Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c17.s2.31

c17.s2.31

Much more light from other literatures is needed before any certainty can be felt in this case as to the details of the interpretation: but it seems sufficiently clear that we have before us the sincere attempt of a theological school to grapple with fundamental problems of morality, such as the instinct of shame in regard to sexual relations, the prohibition of marriage between near relatives, and the rival claims of reason and the divine law to man's unquestioning obedience. The solution suggested in the Veda is perhaps near akin to that of Genesis: had the first human beings had more faith, the heavenly powers would have spared them the sin and pain of an animal mode of procreation, and yet would have found a way to perpetuate the human race.