Essays Lectures on Religion of Hindu Vol 01

Author(s): H H Wilson
Publisher: Trubner and Company London

Page 28

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RELIGIOUS SECTS
Hindu faith, yet as its present state is of comparatively very recent origin, it may form a not unnecessary, nor ignorance, and by them such writings were put forth as were calculated to disseminate unrighteous and heretical doctrines, these were KANADA, GAUTAMA, SAKTI, UPAMANYU, JAIMINI, KAPILA, DURVÁSAS, MŘIKAŃÞA, VŔMASPATI, and BILÁRGAVA.
By Siva himself, the Pasupata writings were composed; KAŃÁDA is the author of the Vaiseshika Philosophy. The Nyaya originates with GAUTAMA. KAPILA, is the founder of the Sankhya School, and VẢIIASPATI of the Charváka. JAIMINI, by Siva's orders, composed the Mimánsá, which is heretical, in as far as it inculcates works in preference to faith, and Siva himself, in the disguise of a Brahman, or as Vyása, promulgated the Vedánta, which is heterodox in Vaishnava estimation, by denying the sensible attributes of the deity. VISIINU, as BUDDHA, taught the Bauddha Sástra, and the practices of going naked, or wearing blue garments, meaning, consequently, not the Bauddhas, but the Jainas, (बौद्धशास्त्रमसत्प्रोक्तं नग्ननीलपटादिकं). The Puranas were partly instrumental in this business of blinding mankind, and they are thus distinguished by our authority and all the Vaishnara works.
The Mätsya, Kaurma, Lainga, Saiva, Skánda and Agneya, are Támasa, or the works of darkness, having more or less of a Saiva bias.
The Vishnu, Náradiya, Bhagavat, Garuda, Pádma and Váráha, are Sáttwika, pure and true; being in fact, Vaishnava text books.
The Brahmánda, Brahma Vaivartta, Márkandeya, Bhavishya, Vámana and Brahmá, are of the Rajasa cast, emanating from the quality of passion. As far as I am acquainted with them, they lean to the Sakta division of the Hindus, or the worship of the female principle. The Märkandeya does so notorionsly, containing the famous Chandi Patha, or Durga Mahátmya, whiclı is read at the Durga Pújá; the Brahma Vaivartta, is especially dedicated to KŘIsiảa as GOVINDA, and is principally occupied by him and his mistress Rádná. It is also full on the subject of Prakriti or personified nature.