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OF THE HINDUS.
349
Where are his feet?-Hidden, but not hampered by his garments. What best becomes him?- Vigilance night and day. In what should he be unapt?- Immoderate diet.
In what should he repose? In a corner, seclusion from mankind, and meditation on the only True.
What is his dwelling? - God's creatures.
His Kingdom? - God.
What are the lights of his mansion?--The Sun and Moon. What is his couch? - The Earth.
What is his indispensable observance?-Praise and glorification of the Cherisher of all things, and the needer of none.
What is suitable for a Fakir?- Lá, none; as Lá Allah, &c. there is no God but God.
How passes the existence of a Fakir?-Without desire, without restraint, without property.
What are the duties of a Fakir?- Poverty and faith.
Which is the best religion?-Verse, "The Creed of the lover differs from other Creeds. God is the faith and creed of those who love him, but to do good is best for the follower of every faith." Again, as HAFIZ says:
The object of all religions is alike.
All men seek their beloved, -
What is the difference between prudent and wild?
All the world is love's dwelling,
Why talk of a Mosque or a Church?
With whom should the Fakir cultivate intimacy?- With the Lord of loveliness.
To whom should he be a stranger?-To covetousness, anger, envy, falsehood, and malice.
Should he wear garments or go naked?-The loins should be covered by those who are in their senses; nudity is excusable in those who are insane. The love of God does not depend upon a cap or a coat.
How should a Fakir conduct himself?-He should perform what he promises, and not promise what he cannot perform.
Should evil he done to evil doers? - The Fakir is to do evil to none. he is to consider good and ill alike, so HAFIZ says:
