From the caves and jungles of Hindostan

FROM THE CAVES AND JUNGLES OF HINDOSTAN.

Long before the time of scholars of Eastern culture original: "Orientalists" such as Burnouf, Colebrooke, and Max Müller, there were many reformers in India who tried to prove the pure monotheism of the Vedic doctrines. There have even been founders of new religions who denied the divine revelations of these scriptures; for example, Raja Ram Mohun Roy and, after him, Babu Keshub Chunder Sen, both of whom were Bengalis from Calcutta. However, neither of them had much success. They did nothing but add new denominations to the countless sects already existing in India. Ram Mohun Roy died in England, having accomplished almost nothing. Keshub Chunder Sen founded the "Brahmo-Samaj" community, which follows a religion pulled from the depths of his own imagination. He became an extreme mystic and is now "cut from the same cloth" Russian idiom: "a berry from the same field" as the Spiritualists, who consider him a medium and a "Calcutta Swedenborg" Emanuel Swedenborg was a Swedish scientist and mystic known for his visions. He spends his time in a dirty ritual pond, singing praises to Chaitanya, the Koran, Buddha, and himself, proclaiming himself their prophet. He even performs a mystical dance while dressed in women's clothing, which he considers a tribute to a "woman goddess" whom he calls his "mother, father, and eldest brother."

In short, all attempts to re-establish the pure, primitive monotheism of Aryan India have failed. They always crashed upon the twin rocks of Brahmanism and centuries-old prejudices. But then, unexpectedly, the pandit Dayanand appeared. Not even his most beloved disciples know who he is or where he comes from. He openly admits to the crowds that the name by which he is known is not his own, but was given to him during his initiation as a Yogi.

The mystical school of Yogis was established by

Patanjali, the founder of one of the six philosophical systems of ancient India. It is believed that the Neoplatonists of the second and third Alexandrian Schools were followers of Indian Yogis; specifically, tradition states that Pythagoras brought their magical practices original: "theurgy" from India. Hundreds of Yogis still exist in India who follow Patanjali's system and claim to be in communion with Brahma. Nevertheless, most of them are idle beggars by profession and great frauds, profiting from the locals' insatiable desire for miracles. The true Yogis avoid public appearances and spend their lives in secluded retirement and study, except when—as in Dayanand's case—they emerge in a time of need to help their country.

However, it is absolutely certain that India has not seen a more learned Sanskrit scholar, a deeper philosopher, a more wonderful orator, or a more fearless critic of evil than Dayanand since the time of Shankaracharya, the celebrated founder of the Vedanta philosophy. Vedanta is the most metaphysical of Indian systems and is considered the crown of pantheistic teaching. Furthermore, Dayanand's personal appearance is striking. He is immensely tall and his complexion is pale, appearing more European than Indian. His eyes are large and bright, and his grayish hair is long. The Yogis and Dikshatas (the initiated) never cut their hair or beards. His voice is clear and loud, perfectly suited to express every shade of deep feeling, ranging from a sweet, child-like whisper to thundering wrath against the wicked deeds and lies of the priests. All of this combined produces an indescribable effect on the impressionable Hindus. Wherever Dayanand appears, crowds prostrate themselves in the dust where he has walked. But, unlike Babu Keshub Chunder Sen, he does not teach them a