How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Like Kali," acknowledged the priest. "And in the cases of both deities have I often sought justification for atheism. Unfortunately, they manifest themselves too strongly in the world for their existence to be denied effectively. Pity." (3.290)
Death and suffering present a bit of a bind for this priest. On the one hand, how can he believe in gods that allow death and suffering? On the other hand, if he's going to die, how can he not believe in god? That's a doozy of a quandary. Best to grow a thinking beard before tackling it.
Quote #5
Over the years, their names would merge and their deeds would be mingled. He had lived too long not to know how time stirred the pots of legend. (4.346)
How does one separate truth, history, and legend in any religion? This passage suggests that, in time, these things get inseparably mingled.