TELEVISION

Sacred Texts of the World

Series: Great Courses
4.3
(31)
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Episodes
36
Rating
TVPG
Year
2014
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

Throughout history, religious expression has been an essential human activity, influencing the development of civilizations. Humanity's religions are grounded in their sacred texts - foundational writings that crystallize the principles and vision of the faiths, forming the basis of belief and action. These richly informative lectures reveal a global legacy of faith, thought, and spirituality.

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Episodes

1 to 3 of 36

1. Reading Other People's Scriptures

30m

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Throughout history, the world's sacred texts have held profound significance for the cultures that produced them. Consider five key reasons for the importance of studying them, from their accessibility and centrality to their cultures of origin to the wisdom they contain and the enlarged perspective they offer on our own traditions.

2. Hinduism and the Vedas

30m

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Grasp the nature and roles of sacred writings within Hinduism, as contrasted with the Judeo-Christian tradition. Learn about the structure of the Vedas, comprising collections of hymns and commentaries, and their meaning and function in Hindu ritual. Read compelling excerpts from the Vedas, and learn how Western religious scholars have approached them.

3. What Is Heard

30m

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The Upanishads constitute the philosophical or wisdom texts of the Hindu Vedas. Study the composition of the Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads, containing spiritual arguments and dialogues revealing the underlying unity of brahman (ultimate reality) and atman (the self or soul). Trace the Upanishads' influence on Westerners.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Grant Hardywriter
Grant Hardyactor

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