Vedic Sacrificial Culture

As with the Buddhists, the Brahmins held that an individual could achieve moksa (ultimate salvation/release), through non-attachment. However, unlike the Buddhists, the Brahmins believed that only men of the Brahmin caste were able to attain moksa. Therefore, essentially the attainment of moksa for every person who is not born a Brahmin priest is unavailable.

The relationship between that of an individual�s status/caste and religious function is displayed further through the Vedic sacrificial culture. As with the concept of moksa, participation in the Vedic sacrificial rituals was exclusive to the Brahmins. Vedic sacrificial rituals served as an essential link between the world of the Gods and that of our own. Fundamentally, through the sacrificial rituals, natural order in this world was assured. These rituals also formed an economic focus for Indian society. Wealth and status were demonstrated by groups and individuals through patronage of the sacrificial rituals. Additionally, the surplus generated by the community found a focus.

Perhaps the most easily identifiable relationship between status/wealth and religious function is demonstrated in horse sacrifice (Asvamedha). This ritual pertains a King or ruler releasing a horse to roam throughout their land, generally followed by an army. Consequently, wherever the horse went, became the ruler�s land.