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306 A JOURNEY FROM MADRAS THROUGH 
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CHAPTER sect follow, as peculiar to themselves, four Sdstrams, or books, called 
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Mimdsa , Tarka, Vydkaranam , and Vedanta , which are said to contain 
July 8, &c. a system of logic, metaphysics, and grammar, that is necessary to 
explain the doctrine of the Vedas ; and the Sankara Bhashd , a com- 
mentary which explains the doctrine of the Sutras . 
The Gurus of the Smartal sect seem to act chiefly in an episcopal 
capacity ; that is, as superintendants of the manners of their fol- 
lowers. They would not appear to perform any ceremony for the 
sect, which, as being followers of Siva, does not admit of Chakrdn- 
tikam ; and among the Smartal, it is the Purohita who gives Upadesa . 
When a Smartal commits any fault, if the Guru or his deputy be 
near, he assembles ten learned men of the sect, and with their ad- 
vice punishes the delinquent. If, however, the fault he of such a 
nature as tQ deserve excommunication, which is the highest pu- 
nishment, the Guru must for the purpose assemble a Trimatasteru 
or council composed of the most learned men of the three sects, 
Smartal, A’ayngar, and Madual. These councils may be held, and 
may punish delinquents, without the presence of either Guru, or 
deputy. The faults that occasion a loss of cast, and for which no 
pardon can be given, are, I. Sexual intercourse within the prohi- 
bited degree of consanguinity. II. Sexual intercourse with any 
prohibited cast. III. Eating forbidden food, or drinking intoxi- 
cating liquors. IV. Stealing. V. Slaying of any animal of the cow 
kind, or of the human species; but a Brahman is permitted to kill 
his enemy in battle. VI. Eating in company with persons of another 
cast, or of food dressed by their impure hands. VII. Eating on 
board a ship food that has been dressed there. VIII. Omitting to 
perform the ceremonies due to their deceased parents. For smaller 
offences, the Guru or his deputies punish in various ways; by com- 
manding pilgrimages, or fasts; by fines; by holding burning straw 
to the body of the delinquent, which is sometimes done with such 
severity as to occasion death ; by shaving the head, so as to occa- 
sion a temporary separation from the cast ; and by giving large 
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