A History of Indian Literature v1.c8.s3.114

v1.c8.s3.114

The Brahmans, however, were from the beginning much too practical a people to have used the magic charms always only in the interest of kings or other people, and not also for themselves. Among the magic incantations belonging to the "kings' rites" we already find a few which are concerned more with the Purohita, the indispensable family priest of the king, than with the latter himself. And although attacks on witchcraft and exorcisms are not lacking 2) in brahmanical literature, yet the law-book of Manu (XI, 33) says clearly and distinctly: "Without hesitation the Brahman shall make use of the sacred texts of the Atharvaveda; the word, indeed, is the weapon of the Brahman; therewith may he kill his enemies." Thus also in the Atharvaveda we find a whole series of magic incantations and exorcisms in the interest of the Brahmans. In these hymns the inviolability of the Brahmans and their possessions is repeatedly emphasized in the strongest manner, and the heaviest curses are pronounced against those who assail the property and lives of the Brahmans. Besides this, the mystical meaning of the Dakṣiṇa, *i.e.* the sacrificial fee, is emphasized in the most extravagant expressions. The heaviest of all sins is to oppress Brahmans; the highest summit of piety is to give them liberal fees for sacrifice; these are the fundamental ideas running through all these songs, which are among the most unedifying of the whole Atharvaveda. Only a few of the better of these hymns contain prayers for enlightenment, wisdom, fame and theological knowledge. All songs belonging to this class might unhesitatingly be included amongst the latest parts of the Atharvaveda collection.