Of course, this entire fabric of Indian life stands solidly on faith, that is to say, on a slender and emotional hypothesis. But amid all the beliefs of Europe, and of Asia, that of the Indian Brahmins seems to me infinitely the most alluring. And the reason why I love the Brahmin more than the other schools of Asiatic thought is because it seems to me to contain them all. Greater than all European philosophies, it is even capable of adjusting itself to the vast hypotheses of modern science. Our Christian religions have tried in vain, when there were no other choice open to them, to adapt themselves to the progress of science. But after having allowed myself to be swept away by the powerful rhythm of Brahmin thought, along the curve or life, with its movement of alternating ascent and return, I come back to my own century, and while finding therein the immense projections of a new cosmogony, offspring of the genius of Einstein, or deriving freely from the discoveries, I yet do not feel that I enter a strange land. I yet can hear resounding still the cosmic symphony of all those planets which forever succeed each other, are extinguished and once more illumined, with their living souls, their humanities, their gods - according to the laws of the eternal To Become, the Brahmin Samsara - I hear Siva dancing, dancing in the heart of the world, in my own heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author praises Brahmin thought for its flexibility, emotional depth, and ability to coexist with modern science better than European religions.
- In plain terms
- Rolland prefers Indian Brahmin philosophy for its adaptability and capacity to align with science.
- What can you take from it?
- Value spiritual frameworks that adapt to scientific progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can faith and science coexist peacefully?
- Which traditions best adapt to modernity?
Another view
The comparison generalizes European religions as less adaptable than Brahmin thought.
More from Romain Rolland
The vast and tranquil metaphysics of India is unfolded; her conception of the universe, her social organization, perfect in its day and still capable of adapta…
Permalink to quote #17 In the great philosophy of Brahma, such violent turns of the scale are quite unknown. It embraces vast stretches of time, cycles of human ages, whose successiv…
Permalink to quote #19 The greatest human ideal is the great cause of bringing together the thoughts of Europe and Asia; the great soul of India will topple our world.
Permalink to quote #16
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