Hindu Medicine c5.s2.24

c5.s2.24

immigrants. In this respect, it gives a symbolic representation of the history of India, expressing ancient thought in a new language.¹¹ But the greatest significance of the myth is this, that it is not merely an irresponsible play of fantasy, but teaches in pictorial script an attitude toward life. As “Nietzsche says: ‘It is not true that there is some hidden thought or idea at the bottom of the myth, as some in a period of civilization which has become artifical have put it, but the myth itself is a kind or style of thinking. It imparts an idea of the universe, but it does it in the sequence of events, actions and sufferings.’” That is the reason why for us it is a mirror “telling us what we are and how we should behave”¹² In the same way, it is spiritual guidance that is provided by all the sacraments, or rites, or initiations, or steps, or however one may choose to call the multiple practices and customs that in India take hold of the human being and carry him throughout life.¹³