DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.636#0130
118 Vaishnavism. Division into Sects.
I may acquire here or hereafter, and my own self. O
Krishna, I am thy servant.' These ceremonies may, in the
case of all but Brahmans, take the place of the initiatory rite
of orthodox Brahmanism, performed by investiture with the
sacred thread (to be afterwards described).
Another general characteristic of all the Vaishnava sects
is tenderness towards animal life. In this respect Vaish-
navism contrasts favourably with Saivism. No life must be
taken by a worshipper of Vishnu, not even that of a minute
insect, and not even for sacrifice to a deity (as, for example,
to Kali), and least of all must one's own life be taken.
It is usual for missionaries to speak with horror of the self-
immolation alleged to take place under the Car of Jagan-
nath (Krishna). But if deaths occur, they must be acci-
dental, as self-destruction is wholly opposed both to the
letter and spirit of the Vaishnava religion.
Then, of course, the several sects agree in enjoining the
use of the perpendicular coloured marks on the forehead,
called tJrdhva-pundra, described at p. 67. They are sup-
posed to denote the impress of either one or both the feet
of Vishnu, and to possess great efficacy in shielding from
evil influences and delivering from sin. In addition to these
frontal marks, most of the sects brand the breast and arms
with the circular symbol and conch-shell of Vishnu.
Finally, all the sects believe that every faithful and vir-
tuous worshipper of Vishnu is transported to his heaven,
called Vaikuntha, or to that of Krishna, called Goloka (in-
stead of to the temporary Svarga or paradise of orthodox
Brahmanism), and that when once admitted there, he is not
liable to be born again on earth. There, according to the
merit of his works, he may enjoy any of the three conditions
of bliss, Salokya, Samipya, or Sarupya, already described at
p. 41. Whether a Vaishnava may be supposed capable of
achieving the highest condition of beatification—conscious
absorption into the divine essence (Sayujya)—depends of
I may acquire here or hereafter, and my own self. O
Krishna, I am thy servant.' These ceremonies may, in the
case of all but Brahmans, take the place of the initiatory rite
of orthodox Brahmanism, performed by investiture with the
sacred thread (to be afterwards described).
Another general characteristic of all the Vaishnava sects
is tenderness towards animal life. In this respect Vaish-
navism contrasts favourably with Saivism. No life must be
taken by a worshipper of Vishnu, not even that of a minute
insect, and not even for sacrifice to a deity (as, for example,
to Kali), and least of all must one's own life be taken.
It is usual for missionaries to speak with horror of the self-
immolation alleged to take place under the Car of Jagan-
nath (Krishna). But if deaths occur, they must be acci-
dental, as self-destruction is wholly opposed both to the
letter and spirit of the Vaishnava religion.
Then, of course, the several sects agree in enjoining the
use of the perpendicular coloured marks on the forehead,
called tJrdhva-pundra, described at p. 67. They are sup-
posed to denote the impress of either one or both the feet
of Vishnu, and to possess great efficacy in shielding from
evil influences and delivering from sin. In addition to these
frontal marks, most of the sects brand the breast and arms
with the circular symbol and conch-shell of Vishnu.
Finally, all the sects believe that every faithful and vir-
tuous worshipper of Vishnu is transported to his heaven,
called Vaikuntha, or to that of Krishna, called Goloka (in-
stead of to the temporary Svarga or paradise of orthodox
Brahmanism), and that when once admitted there, he is not
liable to be born again on earth. There, according to the
merit of his works, he may enjoy any of the three conditions
of bliss, Salokya, Samipya, or Sarupya, already described at
p. 41. Whether a Vaishnava may be supposed capable of
achieving the highest condition of beatification—conscious
absorption into the divine essence (Sayujya)—depends of