Turning Ritual Inward

The phrase "performance of Vedic rituals turned inward" refers to a shift in the way that ancient Vedic rituals were practiced in India. In the early Vedic period, which dates back to around 1500 BCE, Vedic rituals were performed outwardly, with a focus on external offerings and sacrifices to the gods. However, over time, there was a shift towards a more inward focus, with an emphasis on personal spiritual practice and self-realization.

This shift was influenced by the emergence of new philosophical and spiritual traditions, such as Yoga and Vedanta, which emphasized the importance of inner transformation and self-realization. These traditions taught that the ultimate goal of spiritual practice was not to please the gods or gain material rewards, but to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and realize one's true nature as pure consciousness.

As a result of this shift, Vedic rituals began to be performed with a greater emphasis on inner awareness and meditation, rather than external offerings and sacrifices. The focus shifted from pleasing the gods to cultivating a deeper understanding of the self and the nature of reality. This inward turn is seen as a significant development in the history of Indian spirituality, and laid the foundation for many of the spiritual practices that are still practiced today.