Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 214

174
THE UPANISHADS
in ancient Sanskrit, which has become almost
wholly unintelligible and such numberless mistakes have
been introduced by copyists, either through carelessness
or ignorance, that the most learned find themselves quite
unable to interpret the original text. Out of twenty
thousand Brahmins I do not believe that one could be
found who even partially understood the real Vedas.
The original text must not, as is often done, be con-
founded with the more modern introductions and com-
mentaries written by the penitent Vyasa. These were
interpolated with the view of rendering the text more
intelligible.
They are known under the general name of
Upanishads, and are three in number the U pa-Veda, the
Karma- Veda, and the Sakha- Veda. It is not much more
than these commentaries that the most learned of modern
Brahmins are capable of explaining. Their meaning is
unintelligible except to those who have a considerable
acquaintance with Sanskrit, the language in which they are
written.
Many learn to read and recite them mechanically,
without understanding a word of them.
In the agraharas, or Brahmin villages, and other places
where Brahmins congregate in large numbers, you may
perhaps come across some who are Sanskrit scholars, but
even they would be unable to produce a good interpretation
of the Vedas.
Some Brahmins give gratuitous instruction
in those parts of the Vedas which, thanks to the com-
mentaries, have been made intelligible, while other Brah-
mins, too poor to forgo remuneration, hold classes in which
the same instruction is given to paying pupils.
Rich Brahmins make a point of encouraging the study of
the Vedas by offering prizes and other rewards, this being
in the eyes of their fellows a work of the greatest merit.
written
;
—
The Brahmins have done the Rajahs the honour of
them also to encourage the study of the Vedas
by founding schools for that purpose and paying the pro-
fessors.
And I am convinced that nowadays they would
allowing
not refuse a similar honour even to a common Sudra.
But be that as it may, there is not much eagerness displayed
amongst the Brahmins for this tedious kind of study.
Poverty prevents some from taking it up, while indifference
and idleness prevent others.