7rcTIX1xP

A Series of Lessons on the Inner Teachings of the Philosophies and Religions of India1332
starved themselves to death as a religious act, but at present this practice is
almost unknown.
The Theistic Sects.
During the Nineteenth Century there arose a number of modern Theistic
Sects in India, closely resembling the Unitarian Movement in America. The
principal sect of this kind is the Brahma-Somaj, which is called a “natural
religion,” denying the infallibility of the Vedas, and adhering to the worship
of One God, or Supreme Ruler of the Universe, rejecting all images or
symbols. Kesab Chandra was the prime mover in establishing this sect, about
1870. Another similar sect was founded in Bombay, about the same time,
called the Prarthana-Somaj, which holds to the general Unitarian doctrine,
but discourages Christian influence or affiliation, preferring strictly Hindu
control and membership. The Arya-Somaj is another sect of this kind, which
was founded by Dayananda Sarasvati about the same time as the other two
similar schools. This sect discards caste, images, mythology, and tradition, but
respects the Vedas, which embrace its doctrine of a strict Monotheism. The
teachers of this school interpret the Vedas in the light of modern religious
thought, including the teachings of modern science.
Ramakrishna.
A marked influence on modern Hindu religious thought was exerted
by Bhagavan Shri Ramakrishna, who lived and taught in India during the
last part of the Nineteenth Century, and who founded a school which now
includes many Hindus of the better classes of the community. His teachings
were based on the Fundamental Doctrines, as interpreted by the Advaitists,
but his views were extremely broad and catholic. He claimed all men as his
brothers and co-religionists; all countries as his home; and all religions as
his very own. By many of his followers he is regarded as an Incarnation of
Divinity. His teachings created a great revival of religious interest in India,
the effects of which are still very apparent. A branch of his movement was