The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c6.8

c6.8

The religious life of the Brahmanical Hindu is divided into the four stages¹ of religious disciple; godfearing and sacrificing householder; contemplative forest-dweller; and wandering, world-abandoning ascetic. Such at least is the theory of their religious law. Even though practice at all times fell short of this mechanical and exacting arrangement, yet the claim is allowed that life is an essentially solitary religious pilgrimage, the goal being personal salvation. There is no provision in such a scheme for the interests of the State and the development of the race. Unintentionally, but none the less effectively, they are left out of account, leaving a corresponding blank in India's national character.