But the ascription to individual and personal deities of the attributes of the one universal and spiritual Supreme Being, is an indication of a later date than the Vedas certainly, and apparently also than the Rámáyańa, where Ráma, although an incarnation of Vishńu, commonly appears in his human character alone. There is something of the kind in the Mahábhárata in respect to Krishńa, especially in the philosophical episode known as the Bhagavad Gítá. In other places the divine nature of Krishńa is less decidedly affirmed; in some it is disputed or denied; and in most of the situations in which he is exhibited in action, it is as a prince and warrior, not as a divinity. He exercises no superhuman faculties in the defence of himself or his friends, or in the defeat and destruction of his foes. The Mahábhárata, however, is evidently a work of various periods, and requires to be read throughout carefully and critically before its weight as an authority can be accurately appreciated. As it is now in type 16--thanks to the public spirit of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and their secretary Mr. J. Prinsep--it will not be long before the Sanscrit scholars of the continent will accurately appreciate its value.

Footnotes

i:1 Vol. VIII. p. 369.

i:2 Vol. XIV. p. 37.

i:3 Published by the Oriental Translation Fund Committee.

ii:4 A translation of the principal Upanishads was published under the title of Oupnekhat, or Theologia Indica, by Anquetil du Perron: but it was made through the medium of the Persian, and is very p. iii incorrect and obscure. A translation of a very different character has been some time in course of preparation by M. Poley.

ii:5 As. Res. vol. VIII. p. 473.

iii:6 B. III. 152, 164. B. IV. 214.

iv:7 Besides the three periods marked by the Vedas, Heroic Poems, and Puráńas, a fourth may be dated from the influence exercised by the Tantras upon Hindu practice and belief; but we are yet too little acquainted with those works, or their origin, to speculate safely upon their consequences.

iv:8 As. Res. vol. VII. p. 202.

v:9 The following definition of a Puráńa is constantly quoted: it is found in the Vishńu, Matsya, Váyu, and other Puráńas:

Click to view A variation of reading in the beginning of the second line is noticed by Rámáśrama, the scholiast on Amara,

Click to view 'Destruction of the earth and the rest, or final dissolution:' in which case the genealogies of heroes and princes are comprised in those of the patriarchs.

vi:10 Researches into the Nature and Affinity of Ancient and Hindu Mythology, p.153, and note.

viii:11 Adv. Manichæos.

viii:12 Hist. Evang.

viii:13 Mosheim, vol. I. p.173.

viii:14 See P. 649 et seq.

ix:15 Theologia et Philosophia Indica, Dissert. p. xxvi.

ix:16 Three volumes have been printed: the fourth and last is understood to be nearly completed.