68 Some Account of the Rdmsariehis, a Sect of [Feb. 



Ramcharan to frame a code from the most approved writings of Hin- 

 du law-givers : to avoid giving a shock to the prejudices of the peo- 

 ple he desired to convert, he wisely took the Shastras for his guide, 

 culling that which was good, and rejecting all that he deemed mis- 

 chievous — and he called those who adopted his opinions Ramsanehi, 

 friends or servants of God. 



The Mahant readily engaged to furnish me with a complete collec- 

 tion of their sacred writings ; but as there was but one copy in the 

 temple, I succeeded in bringing away with me only a few selections, 

 of which I subjoin a translation. The head of each page is inscribed 

 with the holy name of Ram, used by the society as an initial title of 

 respect, corresponding with the Alif (Allah) of the Musalmans, and 

 Sri of the Hindus, and signifying, that an author solicits the blessing 

 of God on commencing a work, and invokes success on the undertak- 

 ing. 



The Mahant wrote the first Sabd in an elegant hand, the rest 

 were transcribed by the priests in a corresponding style of beauty, 

 and red ink-marks are introduced in the commencement and end of 

 each couplet. The religious works of the Ramsanehis are written 

 in the Deva Nagari character, and chiefly in the Hindi language, 

 with an admixture of Rajwara provincialisms — but there are also a 

 great many Sanskrit and some Panjabi verses, and Arabic and Per- 

 sian words likewise find a place. 



Of the Priests. 



Priests are called either Byragi or Sadh, and are divided into 

 three classes, the two last of which, denominated Bedehi and Moha- 

 ni, I shall notice presently. They are enjoined to study the holy 

 writings, and to disclaim all merit in their works : to observe celibacy, 

 chastity, humility, abstinence, and contentment : to put a restraint 

 upon the tongue : to sleep little : to accustom the body to hardships 

 and fatigue : and to exercise charity, liberality, and mercy. Anger, 

 brawls, avarice, selfishness, usury, gaming, lying, theft, lust, hypo- 

 crisy, and all kinds of luxuries are strongly denounced. 



Priests are commanded never to look at their face in a glass, nor 

 to use snuff, perfumes, or ornaments, as such things savour of vanity. 

 To go bare-footed, and on no account to ride on any kind of convey- 

 ance : never to destroy any thing animate, nor to live in solitude, nor 

 to ask or receive money. Dancing, music, and other frivolous amuse- 

 ments are forbidden, and to taste of tobacco, opium, and all intoxicat- 

 ing drugs and spirits. 



They are not permitted to prepare medicines, but do not object to 

 receive them in time of sickness at the hand of a stranger. 



