CHAP. V - ACCOUNT OF THE FOLLOWERS OF CHOITUNYU

Summary

In another part of this work we have given, amongst the gods, an account of Choitŭnyŭ, and of the origin of the sect to which he gave rise. We shall therefore now merely notice the principles, numbers, and moral state of this sect.

Choitŭnyŭ, though he rejected the institution of the cast, does not appear to have introduced any new doctrines among his followers. He adopted as the object of worship one of the Hindoo gods, Krishnŭ, under the form of Hŭree; and gave his disciples an initiatory incantation containing this name. He declared, that most of the ceremonies of the Hindoos were unprofitable; but inculcated repetitions of the name of Hŭree; bowing and presenting offerings to his image; as well as devotion of mind to this god, under the characters of servant, friend, &c.—He taught that there was no merit in pilgrimages to sacred places, but that journies in search of the devout and wise were not improper. His attachment to Hŭree, to the exclusion of the other gods, had no reference to the doctrine of the unity of God; he admitted the Hindoo mythology, but taught his disciples to devote themselves only to Hŭree. The other ceremonies of the Hindoos, he did not reject as errors; but declared, that in the kŭlee yoogŭ they were not necessary. He taught, that the devout worshipper of Hŭree would obtain heaven by his devotion.