^2' RFXIGIOUS SECTS 



supreme ruler of the universe, and as distinct from Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, or 

 any individual member of the pantheon : with this admission, and in regard 

 to the weakness of those human faculties, which cannot elevate themselves 

 to the conception of the inscrutable first cause, the observance of such rites, 

 and the worship of such deities, as are either prescribed by the Vedas^ or the 

 works not incompatible with their authority, were left undisturbed by this 

 teacher;* they even received, to a certain extent, his particular sanction, 

 and the following divisions of the Hindu faith were, by his express permis- 

 sion, taught by some of his disciples, and are, consequently, regarded by the 

 learned Brahmans in general, as the only orthodox and allowable forms in 

 the present day.t The Saiva faith was instituted by Paramata KiVL.\NALA, 

 who is described as teaching at Benares, and assuming the insignia that 

 characterise the Danliis of modern times. The Vais/mava worship was 

 taught at Kdnchij or Co?ijeveram, by Lakshmana Acharya and Has- 

 TAMALAKA ; and the latter seems to have introduced a modified adoration of 

 Vishnu, in the character of Krishna. The Saura sect was continued under 

 the auspices of Divakara, Brah?ndchdri, and the Sdkta^ under those of the 

 Sanyasii Tripurakumara : the Gdnapatya were allowed to remain under the 

 presidence of Girijaputra, and from such persons as had not adopted either 



Ordinances founded on the Tantras^ the Purdnas, or historical record, are admissible if 

 accordant with the Vedas ; they must be rejected if repugnant. 



In the present impure age, the bud of wisdom being blighted by iniquity, men are inadequate 

 to the apprehension of pure unity ; they will be apt, therefore, again to follow the dictates of their 

 own fancies, and it is necessary for the preservation of the world, and the maintenance of civil and 

 religions distinctions, to acknowledge those modifications of the divine spirit which are the work of 

 the Supreme, These reflexions having occurred to Sankara, he addressed his disciples, &c. 



