INTRODUCTION
Gandhiji used to say that we should look upon texts like the Gita as the
works of poets, the works of great poets, true, but none the less just the
works of poets. The texts as we now possess them, he used to say, have
been through centuries of interpolation, distortion, deletion and distillation.
We do not even know, he said, that a Rishi named Manu ever lived. So
unsatisfactory did he find their state to be that he suggested that we bring
out a revised edition of the scriptures.
At one level this essay is an attempt to sketch out some of the reasons
that may lead a sensitive individual like Gandhiji to conclusions such as
these.

The essay is an exegesis of the praslltana-treyi— the 108 Upanishads, the
Bhagvad Gita and the BraJima-Sutras — that is, of the triad on which our
philosophical tradition rests. Much in these texts is profound. Much inthem
is sound practical advice. But much in them is just nonsense. At another
level, therefore, this essay is an attempt to sketch the consequences of a good
thing being carried too far.
The basic purpose of the essay, however, is to bare aspects of these
texts which for centuries have provided convenient rationalizations for the
existing state of affairs and which have helped reinforce the state of
affairs.
Much in the essay will offend the orthodox, much will be regarded as
blasphemous. At a time when many are seeking to aggrandize their
position by setting themselves up as the guardians of our heritage and
abusing the work of others, it may be that this essay too will invite their
compliments.
Reflecting on the reception that his proposal for bringing out a revised
edition of the scriptures was certain to receive at the bands of the orthodox,
Gandhiji said, “The certainty' that the whole mass of Hindus and the per-
sons accepted as religious leaders will not accept the validity of such autho-
rity need not interfere with the sacred enterprise. Work done sincerely and
in the spirit of service will have its effect on all in the long run and will most
assuredly help those who are badly in need of such assistance,"
While this is a puny essay compared to “the sacred enterprise” he
envisaged, I draw strength from the Mahatma’s assurance.