Maurice Bloomfield
The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India is a comprehensive study of the religious beliefs and practices of ancient India as revealed in the Vedic texts. Written by Maurice Bloomfield, a renowned scholar of Sanskrit and Vedic literature, the book explores the complex mythology, ritual practices, and philosophical concepts of the Vedic religion. The book is divided into three parts, each covering a different aspect of Vedic religion. Part One provides an overview of the Vedic religion, including its history, geography, and social structure. It also examines the role of the Vedic gods and goddesses, their attributes and functions, and the ways in which they were worshipped by the ancient Indians. Part Two delves deeper into the ritual practices of the Vedic religion, including the use of sacred fire, the offering of sacrifices, and the chanting of hymns. It also explores the concept of karma, the law of cause and effect that governs the universe according to Vedic belief. Part Three examines the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of the Vedic religion, including the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. It also discusses the various schools of Vedic philosophy, such as Samkhya, Yoga, and Vedanta, and their views on the nature of the self and the universe. Throughout the book, Bloomfield draws on his extensive knowledge of Sanskrit and Vedic literature to provide a detailed and nuanced analysis of the Vedic religion. He also includes numerous translations of Vedic hymns and prayers, allowing readers to experience the beauty and power of these ancient texts firsthand. Overall, The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history, culture, and religion of ancient India.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.