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A Series of Lessons on the Inner Teachings of the Philosophies and Religions of India1150
later the apathy and numbness of old age in church life would come to the
new school also, and then would rise another schism or reform. And so, on
through the centuries, school after school has arisen—schism after schism
has sprung into existence—each having its birth, rise, decline, death and
decay—and each having as its source of inspiration the Philosophy of the
Fathers, which had been handed down principally by tradition and legend,
the Oriental memory being remarkable in this respect, the teachings of
many centuries ago having been handed down intact from teacher to pupil,
by pure memory, even unto this day.
After the lapse of several centuries, there began to be numerous bits of
writing on the part of the Hindu poets and others, into which naturally crept
mention of the early teachings and philosophy, much of it being related in
a style coloured and tinged with the poetic fancy of the writer. Then, after
a time, learned teachers would form schools of teachings and thought from
which would arise philosophical writings on the part of their followers. In
this way arose the Upanishads, that wonderful collection of ancient Sanscrit
writings, in which is contained scraps of the highest philosophical thought
and wisdom that ever emanated from the mind of man. If one has the Master-
Key of the fundamental teachings, such as we have mentioned in this lesson,
he may read from the Upanishads an elaboration and exemplification of
these doctrines that will prove a source of the greatest delight to him, and
which will result in the opening up of his mind to the highest and most
elevating thoughts. The boldness and daring whereby some of these old
thinkers pursue an idea to its logical conclusion is a revelation to the mind
trained in the cautious and time-serving methods of many of the Western
philosophers of the past. Surrounded on all sides by orthodox religions and
peoples, the writers of the Upanishads did not hesitate to reason out a line of
thought, even if thereby the entire dogmas of the prevailing religion would
be swept away. And, stranger still, India has ever been almost entirely free
from religious persecution and tyranny, and even a powerful priesthood
has never been able to overcome the inherent Hindu prejudice in favour of