Ahimsa 0 Report post 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
animesh 0 Report post 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vishal krishna das 0 Report post 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahimsa 0 Report post Posted April 7, 2001 Actually I did mean ascetics, not Aesthetics, sorry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shvu 1 Report post 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
