Chap. II.] THE VEDAS. 17
tradition, has been consigned to written volumes, believed to have been com- '^^- ~ mimicated by divine revelation, and therefore to contain truth without any mixture of error. To these volumes of course the ultimate appeal must be made, TheVeJas. and therefore, whenever the object is to ascertain what the Hindoo religion is, at least in theory, it is only necessary to ask. What saith the Veda? By this name, meaning " science," the volumes composing the Hindoo scriptures are designated. They are chiefly composed of four works, distinguished by the names of Kig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, written in a form of Sanscrit so ancient, and so different from its more modern form, that only the more learned of the Brahmins understand them. It is impossible to say when they were first committed to writing ; but it is admitted that as they now exist they are a compilation made from the original materials by an indi- vidual who has ever since been known by the name of Vyasa, or Vedavyasa, meaning "compiler of the Yeda." He is supposed to have flourished in the twelfth or fourteenth century before the Christian era. The contents of the Vedas have not yet been thorouglily examined, but enough has been translated to prove that the system of religion which they teach does not countenance the numerous extravagances which liave been engrafted on it, and which give to modern Hindooism many of its most revolting features. In several texts a pure monotheism seems to be taught, since it is repeatedly declared that " there is in truth but one Deity, the Supreme Spirit, the Lord of the universe, whose work is the universe." This monotheistic theory does not seem, however, to be consistently maintained, for mention is made of numerous gods who ought to be worshipped, and have power to reward their worshippers.
Next to the Vedas, as a source of religious information, are the Institutes of Ti^e lusti-
tvites of
Menu, which, though later in date, must have been composed before the sys- :iieuu. tem taught in them had undergone any essential change, and are understood to contain a faithful abstract of it. From this work, therefore, till the contents of the Vedas are better known, the true character of the primitive Hindoo theology will be best obtained. In its opening passage. Menu, who seems to be a personification of deity, rather than a real existence, is represented as sitting "reclined, with his attention fixed on one object." The divine sages approach, and "after mutual salutations in due form" thus address him, "Deign, sovereign Elder, to apprise us of the sacred laws, in their order, as they must be followed by all the classes, and by each of them in their several degrees, together with the duties of every mixed class ; for thou, Lord, only knowest the true sense, the first principle, the prescribed ceremonies of this universal, supernatural Veda, unlimited in extent, and unequalled in authority." Menu, complying with their request, begins thus : — " This universe existed only in darkness, imperceptible, undefinable, imdiscoverable by reason, undiscovered, as if it were wholly im- mersed in sleep. Then the self-existing power, himself undiscerned, but making this world discernible, with five elements, and other principles, appeared with Vol. II. 92
