Abstract of the Commemorative lecture
ON THE BEGINNINGS OF INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
The object of my university studies (begun in 1923) was, first, Comparative Philology (of the Indo-European languages)", involving the study of the old and sacred language of India:Sanskrit. I soon changed to "Indology", becoming interested--chiefly and without fiving up altogether my linguistic interests--in old Indian religion (Vedism, Brahmanism), philosophy, and Sanskrit literature in general.
The character of Vedism: it is composed (like old Iranian religion) of worship of the forces and elements of nature: Dawn (Usas), Sun (Surya), Fire (Agni), Winds (Maruts) etc, called devas "the Heavenly", and of personifications of ethical concepts: Truth (Varuna), Contract/Treaty (Mitra), Hospitality (Aryaman), Justice (Bhaga) etc., called asuras "Lords" or Adityas.
Religiously oriented search for causes and origins leads to cosmogonic questionings and speculation, finally to "Metaphysics".
My special interest: "Philosophic hymns of the Rgveda (the oldest collection of religious poetry, from middle of 2nd millenium BC)", dealing with cosmogonic themes. These "philosophic poems" should be interpreted as discussions where different points of view are brought forward. Examples are Rgveda 10.72 and 10.129; the latter is treated in detail. Of particular interest is here the growing philosophic scepticism, leading to the conviction that men and even gods are unable to penetrate the darkness of "the origin of the origin of creation".
