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RELIGIOUS SECTS
ARJUNA, and others, honoured with his acquaintance. Vatsalya, which is a higher station, is a tender affection for the divinity, of the same nature as the love of parents for their children, and the highest degree of Bhakti is the Mádhurya, or such passionate attachment as that which pervaded the feelings of the Gopis towards their beloved KŘIshŇA.
The modes of expressing the feelings thus entertained by his votaries towards KŘISHĽA do not differ essentially from those prevalent amongst the followers of the Gokulastha Gosáins: the secular worshippers, however, pay a less regular homage in the temples of KRISHŃA, and in most parts of Bengal his public adoration occurs but twice a day, or between nine and twelve in the morning, and six and ten at night: occasionally, however, it does take place in a similar manner, or eight times a day. The chief ritual of the Bengal Vaishnavas of the class is a very simple one, and the Náma Kirtana, or constant repetition of any of the names of KRISHNA, or his collateral modifications, is declared to be the peculiar duty of the present age, and the only sacrifice the wise are required to offer; it is of itself quite sufficient to ensure future felicity: however, other duties, or Sádhanas, are enjoined, to the number of sixty-four, including many absurd, inany harmless, and many moral observances; as fasting every eleventh day, singing and dancing in honour of KŘISHŃA, and suppressing anger, avarice, and lust. Of all obligations, however, the Guru Pádáśraya, or servile veneration of the spiritual teacher, is the
