570 Air. CoLEBROOKE on the rhilosoplty of Indian Sectaries. 



human origin and correct scope of tlie Panchardtra ; the authority of which 

 he strenuously maintains, and earnestly justifies its doctrine on the con- 

 troverted points ; and even endeavours to put a favourable construction on 

 Badauayana's text, as upholding rather than condemning its positions. 



Vasudeva, who is Vishnu, is by this sect identified with Bhagavat, the 

 Supreme Being ; the one, omniscient, first principle, which is both the 

 efficient and tlie material cause of the universe ; and is likewise its super- 

 intending and ruling providence. That being, dividing himself, became 

 four persons, by successive production. From him immediately sprung 

 Sancarshan'a, from whom came Pradyumna ; and from the latter issued 

 Aniruddha. (Sflwcr/ri/^c/^j'rt is identified with the living soul (j'wa) ; Prad- 

 yumna, with mind (manus) ; and Aniruddlta, with {ahancm'o) egotism, or 

 consciousness. 



In the mythology of the more orthodox Vaishn' avas, Vasudeva is 

 CrTshna ; Sancarshan'a is his brother Bala-uama; Pradyumna is his son 

 Cama (Cupid) ; and Aniruddha is son of Cama. 



VAsuDiivA, or Bhagavat, being supreme nature, and sole cause of all, the 

 rest are effects. He has six especial attributes, being endued with the six 

 pre-eminent qualities of 



1st. Knowledge Qnymui), or acquaintance with everything animate or 

 inanimate constituting the universe. 



2d. Power (s'acti), which is the plastic condition of the world's nature. 

 3d. Strength (bala), which creates without effort, and maintains its own 

 creation without labour. 

 4th. Irresistible will (aisfwarya), power not to be opposed or obstructed. 

 5th. Vigour (virya), wliich counteracts change, as that of milk into curds, 

 and obviates alteration in nature. 



6th. Energy {tcjas), or independence of aid or adjunct in the world's 

 creation, and capacity of subjugating others. 



From tlic diffusion and co-operation of knowledge with strength, Sancar- 

 shan'a spriuig ; from vigour and irresistible will, Pradyumna ; and from 

 power and energy, Aniruddha. Or they may all be considered as partaking 

 of all the six attributes. 



Deliverance, consisting in the scission of worldly shackles, is attainable 

 by worship of the deity, knowledge of him, and profound contemplation j 

 that is, 1st. by resorting to the holy temples, with body, thought, and 

 speech subdued, and muttering the morning prayer, together with hymns 



