RELIGIOUS SECTS OF THE HINDUS. 297 



How should a Fakir conduct himself? — He should perform what he promises, and 

 not promise what he cannot perform. 



Should evil be done to evil doers ? — The Fakir is to do evil to none, he is to consi- 

 der good and ill alike, so Hafiz says — >" The repose of the two worlds depends upon 

 two rules, kindness to friends and gentleness to foes." 



What is the nature of the Takia (the pillow or abbacy ?) — To commence with a seat 

 upon it is improper, and at all times an erratic life is preferable; when the body is weaken- 

 ed by age or sickness, the Fakir may then repose upon his pillow : so situated, he should 

 welcome every Fakir as his guest, and consider nothing but God to be his own. 



Is it necessary for a Fakir, to withdraw from the world ? — It is prudent but not neces- 

 sary : the man in society who fixes his heart on God is a Fakir, and the Fakir who takes 

 an interest in the concerns of men is a man of the world, so Maulana Rum observes — ■ 

 " What is the world ? forgetful ness of God, not clothes, nor wealth, nor wife, nor offspring." 



What is the difference between nature and created things ? — Some compare them to 

 the seed and the tree. The seed and the tree are equivalent though related; although the 

 same in substance, they are not necessarily co-existent nor co-relative. They may be also 

 compared to the waves and the sea ; the first cannot be without the second, but the sea 

 may be without waves, wind is necessary to their product : so, although nature and created 

 things are of one essence, yet the evolution of the latter from the former requires the 

 interference of an evolving cause, or the interposition of a Creator. 



Are the soul, life, and body merely shadows ? — The soul is of the same nature as God, 

 and one of the many properties of universal life ; like the sea, and a drop of water ; when 

 the latter joins the former, it also is sea. 



How do the Paramutma (supreme soul) and Jivatma (living soul) differ ? — They do 

 not differ, and pleasure and pain ascribable to the latter, arises from its imprisonment in the 

 body — the water of the Ganges is the same whether it run in the river's bed or be shut up 

 in a decanter. 



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