[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Religion and philosophy](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion) › [The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908) › c8.67 # The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c8.67 The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c8.67 - **Language:** English ### [c8.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8.67) The religion of the Veda, as we have observed, rests upon the material foundation of cult and sacrifice. These performances are not always regarded merely as merchandise wherewith to traffic for the blessings of the gods. They begin to evolve intrinsic virtues and harmonies. In a later time, the time of the Yajur-Vedas, as we have seen,³ the technical acts of the sacrifice are imbued with magic and divine power. But even in the Rig-Veda the sacrifice fire is kindled under the "yoking of the \*ṛta\*," or, as we should say, under the auspices of world order. Agni, the god of fire, is “scion of the \*ṛta\*,” or “first-born of the \*ṛta\*.” He performs his work with \*ṛta\*, carries oblations to the gods “on the path of \*ṛta\*.” Prayers, lowing like cattle, “longing for the \*soma\*-drink,” take effect in accordance with \*ṛta\*.¹ A figure of speech, bold to the point of grotesqueness, turns prayer into “\*ṛta\*-fluid, distilled by the tongue.”² Holy sacrifice, in distinction from foul magic, is performed with \*ṛta\*: “I call upon the gods, undefiled by witchcraft. With \*ṛta\* I perform my work, carry out my thought.” Thus exclaims a poetic mind conscious of its own rectitude.³ - [Previous: c8.66](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8.66) - [Next: c8.68](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8.68) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.religion.bloomfield-1908.c8.67) · Pramāṇa