for its concise and practical guidance on how to live a virtuous and meaningful li f e. "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; By non- hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law. derived from Dhammapada; Yamakavagga; verse 56