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RELIGIOUS SECTS
strength and numbers, and consequent struggle for pre-eminence are quite sufficient to account for the dispute'.
SÁKTAS.
The worshippers of the SAKTI, the power or energy of the divine nature in action, are exceedingly numerous amongst all classes of Hindus. This active energy is, agreeably to the spirit of the mythological system, personified, and the form with which it is invested, considered as the especial object of veneration, de
The irregular practices of these and other mendicants have attracted the lash of KABIR in the following Ramainí:
RAMAINÍ 69.
ऐसा योगो न देखा भाई । भूल किरै लिये गफलाई, &c.
"I never beheld such a Jogi, oh brother! forgetting his doctrine he roves about in negligence. He follows professedly the faith of MAHADEVA, and calls himself an eminent teacher; the scene of his abstraction is the fair or market. MÁYÁ is the mistress of the false saint. When did DATTATREYA demolish a dwelling? when did ŚUKADEVA collect an armed host? when did NÁRADA mount a matchlock? when did VrÁSADEVA blow a trumpet? In making war, the creed is violated. Is he an Atit, who is armed with a quiver? Is he a l'irakta, who is filled with covetousness? His garb is put to shame by his gold ornaments; he has assembled horses and mares, is possessed of villages, is called a man of wealth; a beautiful woman was not amongst the embellishments of Sanaka and his brethren; he who carries with him a vessel of ink. cannot avoid soiling his raiment."
2 It has been computed, that of the Hindus of Bengal at least three-fourths are of this sect: of the remaining fourth three parts are l'aishnavas, and one Sairas, &c.
