circulate more quickly, particularly of those of the wandering ascetic. Emphasis on trade and enterprises heightened individual values and needs above the wider social group, it was a form of individuality which emphasised the distinct self. - Introduction to Hinduism - Flood. It was in this context of urbanisation that the renouncer tradition developed.(iv) Renouncer traditionThe renouncer tradition was a new vision of the human condition. It saw the emphasis that originally was placed on the vedic sacrificial ritual shift to that of knowledge. It developed a clear identity against an empty vedic tradition which did not lead to liberation. The renouncer saw that all life was suffering (dukka),( this was probably encouraged by the rise of disease due to the rise of urbanisation), because one was subjected to an existence of rebirth, and that liberation (moksa) would not come about by being born into the right class or studying the vedic texts and performing rituals. They believed that ones actions (karma) determined the status of ones rebirth (samsara), therefore for one to be free from suffering it was imperative that action was minimised and spiritual knowledge (jnana) was of the utmost importance. Spiritual knowledge (jnana), was to know and understand the nature of the universe (brahman) and of the self (atman). Although jnana was at the forefront of the renouncers mind, it was important that they were detached from the material and social world in order to lead a life of dedication in search of truth, knowledge and understanding, to try and escape the rounds of rebirth and ultimately achieve liberation from their existence of suffering. This was aided through asceticism (tapas) and meditation. (Tapas is like a inner heat or energy generated through ascetic practices and gives power to the renouncer.) These wandering ascetics threatened brahmanical supremacy by offering rival visions of the world and society. The renouncer...
