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And what could help him in that direction except a profession
which, while securing for him a good monthly income, would
enlarge the range of his knowledge in the realm of Spirit? This
rare combination could only be met with in the field of religious
Journalism and Pandit Guru Datta determined to start a Magazine
devoted to the discussion of philosophical, metaphysical and
theological questions. This determination took a practical turn in
the middle of 1889. A periodical under the name of 'Vedic
Magazine' was launched into existence. The first number appeared
in July. The appearance of this high class periodical produced a
great stir in the literary and religious world, the July number being
luminous with the most brilliant articles. A liberal patronage was
extended by the Aryan world and Aryas felt that in the Vedic
Magazine they had a strong and powerful exponent of the various
features of the Vedic
dharma.
In India the public gave a cordial
reception to the journal and abroad it was reviewed in highly
eulogistic terms by the Press.
The 'Vedic Magazine' was a stupendous effort in the direction
of religious reform and revival. It was intended to meet "the needs
of the ever increasing interest in the Vedas, by presenting
translations, abstracts, reviews, and criticisms on different portions
of Vedic literature, to picture the interior truths of the Vedic
philosophy, so needed in this age of externalism; to present the
philanthropic
and benevolent religion of the Vedas, in contrast with
the
sectarian
or
communitarian,
but not
humanitarian,
religions of the
world; to attach time honoured and ignorance begotten
superstitions; to teach the principles of true reforms as distinguished
from time serving and popular policies; to keep alive the pure and
simple truths of the Vedas, by presenting controversial articles and
reviews; to remove willful misrepresentations, or sincere
misunderstandings of selfish priestcraft, pedantic phillologists and
shallow materialists."36 The magnitude of this task can be easily
imagined. It could not be performed with any degree of success
unless one were thoroughly at home in the Vedic literature and in
close and intimate touch with contemporary thought. He must be
thoroughly familiar with religions of the world, especially those of
India. His knowledge in the realm of Philosophy must range over
a wide horizon and he must possess a deep acquaintance with
science.
This is a killing business, in as much as it taxes the energies