Vasishtha, known as the wisest of sages, like Solomon the wisest of men, and Aurelius the wisest of emperors, puts forth in the first part and in the mouth of Ráma the great question of the vanity of the world, which is shown synthetically to a great length from the state of all living existences, the instinct, inclinations, and passions of men, the nature of their aims and objects, with some discussions about destiny, necessity, activity and the state of the soul and spirit. The second part embraces various directions for the union of the individual with the universal Abstract Existence—the Supreme Spirit—the subjective and the objective truth—and the common topics of all speculative philosophy. Thus says Milton; “The end of learning is to know God.” So the Persian adage, “Akhiral ilm buad ilmi Khodá.” Such also the Sanskrit, “Sávidyá tan matir yayá.” And the sruti says, “Yad jnátwá náparan jnánam.” _i. e._ “It is that which being known, there is nothing else required to be known.” FOOTNOTES: [1] Dr. Rajendra Lala Mitra in Bengal, Benares and Orissa; Dr. Buhler in Guzrat; Dr. Kielhorn in the Central Provinces; Dr. Burnell and other Collectors of Sanskrit manuscripts in the Presidencies of Bombay, Madras and Oudh, whose notices and catalogues have highly contributed to bring the hidden treasures of the literature of this country to light. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. PROLEGOMENA. PROL. PAGE. 1. The Yoga Philosophy ” 1 2. The Om Tat Sat ” 34 VAIRÁGYA KHANDA. BOOK I. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. Page SECTION I. Divine Adoration 1 SECTION II. Narrative of Sutíkshna 1 SECTION III. Anecdote of Kárunya 2 SECTION IV. Story of Suruchi 3 SECTION V. Account of Arishtanemi 3 SECTION VI. History of Ráma 6 CHAPTER II. Reason of writing the Rámáyana 8 SECTION I Persons entitled to its Perusal 8 SECTION II. Brahmá’s Behest 9 SECTION III. Inquiry of Bharadwája 10 CHAPTER III. Válmíki’s Admonition 12 SECTION I.