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8. AGE OF REASON
This eventually produced its reaction in the growth of several rationalistic movement of which the major two were Buddhism and Jainism. What these rationalists were asserting was that the Vedic rituals were just superstitions imposed by the Brahmins to assert their superiority. The real control of the cosmic powers can be achieved by scientific methods.
The other more materialistic rational movements eventually died out. We know about them only from the writing of those who denied their atheism. Jain documents clearly mentions four groups"
There are four (heretical) creeds, which the disputants severally uphold: 1. the Kriyâvâda, 2. the Akriyâvâda, 3. the Vinayavada, and 4. the Agñânavâda. Gaina Sutras, Part II TWELFTH LECTURE, CALLED THE CREED.
Mantras are controlled by the Brahmins Brahmins controls the cosmos
gods are controlled by Mantras
Nature is controlled by gods
Man is controlled by Nature
According to one tradition there were 5 heretical sects. From the point of view of Vedism, there are eight. They are:
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