Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c13.138

c13.138

Ritual and its development.—The ritual was originally a simple affair.¹¹⁶ It consisted of the addressing of hymns of prayer by a priest to a deity accompanied by the offering of food to him. But in the course of time complexity set in. Many varieties of sacrifices were invented, and the services of several priests became necessary. Details increased and the procedure tended to be rigid. This development benefitted the priests directly, and so we notice that the chief lines of evolution during the Middle Vedic Period are the growth of ritualistic practice and associated mythology. Incidentally the beginnings of several sciences were laid, and the Brāhmaṇas became a very self-conscious and proud caste.