[362] A. Weber, in "Abh. d. Berl. Akad." 1861, s. 291.
[363] Manu, 3, 162; 6, 50.
[364] A. Weber, "Vorl." s. 224 ff. The first traces of astrology in the strict sense besides the mention in the book of the law are found in the sutras of the Buddhists, e. g. in Burnouf, loc. cit. p. 140, 141, if we do not prefer the accounts of the Greeks to those legends which were written in Magadhi (Pali) the native language of Magadha, and the central Ganges in general, and have come down in the form which they received in the middle of the third century B.C., but also contain fragments of far greater antiquity. In any case, preference must be given to the simple sutras (Burn. loc. cit. p. 232), and these lay great stress on the astrology and soothsaying of the Brahmans. After this we meet with numerous traces of astrology in the Epos; but the law-book of Yajnavalkya is the first to command the worship of planets.
[365] M. Müller, loc. cit. p. 109 ff.
[366] Muir, "Sanskrit Texts," 3, 245 ff.
[367] A. Weber, "Indische Studien," 9, 2, 72, 74.
[368] Manu, 1, 33-40, 61, ff.
[369] Manu, 9, 31-34; 313-322.
[370] "Ramayana," ed. Schlegel, 1, 51-65. In this extended form this episode may, it is true, have first arisen at a much later time, as is shown by the mention of Vishnu and Çiva, and the Yavanas (Greeks). If in spite of these additions which are not important, I confidently place it at this date, I do so because the importance of the penitent and his power over the gods, the creation of beings by the penance of saints, i. e. the degradation of the gods, must be placed before the appearance of Buddha. This is the essential hypothesis for the religion which the doctrine of Buddha found in existence. In the Mahabharata this legend is told more briefly. Muir, "Sanskrit Texts," 196 ff.
[371] A. Weber, "Ind. Stud." 1, 414.