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CONFLUENCE OF OPPOSITES
395 Many of the ancient myths and rites, especially those centred in human sacrifice, appear to be purely barbarous in origin, yet they might be no more than unhappy copies from symbolic originals. At the same time it is a fact that barbarism is at least as old as enlightenment, and the very attempt to spiritualise the sacrificial cult points to the huma. nising effect of Religion on a savage and barbarous horde. Certainly, the composers of the myths and rituals associated with human or animal sacrifice could not well have been truly pious vegetarians who were not likely to have recourse to a symbolism that must bave been revolting to their natural instincts and the merciful bend of the mind. The full development of Hindu thought has been traced out in the Appendix to the Practical Path, and probably other systems would have to be worked out in the same way. Every case must, however, be dealt with on its own merits, as no hard and fast rule can be laid down which will govern all cases indiscriminately. I think I have said enough on the subject in these few words.
- I shall now sum up the purport of religion which we have been studying for these past few weeks, in one sentence. The formula selected by me for the purpose is not a new one, though some of you know it not. For this summing up is not my work, but is said to have been done by Life itself on a previous occasion, long long ago. This is the famous text :"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and
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| SR No. | 006704 |
| Book Title | Confluence of Opposites |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Champat Rai Jain |
| Publisher | Champat Rai Jain |
| Publication Year | 1921 |
| Total Pages | 422 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 15 MB |