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criminate use of the terms prefixed to this division of our subject, and from considering them as specific denominations. They are, on the contrary, generic terms, and equally applicable to any of the erratic beggars of the Hindus, be they of what religious order they may they signify, in fact, nothing more than a man, who has abandoned the world, or has overcome his passions, and are therefore equally suitable to any of the religious vagrants we meet with in Hindustan : the term Fakir is of equally general application and import, although it is of Mohammedan origin, and in strictness more descriptive of the holy beggars of that faith.
OF THE HINDUS.
Although, however, Sunnyásis and Vairagis, and other similar denominations are used, and correctly used in a wide acceptation, yet we occasionally do find them limited in meaning, and designating distinct and inimical bodies of men. When this is the case, it may be generally concluded, that the Sunnyásis imply the mendicant followers of SIVA, and the Vairagis
those of VISHNU.
The distinction thus made requires, at its outset, a peculiar exception, for besides the indiscriminate application of the term Sannyasi to the Vaishnavas, as well as other mendicants; there is a particular class of them to whom it really appertains, these are the Tridandis, or Tridandi Sannyasis.
The word Danda originally imports a staff, and it figuratively signifies moral restraint; exercised in three ways especially, or in the control of speech, body,
