1; iv.1.1.

26).
All this superstition would be pardonable if it were primitive.

But that it comes long after the Vedic poets have sung reveals a continuance of stupidity which is marvellous.

Doubtless those same poets were just as superstitious, but one would think that with all the great literature behind them, and the thoughts of the philosophers just rising among them, these later priests might show a higher level of intelligence.

But in this regard they are to India what were the monks of mediaeval times to Europe.
We turn now to the ethical side of religion.