RELS 108 1st Edition Lecture 8Outline of Last LectureI. Language of the Sacred (cont.)II. TheologyCurrent LectureIII. Spirituality and ritual IV. Rites of passageCurrent LectureV. Ritual relies on kairos (open dimension), right timeVI. Ritual is a ceremonial act; ritualizes the mythVII. Myth – foundation for ritualVIII. Allows participation in the power of the sacreda. Ex. Vedic ritualsb. Veda – knowledgeIX. Fire: element god connected to it – AgniX. Soma: sacred juiceXI. Indra: king of the gods/somaXII. 4 Vedasa. Rig Veda – collection of hymns and versesi. sukta – chantsb. yajur veda: ritual guidebookc. samaveda – songs chanted by priestd. atharva veda – less connection, concerned with spellsi. Incantations: the idea of self was speculated onii. Vedic ritual: axis mundi (symbolized by tree)iii. Ritual: all of realityiv. Reality: Brahman (god in Hinduism) highest permanent formv. Arahyakas – forest booksvi. Atman = essential selfvii. Upanishads = highest philosophical developmentviii. Vedanta = culmination of the vedasix. Maya: illusion veilx. Inner ritual: soteriological purpose saves us from what ?xi. Samsara: wheel of life and deathxii. Psycho/spiritual exercise (yoga, meditation)XIII. Ritual in Judaisma. Passover – ritual reenactment of exodus; formal meal, also called Seder; central to Passover haggadahXIV. Ritual in Christianitya. Holy communion (Eucharist) – to give thanksXV. Ritual in Islama. Muharran – martyrdom of Husain, ritual drama portraying good vs. evil XVI. Rites of Passagea. Transition rituals (3 phases)i. Separationii. Liminal (pilgrimage itself)iii. Reintegration (rebirth) [3 types]1. Birth rituals “baptism”2. Initiation “adulthood, fraternity”3. Rituals of mourning and death “funeral rights, wearing black or