OUTLINE OF THE ESSAY.

The place of Hinduism—­which is professed by about a hundred and ninety millions in India—­among the religions of the world, and its great antiquity, are pointed out.

The comparative simplicity of the system contained in the Vedas, the oldest sacred books of the Hindus, its almost entire freedom from the use of images, its gradual deterioration in the later hymns, its gradual multiplication of gods, the advance of sacerdotalism, and the increasing complexity of its religious rites are set forth.

The philosophical speculation that was carried on, the different philosophical schools, the Buddhist reaction, its conflict with Brahmanism, its final defeat, and its influence on the victorious system are discussed.

The religious reconstruction represented by the Puranas, their theological character, the modern ritual, the introduction and rise of caste, and the treatment of women are then considered.

A contrast is drawn between the leading characteristics of Hinduism and those of Christianity, and the effect of Christian ideas on modern Hinduism is exhibited.  The history of the Brahmo Somaj under Keshub Chunder Sen is given at some length.

THE HINDU RELIGION.

Introduction.

[Sidenote:  Hinduism deserving of study.  Its antiquity.] The system of religious belief which is generally called Hinduism is, on many accounts, eminently deserving of study.  If we desire to trace the history of the ancient religions of the widely extended Aryan or Indo-European race, to which we ourselves belong, we shall find in the earlier writings of the Hindus an exhibition of it decidedly more archaic even than that which is presented in the Homeric poems.  Then, the growth—­the historical development—­of Hinduism is not less worthy of attention than its earlier phases.  It has endured for upward of three thousand years, no doubt undergoing very important changes, yet in many things retaining its original spirit.  The progress of the system has not been lawless; and it is exceedingly instructive to note the development, and, if possible, explain it.

We are, then, to endeavor to study Hinduism chronologically.  Unless he does so almost every man who tries to comprehend it is, at first, overwhelmed with a feeling of utter confusion and bewilderment.  Hinduism spreads out before him as a vast river, or even what seems at first

            “a dark
    Illimitable ocean, without bound,
    Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height,
    And time, and place are lost.”

[Sidenote:  The discussion chronological.] But matters begin to clear up when he begins at the beginning, and notes how one thing succeeded another.  It may not be possible as yet to trace all the windings of the stream or to show at what precise points in its long course it was joined by such and such a tributary; yet much is known regarding the mighty river which every intelligent man will find it profitable to note and understand.