Ahimsa Posted April 6, 2001 Report Share Posted April 6, 2001 When Siddhartha began his search for enlightenment, he left his village and joined a group of “Aesthetics”, I believe, with whom he traveled. My question is, are the "Aesthetic" people described Hindu? If not what religion or philosophy would they be considered? If so, do they belong to a specific "branch" of Hinduism? Thanks for any help that you may have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animesh Posted April 6, 2001 Report Share Posted April 6, 2001 Hi Ahimsa, Before Buddha, Vedic way of doing worship was very much prevalent. As is commonly held view, when Hindus talk of great sages, they include the ancient sages who were well versed in Vedas. So, in that sense, the aesthetics can be called as Hindus, because as I have read, they believed in Vedic way of worshipping, in doing yoga, and in austerities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vishal krishna das Posted April 7, 2001 Report Share Posted April 7, 2001 "Aesthetics"? Don't you mean 'Ascetics'? Aesthetics are appreciators of art- bohemians etc, hippies, beatniks. Did Buddha associate with these people? You should perhaps read the 'Buddha-charita', the official biography. Pranams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahimsa Posted April 7, 2001 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2001 Actually I did mean ascetics, not Aesthetics, sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shvu Posted April 10, 2001 Report Share Posted April 10, 2001 That is right. Soon after the Buddha became a Sanyasi, he joined a team of 5 ascetics who were following the then prevalent, Upanishad philosophy [part of Hinduism]. He performed some intense penance along with them and took to starvation. He grew very weak and at one point realized that this was not the way. He broke way from this team and his partners were disgusted with him for giving up. Later however, when he became enlightened, they were among the first to become his disciples. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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