The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c6.7

c6.7

From the beginning of India's history religious institutions control the character and the development of its people to an extent unknown elsewhere. Hindu life from birth to death, and even after death in the fancied life of the Fathers, or Manes in heaven, is religious, or sacramental throughout. It is surrounded by institutions and practices, and clouded by superstitions which are discarded only by them that have worked their way to the highest philosophical aspects of religion.