Vedic Society
Early Vedic society was organized into janas (clans). The Rig Veda lists over 30 such clans, including the Bharatas, Purus, Kurus, and Yadus.
Governance
Governance was likely collective. The texts mention:
- Raja: A king or ruler.
- Sabha and Samiti: Collective gatherings or assemblies.
Professions
The society was diverse, with professions such as:
- Agriculturists
- Weavers
- Potters
- Builders
- Healers
- Priests
Vedic Schools of Thought
Over time, Vedic culture developed complex rituals (yajna) for individual and collective well-being. From this foundation, deeper philosophical inquiries emerged.
The Upanishads
A group of texts called the Upanishads introduced new metaphysical concepts:
- Rebirth: The cycle of taking birth again and again.
- Karma: Our actions and their results.
Vedanta: Brahman and Atman
One major school of thought, Vedanta, proposed that everything in the universe is one divine essence.
- Brahman: The universal divine essence (distinct from the god Brahma).
- Atman: The Self or divine essence residing within every individual.
Core Philosophy: The Atman is ultimately one with Brahman.
Famous Mantras
Two profound mantras summarize this philosophy:
Interdependence
Since everyone shares the same divine essence, the world is interconnected. This leads to the universal prayer: “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah” — “May all creatures be happy.”