Chapter 1

Produced by John B. Hare and Chetan Jain. HTML version by Al Haines.

The Šikshâ-Patrî of the Svâmi-Nârâya.na Sect

JOURNAL

OF

THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY.

[New Series, Volume XIV]

[London, Trübner and Company]

[1882]

{Scanned and edited by Christopher M. Weimer, May 2002. Circumflexes represent macrons in this file, and ç represents c with an acute marking. Also, the name Brahma (not Param Brahma) is spelled with a breve over the final a, which is not represented.}

ART. XXIV.--_Sansk.rit Text of the Šikshâ-Patrî of the Svâmi-Nârâya.na Sect_. Edited by Professor Monier Williams, C.I.E., D.C.L.

[THE text of the Šikshâ-Patrî of the modern Vaish.nava Sect, called Svâmi-Nârâya.na, was lithographed in Samvat 1928 (A.D. 1872) by order of the Heads of the Sect. It has a Gujarâtî Commentary by Nityânanda-muni. So far as I know, this is the only version of the text that has yet appeared. It was given to me by the Wartâl Mahârâja on the occasion of my first visit to Wartâl in 1875. It is full of mistakes, and in preparing the following edition of the text I have taken as my guide the far more accurate manuscript and Sansk.rit commentary written by Pa.n.dit Šatânanda-muni, and given to me by the Mahârâja on the same occasion.]

TRANSLATION OF THE FOREGOING ŠIKSHÂ-PATRÎ.

BY PROFESSOR MONIER WILLIAMS.

[In making the following translation I have been careful to study the Sansk.rit commentary called Artha-dîpikâ, written for me in clear beautiful characters by Pa.n.dit Šatânanda-muni (one of the disciples of Svâmi-Nârâya.na), by order of the Wartâl Mahârâja, after one of the formal visits to the Wartâl Temple, which were kindly arranged for me by Mr. Frederick Sheppard, C.S., late Collector of Kaira, and now Commissioner. The translation is the first ever made by any European scholar, though it is right I should mention that I have consulted a fairly accurate version (not always perfect either in its renderings or its English) written by She.th Bhogilâl Prânjîvandâs, of the Bombay Education Society's Institution, Ahmedabad, and given in Mr. H. C. Briggs' work, "The Cities of Gujarâsh.tra." I have also received assistance from my friend Pa.n.dit Shyâmajî K.rish.na-varmâ, of Balliol College, Oxford.]

1. I meditate in my heart on that K.rish.na on whose left side is seated Râdhâ, on whose breast reclines Šrî (Lakshmî), and who enjoyed sport (with them) in V.rindâvana.

2. I, Sahajânanda.h Svâmî (afterwards called Svâmî-Nârâya.na), living at V.rittâlaya, write this Letter of instructions (or Book of directions) to all my followers scattered throughout various countries.

3. Let the two youths named Ayodhyâ-prasâda and Raghu-vîra, the sons of my two brothers, Râma-pratâpa and Iççhâ-râma, who were the children of Dharma (or Hari-prasâda);

4. And let those Naish.thika Brahmaçârîs (that is to say, those Brahmans who continue Brahma-çârîs or celibates all their lives), the chief among whom is Mukundânanda, and those G.rihasthas (householders), such as Mayârâma-Bha.t.ta, and other of my followers;

5. And let those women, whether wives or widows, who have become my disciples, and the whole number of holy men (Sâdhus), such as Muktânanda and others;

6. Let all these (persons) constantly give heed to my prayers for their perpetual continuance in their own proper duties--(my prayers) offered up with repetition of the name K.rish.na (Nârâya.na), and in accordance with the sacred scriptures. (Literally--Let my benedictory words which keep them in their own duties be always read by all these persons accompanied by repetition of the name of K.rish.na, and approved by the Šâstras.)

7. Let this Letter of directions, which has important objects (to be hereafter enumerated), and which promotes the welfare of all living beings, be studied with perfect concentration of mind by all these (persons).

8. Those (virtuous) persons who conform to the good usages enjoined by the sacred Šâstras will always enjoy great happiness both in this world and in that which is to come.

9. But those evil-minded persons who wilfully transgress such (good usages) will certainly suffer great misery in this world as well as in the next.

10. Therefore let all of you who are my disciples always remain careful and well-contented in the observance of this (Book of directions).

11. Let no followers of mine ever intentionally kill any living thing whatever--not even a louse, flea, or the most minute insect.

12. The killing of any animal such as a goat, etc., for the purpose of sacrificing to the Gods and Pit.ris, must not be practised; because it is declared, that abstinence from injury to others is the highest of all duties.

13. The killing of any human being in any way, at any place, for any object, (even) for the sake of acquiring a wife, wealth, or political supremacy, is wholly prohibited.

14. Suicide at a sacred place of pilgrimage, or from passion, either by hanging, or by poison in consequence of the commission of a criminal act [Footnote: A father sometimes kills himself because a criminal act has been committed by a member of his family], is prohibited.

15. Flesh meat should never be eaten, not even that which remains of a sacrifice. Spirituous liquor of any kind should never be drunk, not even that presented to the Gods.

16. If an unlawful act has been committed anywhere by one's self or any other person, no member either of one's own or any other person's body should be on that account mutilated with a weapon of any kind through anger.

17. All theft is prohibited, even that which is committed under pretence of contributing to religious purposes; nor must such things as wood and flowers that have an owner ever be abstracted without his permission.

18. Let no male or female followers of mine ever commit adultery. Let them shun gaming and similar vices, and abstain from all intoxicating liquors and substances such as hemp, etc.

19. Nowhere--except in Jagannâtha-purî--let a man accept water or food which has been cooked by one from whom food is not to be taken (_i.e._ from a person of low caste), even though that food may have formed the Prasâda [Footnote: By Prasâda is meant the remains of food presented as an offering to a god. Here the word must be either prasâdî or prasâdi, from prasâdin] of K.rish.na (that is, the remains of what has been presented as an offering to K.rish.na).

20. No calumnious language must be used against any one for the sake of promoting one's own interests. No abusive words must ever be spoken.

21. Never use nor listen to profane language against the Gods, sacred places, Brâhmans, holy women, Sâdhus and the Vedas.

22. The remains of the offering to that Goddess to whom flesh and liquor are offered and in whose presence the killing of goats, etc., takes place, are not to be eaten.

23. If you happen on the road to see before you a temple of Šiva or any other God, having first made a salutation, respectfully enter inside to view the image.

24. Let no one abandon the duties of the class and order to which he belongs, nor practise the religious duties of others; nor have anything to do with those propounded by heretical teachers.

25. The narrative of the exploits of the Lord K.rish.na should not be heard from the mouth of any person whose words lead one to fall from his worship or from duty.

26. Never tell a truth which is likely to cause serious injury to yourself or to any one else. Avoid associating with ungrateful persons. Never accept a bribe from any person whatever.

27. Never associate with thieves, wicked or vicious persons, heretics, people who are in love, and people who are engaged in dishonest occupations.

28. Never associate with those who, through eager desire to obtain a wife, wealth or some sensual gratification, practise sinful acts under pretext of devotion to religion or to sacred knowledge.

29. Never pay attention to those books in which K.rish.na and his incarnations are impugned by controversial arguments.

30. No unstrained water or milk should be drunk, nor should water containing minute insects be used for such purposes as bathing, etc.

31. Never take medicine which is mixed with spirituous liquor or flesh meat; or which has been prescribed by a physician whose character is unknown.

32. Never allow bodily excretions or evacuations or saliva to fall in places prohibited by the Šâstras or by public custom.

33. Never enter or leave (a house) by a side entrance (or private door); never take up your residence at a place belonging to another person, without asking the owner's permission.

34. Males ought not to listen to (discourses on) religious knowledge, or to tales (about the exploits of heroes) from the mouths of women, [Footnote: This is in strict unison with the present Hindû practice of keeping women ignorant. That women in ancient times were not only educated, but sometimes erudite and celebrated as religious teachers, is proved by the example of Maitreyî, Gârgî and others] nor ought they to carry on controversial discussions with females; nor with a king or his officials.

35. Never speak disrespectfully of religious preceptors, of superiors, of those who have gained renown in the world, of learned men, and of those that carry arms.

36. Never do any act rashly; nor be slow in a religious duty. Impart to others the knowledge you may receive, and daily associate with holy men.

37. Do not go empty-handed to pay a visit to a religious preceptor, a god or a king. Never betray a trust or violate confidence. Never praise yourself with your own lips.

38. The clothing of my followers should not be of such an improper kind that, when put on, the limbs are exposed to view.

39. The worship of K.rish.na must not be performed without attending to religious duties. Adoration of K.rish.na should not be abandoned through fear of the reproaches of ignorant people.

40. On religious festivals and on ordinary days, the males and females that go to K.rish.na's temple should keep separate and not touch each other.

41. Those twice-born persons who have received initiation into the worship of K.rish.na from a duly qualified religious teacher should always wear on their necks two rosaries made of Tulsî wood (one for Râdhâ and another for K.rish.na), and should make an upright mark on their foreheads.

42. This mark should be made with Gopî-çandana (_i.e._ white earth from Dvârikâ), or with sandal which is left from that employed in the worship of Hari (K.rish.na), and mixed with saffron.

43. Within this (erect mark) there ought to be made a round (v.ritta) mark with the materials (or earth) used for the Pu.n.dra, or with saffron which has served for the Prasâda of Râdhâ and K.rish.na (that is, with a portion left from that employed in their worship).

44. Those pure Šûdras who are worshippers of K.rish.na, while practising their own peculiar duties, should, like the twice-born, use a rosary and a vertical mark on the forehead.

45. By those (Šûdra) worshippers who are different from the pure Šûdras two rosaries made of sandal wood, etc., are to be worn on the throat, and only a round mark is to be made on the forehead.

46. Those twice-born of my followers, who have inherited from their forefathers the custom of using a rosary of Rudrâksha berries (sacred to Šiva), and the three horizontal (Šaiva) marks, should not discontinue that practice.

47. Nârâya.na and Šiva should be equally regarded as manifestations of one and the same Universal Spirit, since both have been declared in the Vedas to be forms of Brahma. [Footnote: This precept furnishes an interesting proof of the tolerant character of Vaish.navism, and of its harmony with the pantheism of the Vedânta.]

48. In times of slight distress my adherents shall not chiefly (or by preference) follow the laws which are laid down by the Šâstras for times of (excessive) distress.

49. Every day let every man awake before sunrise, and after calling on the name of K.rish.na, proceed to the rites of bodily purification.

50. Having seated himself in some place apart, let him cleanse his teeth, and then, having bathed with pure water, put on two well-washed garments (an under and an upper).

51. Then having seated himself on a clean and single (asa.mkîr.na) seat placed on ground purified (with cow-dung, etc.), let a man sip water with his face either to the east or north.

52. My male followers should then make the vertical mark with the round spot in it on their foreheads, and wives should only make a circular mark with red powder (of saffron).

53. A widow is prohibited from making either a vertical or round mark on her forehead. In the next place all my followers ought to engage in the mental worship of K.rish.na.

54. After engaging in mental worship, let them bow down before the pictures of Râdhâ and K.rish.na, and repeat the eight-syllabled prayer to K.rish.na (that is--the formula meaning 'K.rish.na is my refuge') as many times as possible. After that they may apply themselves to their secular affairs.

55. All my ordinary disciples should perform the preceding rules; but those who like Ambarîsha have dedicated their whole souls (to the Deity) should be most particular in performing the duties ending with mental worship in the order enumerated (in the preceding six verses as well as the following):--

56. (Such devoted persons) should also then worship an image made of either stone or metal, and the black stone called Šâla-grâma (representing Vish.nu), with the (sixteen) offerings (of sandal, etc.), such as are procurable, and the eight-syllabled mantra of K.rish.na should be repeated (manu = mantra).

57. Next (in order to the performance of brahma-yaj"na) the hymn celebrating the praises of K.rish.na should be recited according to ability, and those that have not studied Sansk.rit should at least repeat his name.

58. All who have devoted themselves (in this way) to the worship of K.rish.na, should next present an offering (of cooked food) to him, and then they should eat the remains of the offering (prâsâdikam). They should at all times be full of joy.

59. Since they are called the passionless (nirgu.na) worshippers of the passionless K.rish.na, therefore, in consequence of that, all their acts are also (called) passionless (nirgu.na).

60. By these devoted (worshippers) indeed no water should be drunk, nor should any leaves, roots or fruits anywhere be eaten which have not been presented to K.rish.na.

61. All those who from old age or some grievous calamity are unable (to perform worship) should make over the (image or Šala-grâma stone) of K.rish.na to the charge of some other devotee (able to carry on the proper services), and should themselves act to the best of their ability.

62. An image (or Šâla-grâma) of K.rish.na, given by a religious leader (_âçârya_), or consecrated by him, should be worshipped, but to other images it is sufficient to make obeisance.

63. Every day all my followers should go to the temple of God in the evening, and there loudly repeat the names of the lord of Râdhikâ.

64. The story of his exploits should be related as well as heard with the greatest reverence, and on festivals hymns in praise of K.rish.na should be sung accompanied by musical instruments.

65. In this manner all my followers should every day perform religious duties. Moreover, they should study works both in Sansk.rit and in the popular dialects, according to their mental abilities.

66. Whatever individual is appointed to any office, he should be so appointed with strict regard to his qualifications, after due consideration, and never in any other way.

67. Let every one always provide his own servants with food and clothing in the most suitable manner, and according to his own pecuniary means.

68. In conversation every person should be addressed conformably to his character (or qualities), and suitably to time and place, and not in any other manner.

69. By all well-conducted persons due deference must be shown to a religious guide, a king, an elder, an ascetic, a learned man, and one that practises austerities, by rising from the seat and so forth.

70. No man should sit down on the ground in the presence of a religious preceptor, a god, or king, or in a (solemn) assembly, in such a (disrespectful) attitude as to make one foot rest on the thigh, or with a cloth tied round the (waist and) knees.

71. A controversial discussion should never be carried on with a religious teacher (_âçârya_). He is to be honoured with gifts of food, money, clothes, and with all other things according to ability.

72. When any of my disciples hear of his arrival, they should immediately show their respect by advancing to meet him, and when he departs, they should accompany him as far as the confines of the village.

73. If an act, attended with large recompense, be opposed to religious duty, that act ought not to be committed; for religious duty (when performed) confers all desired objects.

74. An unrighteous act that may have been committed by great persons in former times must never be held (worthy of imitation); but their virtuous conduct only is to be imitated.

75. Let not the secrets of any one be ever anywhere divulged, the neglect (vyatikrama) of proper respect (for those deserving of reverence) should never be made, (as if all were to be looked at) with an equal eye (of esteem).

76. All my disciples should practise special religious observances during the four special months (beginning with Âshâ.dha). But those who are sickly need only practise the same in the one month of Šrâva.na only.

77. Reading and listening to the exploits of Vish.nu, singing his praises, solemn worship, repetition of his mantra ("Great K.rish.na is my refuge"), recitation of the hymn of praise (_i.e._ of the thousand names of Vish.nu), reverential circumambulations (from left to right with the right side towards the object adored),

78. Prostration with the eight members (of the body) these are considered the best religious observances; any one of these ought to be performed with special devotion.

79. The fasts of all the eleventh days (of the waxing and waning moon) should be carefully observed; also of the birthdays of K.rish.na; and of the night of Šiva (_Šiva-râtri_) with rejoicings during the day.

80. On a fast-day sleeping by day should most carefully be avoided, since by such sleep the merit of fasting is lost to men, quite as much as by sexual intercourse.

81. Whatever appointed order of religious fasts and festivals (vrata and utsava) was enjoined by Šrî Vi.th.thaleša (Vi.th.thala-natha), who was the son of Šrî Vallabhâçârya, the most eminent of Vaish.navas.

82. Having conformed to that order, all religious fasts and festivals should be observed accordingly; and the form of worshipping K.rish.na directed by him (Vi.th.thaleša) should be adopted.

83. A pilgrimage to the Tîrthas, or holy places, of which Dvârikâ (K.rish.na's city in Gujarât) is the chief, should be performed according to rule. Love and Charity should be shown towards the poor by all, according to ability.

84. Vish.nu, Šiva, Ga.na-pati (Ga.neša), Pârvatî, and the Sun, these five deities should be honoured with worship by my followers. [Footnote: It is evident from this verse, as from verse 47, that although Vaish.navas give preferential worship to Vish.nu, they are really Pantheists in the sense of honouring other deities, as manifestations of the Supreme Being. It may be observed that although five deities are here mentioned, Ga.napati and Pârvatî are connected with Šiva, as the Sun is with Vish.nu.]

85. When at any place a calamity is caused by a demon or by any similar cause, the charm called Nârâya.na should be recited or the mantra of Hanumân should be muttered, but not the mantra of any inferior god less esteemed.

86. On the occurrence of eclipses of the sun and moon, all my followers should immediately suspend their other business, and, having purified themselves, should make repetition of the (eight-syllabled) mantra of K.rish.na.

87. When the eclipse has passed off, they should bathe with their clothes on, and those who are householders should distribute gifts according to their ability. Other persons (who have no worldly means) should engage in the worship of the supreme Lord (Vish.nu).

88. Those followers of mine who belong to the four classes should observe, in conformity with the Šâstras, the rules in regard to the contraction of impurity through births and deaths, according to the degree of kinship.

89. Brâhmans should possess tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, forbearance, contentment and similar virtues. Kshatriyas (or the soldier caste) should be remarkable for bravery, fortitude, and the like qualities.

90. Vaišyas (or the agricultural and commercial caste) should occupy themselves in mercantile pursuits, money-lending, and the like. Šûdras (or the servile class) should be employed in serving the twice-born, etc.

91. The twice-born should perform at the proper seasons, and according to their means--each according to his own domestic rules--the twelve purificatory rites [Footnote: Of these only six are now generally performed, viz.:--1, the birth-ceremony, or touching the tongue of a new-born infant with clarified butter, etc.; 2, the name-giving ceremony on the tenth day; 3, tonsure; 4, induction into the privileges of the twice-born, by investiture with the sacred thread; 5, solemn return home from the house of a preceptor after completing the prescribed course of study; 6, marriage. See _Indian Wisdom_, p. 246.] (_sanskâra_), the (six) daily duties [Footnote: The six daily duties (called Nitya-karman), according to Parâšara, are:--1, bathing; 2, morning and evening prayer (sandhyâ); 3, repetition of sacred texts; 4, offerings to fire (homa); 5, worship of ancestors; 6, worship of the gods. The six daily acts enjoined by Manu are different. See _Indian Wisdom_, p. 244.], and the Šraddha offerings to the spirits of departed ancestors.

92. If intentionally or unintentionally any sin, great or small, be committed, the proper penance must be performed according to ability.

93. The Vedas, the Vedânta-sûtras of Vyasa, the Bhâgavata-purâ.na and the thousand names of Vish.nu in the Mahâbhârata,

94. The Bhagavad-gîtâ and the precepts of Vidura, the Vâsudeva-mâhâtmya from the Vaish.nava-kha.n.da of the Skanda-Purâ.na,

95. And the Sm.riti of Yâj"navalkya, which is one of the Dharma-Šâstras, these eight sacred books are approved by me as authorities. [Footnote: I commend this list to the attention of those European scholars who wish to be guided by Indian authorities in determining the real "sacred books" of India.]

96. All my twice-born disciples who wish good to themselves should recite these sacred books and hear them recited.

97. In deciding questions of ancient usage (âçâra), or practice, or penance, the code of Yâj"navalkya, with its commentary the Mitâksharâ, should be taken (as the best authority).

98. The tenth and fifth books of the Bhâgavata Purâ.na are to be regarded as having the preeminence over all the other sacred books for the understanding of the glory of K.rish.na.

99. The tenth and fifth books of the Bhâgavata Purâ.na and the code of Yâj"navalkya are respectively my Bhakti-šâstra (manual of faith), Yoga-šâstra (manual of devotion), and Dharma-šâstra (manual of law).

100. As a treatise on the soul, the commentary on the Bhagavad-Gîtâ as well as that on the Šârîraka-Sûtras of Vyâsa, made by Râmânujâçârya, commends itself to my approval.

101. Whatever precepts in these sacred books have for their subject the excessive exaltation of K.rish.na and of Justice (V.risha), of faith and of indifference to the world--