126 The Religion of the Veda
1......—
it is theirs in an especial degree. One of the most interesting parallels between Veda and Avesta is that both gods are described as the “ spring of the flat, or righteousness.” Varuna is £31er from: (Rig-Veda s. 28.. 5) ; Allure Mazda (rs/area Mao, (Yasna Io. 4). The words are sound for sound the same. The high thought of the rm is in many ways similar to the Confucian idea of order, harmony, and ab- sence of disturbance. It is unquestionably the best conception that has been elaborated by the Aryans.
We have seen‘ that it reaches back at least to 1600 3.0., and yet, notwithstanding its early date, it is superior to any of the earlier conceptions of the remaining Indo-European peoples. As far as the Veda is concerned, it presents itself under the threefold aspect of cosmic order, correct and fitting cult of the gods, and moral conduct of man.“ We have in connection with the rm a pretty complete System of Ethics, a kind of Counsel of Perfection.
As the basis of cosmic order the rm rules the world and nature. The established facts of the visible world, but especially the events of nature that recur periodically, are fixed or regulated by rm. Those
1Atmnre, p. In. 3T he same threefold character is quite evident in the Avestan
arm. See Mills famous! of His American Origami Society, vol. Xxu Pp' 3I fir 277%
- m . smear-amass a raw: —— r» a
“era-inr- a-«a: urg-
as; a as
