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quence of this doctrine is the denial of Moksha, in its more generally received sense, or that of absorption into the universal spirit, and loss of independent existence after death. The Yoga of the Saivas, and Sayujyam of the Vaishnavas, they hold to be impracticable1.
OF THE HINDUS.
The Supreme Being resides in Vaikuntha, invested with ineffable splendour, and with garb, ornaments, and perfumes of celestial origin, being the husband also of Lakshmi, or glory, Bhumi, the earth, and Nílá, understood to mean Devi, or Durgá, or personified matter. In his primary form no known qualities can be predicated of him, but when he pleases to associate with Máyά, which is properly his desire, or wish, the three attributes of purity, passion, or ignorance, or the Sattwa, Rajas, and Tamas Gunas, are manifested, as Vishnu, Brahma, and Śiva, for the
a
both are ever indefinable."- Mahopanishad: नानावृक्षरसा यथा यथा नद्यः समुद्राश्च शुद्धोदलवणे यथा । चोरापहार्यौ च यथा यथा पुंविषयावपि तथा जीवेश्वरी भिन्नौ सर्वदैव विलक्षणौ ॥ [ib. p. 69.]
In confirmation of which they adduce texts from the Puránas and Vedas:
"From the difference between Omniscience and partial knowledge, Omnipotence and inferior power, supremacy and subservience, the union of God and Life cannot take place."
Garuda Purdia: सर्वज्ञाल्पज्ञाभेदात्सर्वशक्त्यल्प शक्तिनः । स्वातन्त्र्यपारतन्त्र्याभ्यां सम्भोगो नेशजीवयोः ॥ गां पुरं ॥ “ Spirit is Supreme, and above qualities; Life is feeble and subordinate."—Bhallaveya Upanishad: आत्मा हि परमस्वतन्त्रो ऽधिगुणो जीवो ऽल्पशक्तिरस्वतन्त्रः । भां ॥
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