Category: Ancient India

The Tirukkural – The Literary Masterpiece

The Tirukkural – The Literary Masterpiece

The Tirukkural is a renowned Tamil literature work that contains ethical teachings and moral codes. It is considered one of the most influential works in Tamil literature and has been translated into several languages worldwide. The Tirukkural was written by Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil poet and philosopher, in the 1st century BCE. In this article, we will explore the background, structure, and significance of this literary masterpiece.…

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The Brihat Samhita – Comprehensive treatise on astronomy, astrology, and meteorology

The Brihat Samhita – Comprehensive treatise on astronomy, astrology, and meteorology

The Brihat Samhita is a comprehensive treatise on astronomy, astrology, and meteorology that was written by the Indian astronomer and mathematician Varahamihira in the 6th century CE. The text is a compilation of knowledge from various sources, including earlier Hindu texts, as well as Greek and Babylonian astronomy. The Brihat Samhita covers a wide range of topics, including planetary movements, eclipses, weather prediction, gemology, and even the behavior of elephants.…

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The Ashtavakra Gita is a revered Hindu text that is considered one of the most profound and enlightening works of Indian philosophy. It is a dialogue between King Janaka and the sage Ashtavakra, who is said to have been born with eight deformities in his body and hence the name 'Ashtavakra' which means eight bends or crooks. The text is a deep exploration of the nature of reality, the self, and the path to spiritual liberation.

The Ashtavakra Gita – Dialogue between King Janaka and the sage Ashtavakra

The Ashtavakra Gita is a revered Hindu text that is considered one of the most profound and enlightening works of Indian philosophy. It is a dialogue between King Janaka and the sage Ashtavakra, who is said to have been born with eight deformities in his body and hence the name ‘Ashtavakra’ which means eight bends or crooks. The text is a deep exploration of the nature of reality, the self, and the path to spiritual liberation.…

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The Kamasutra

The Kamasutra

The Kamasutra is a Hindu text written by the Indian philosopher Vatsyayana sometime between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. The text is one of the most famous and controversial works of ancient Indian literature, known for its detailed descriptions of sexual positions and practices, as well as its broader teachings on love, relationships, and human sexuality.…

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The Vimalakirti Nirdesa – Dialogue between the Buddha and Vimalakirti

The Vimalakirti Nirdesa – Dialogue between the Buddha and Vimalakirti

The Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra is known for its rich and complex teachings on Buddhist doctrine, ethics, and practice. The text is structured as a dialogue between the Buddha and Vimalakirti, a lay practitioner who is renowned for his wisdom and compassion. Through their conversations, the Buddha and Vimalakirti explore a wide range of Buddhist teachings and practices, and they provide deep insights into the nature of reality and the path to liberation.…

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The Lalitavistara – Life of the Buddha before his enlightenment

The Lalitavistara – Life of the Buddha before his enlightenment

The Lalitavistara is a Buddhist text that recounts the life of the Buddha before his enlightenment. The text is considered one of the most important and influential texts in Buddhist literature, and it has had a significant impact on the development of Buddhist art, iconography, and philosophy.…

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The Diamond Sutra, also known as the Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra, is one of the most important and influential Mahayana Buddhist texts. It is part of the larger Prajnaparamita or Perfection of Wisdom literature, which expounds on the concept of prajna or wisdom.

Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra (The Diamond )

The Diamond Sutra, also known as the Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra, is one of the most important and influential Mahayana Buddhist texts. It is part of the larger Prajnaparamita or Perfection of Wisdom literature, which expounds on the concept of prajna or wisdom.…

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