The History of Indian Literature c8.101

c8.101

To each of these Bráhmaṇas is also annexed an Áraṇyaka, or ‘forest-portion,’ that is, the portion to be studied in the forest by the sages known to us through Megasthenes as ὑλόβιοι, and also by their disciples. This forest-life is evidently only a later stage of development in Brahmanical contemplation, and it is to it that we must chiefly ascribe the depth of speculation, the complete absorption in mystic devotion by which the Hindús are so eminently distinguished. Accordingly, the writings directly designated as Áraṇyakas bear this character impressed upon them in a very marked degree; they consist in great part of Upanishads only, in which, generally speaking, a bold and vigorous faculty of thought cannot fail to be recognised, however much of the bizarre they may at the same time contain.