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A reading in proper sources gives ample proof that the rich symbolism of India from which so much valuable insight into the psychology of the early Hindus has been obtained, is but the outgrowth of the attempt of their earliest philosophers to visualize for the people the concepts they had arrived at of the universe and its relations. It is not the purpose of this paper to trace the development of this symbolism from its simple bases to its abundant flowering. Nor has it as a purpose a further exploration of the early Hindu mind from its symbolical expression. Rather the purpose is to show for the appreciation of the historically minded that these ancient observers had a keen recognition of psychological fundamentals and the ability to express them with clarity.
The method chosen for the presentation of the material is that of direct quotation from the literal translations of ancient Hindu records as found in Miiller's Sacred Books of the East printed at the Oxford Press. Correspondence with American scholars has established the fact that the series is the standard for students in this field, and that the authenticity is unquestioned. The exact age of the original writings is unknown. It is known, however, that they had their beginnings several centuries antecedent to the Christian era, that the earlier ones were developed prior to the rise of Grecian civilization, and the later ones independently thereof.
The nature of the material makes stylistic disconnectedness unavoidable. While this may be regretted by some, it does have the advantage of leading the reader to concentrate on the quotations. This enhances the opportunity for appreciation of the learning of these early philosophers in the natural sciences.
The Mind was considered of such supreme importance that the whole created universe was considered a development thereof in its primal form. Thus it is written that the universe in the beginning was neither existent nor nonexistent— “there was then only that Mind.”