The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c10.10

c10.10

First, however, a general remark on sacrifice is in order. In spite of many efforts, there does not seem to be a satisfactory theory explaining this phenomenon.¹¹ This is perhaps to be expected. At least it is in keeping with the problem sacrifice presents to the participants themselves. The communication between this and the yonder world by way of sacrifice (or otherwise) always remains a problem that defies attempts at a definitive solution. The point that most of all hampers our understanding is the unavoidable interlacing of sacrifice and gift.