Pre-Agricultural Religion
Here are three pre-agricultural examples of religion. The Upanishads, Gobekli Tepe and the Ainu/Jomon tradition. All date roughly 14,000 years ago.
Dawn of the Upanishads
“Like radii of the same circle, all these traditions indicate a common center… long before the India of the Vedas, before the Iran of Zoroaster, in the early dawn of the white race, one sees the first creator of the Aryan religion emerging from the forests of ancient Scythia.” (-Schure, The Great Initiates, 1889)
At least one of the Ancient Upanishads, Svetesvatara, is so hauntingly beautiful and clear that it awes the reader! These teachings were a part of an oral tradition protected by pure hearted Rishis, ancient sages who bore these Eternal …show more content…
Changeless art Thou, Supreme, pure! In thee dwell the gods. The Source of all scriptures Thou art; Yet what shall scriptures avail if they be smooth on the lip but absent from the heart?
To him who knows Thee comes fullness—to him alone!
The Source of all scriptures Thou art; and the Source of all creeds.
One Thou art, one only. Born from many wombs, Thou hast become many: Unto Thee all return. Thou Lord God bestowest all blessings, Thou the Light, Thou the Adorable One. Whoever finds Thee finds infinite peace.
Thou art Lord God of all gods, all the worlds rest in thee; Thou art ruler of the beasts, two-footed, four-footed: Our heart’s worship be Thine! Thou art the blissful Lord, subtler than the subtlest. In Thee alone is there peace.
Thou, sole guardian of the universe, Thou lord of all. In the hearts of Thy creatures Thou hidest thyself. Gods and seers become one with Thee. Those who know Thee die not.
Of all religions thou art the Source. The light of thy knowledge shining, there is no day nor night, Nor being nor non-being—Thou art …show more content…
Mann. And guess what? The exceedingly ancient, yet well designed temple, was reportedly built by hunter-gatherers wearing loin cloths, nearly 12,000 years ago. Some of the structures may even date as far back as 15, 000 years ago! This remote hilltop cathedral in southern Turkey precedes Stonehenge by 6000+ years! Obviously, people who wear animal skins can build surprisingly great religious monuments!
The article begins: “We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization.”
Wow! This vindicates those who believe civilization was always advanced by spiritual guidance! Thanks to the builders of Gobekli Tepe, who came from near and far to raise the beautifully carved pillars, build the mortared walls and bench seating, and engrave the art of this monumental complex -- with flint and stone tools!
Here are three pre-agricultural examples of religion. The Upanishads, Gobekli Tepe and the Ainu/Jomon tradition. All date roughly 14,000 years ago.
Dawn of the Upanishads
“Like radii of the same circle, all these traditions indicate a common center… long before the India of the Vedas, before the Iran of Zoroaster, in the early dawn of the white race, one sees the first creator of the Aryan religion emerging from the forests of ancient Scythia.” (-Schure, The Great Initiates, 1889)
At least one of the Ancient Upanishads, Svetesvatara, is so hauntingly beautiful and clear that it awes the reader! These teachings were a part of an oral tradition protected by pure hearted Rishis, ancient sages who bore these Eternal …show more content…
Changeless art Thou, Supreme, pure! In thee dwell the gods. The Source of all scriptures Thou art; Yet what shall scriptures avail if they be smooth on the lip but absent from the heart?
To him who knows Thee comes fullness—to him alone!
The Source of all scriptures Thou art; and the Source of all creeds.
One Thou art, one only. Born from many wombs, Thou hast become many: Unto Thee all return. Thou Lord God bestowest all blessings, Thou the Light, Thou the Adorable One. Whoever finds Thee finds infinite peace.
Thou art Lord God of all gods, all the worlds rest in thee; Thou art ruler of the beasts, two-footed, four-footed: Our heart’s worship be Thine! Thou art the blissful Lord, subtler than the subtlest. In Thee alone is there peace.
Thou, sole guardian of the universe, Thou lord of all. In the hearts of Thy creatures Thou hidest thyself. Gods and seers become one with Thee. Those who know Thee die not.
Of all religions thou art the Source. The light of thy knowledge shining, there is no day nor night, Nor being nor non-being—Thou art …show more content…
Mann. And guess what? The exceedingly ancient, yet well designed temple, was reportedly built by hunter-gatherers wearing loin cloths, nearly 12,000 years ago. Some of the structures may even date as far back as 15, 000 years ago! This remote hilltop cathedral in southern Turkey precedes Stonehenge by 6000+ years! Obviously, people who wear animal skins can build surprisingly great religious monuments!
The article begins: “We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization.”
Wow! This vindicates those who believe civilization was always advanced by spiritual guidance! Thanks to the builders of Gobekli Tepe, who came from near and far to raise the beautifully carved pillars, build the mortared walls and bench seating, and engrave the art of this monumental complex -- with flint and stone tools!