PREFACE.

THIS volume reproduces with some little ampli~

ficzition six lectures on the Religion of the Veda given before various learned institutions of America during the fall and winter of 1906-07. The period of time and the amount of literature embraced in the term Vedic are large; moreover any discussion of this religion that deserves the name must also include a glance at the prehistoric periods which preceded the religion of the Veda. Con- sequently my treatment must be selective. It was not diflicult to make the selection. I have not thought it necessary to include a complete account of Vedic mythology and legend ; nor did the details of priestly ritual and religious folkpractices seem to me to call for elaborate exposition at this time

and under the circumstances of a popular treatment ‘

of Vedic religion. On the other hand, it seemed both interesting and important to bring out as markedly as possible the development of the re- ligious thought of the Veda. in distinction from

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