Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/184

 154 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. { Chap. nothing corresponding to this line in the orginal epic, which makes it only the more significant in Bengali, as shewing to what an extent Brahmin- worship was developed in this country in a sub- sequent age. A Brahmin was called Bhadeva or god on earth. In the period of the Upanisadas, the glory of a Brahmin lay in his knowledge of the Supreme Being. In the Pauranik age he claimed reverence equal to that offered to the gods, by virtue of his birth alone. The reason But how are we to account for the meek sub- of Brah- min-wor- mission of the people to the Brahmanical yoke? ship. Why did they allow a class of their own community to usurp the reverence due to their gods, on the claim of birth alone, and how could such wild stories about their powers obtain credence with the laity ? The Yogis. In explanation of these startling facts, we have to remember that the highest type of Brahmin was that of the Yogi, who had renounced the world, and developed the mystic powers of the soul by communion with God. These were un- approached and unapproachable. The people of Hindustan believed in the miraculous power of the Yogis and offered a reverence to them which was not less than that they gave to the gods. The next class amongst the Brahmins was that of pious saints, who were great scholars, caring only fora pure and stainless life and totally indifferent to worldly considerations. Such men took no thought for the morrow, even as Jesus taught. One of these was tempted by Maharaja Krishna Chandra of Nava- The Saints.