It is scarcely possible for any religion to possess a more metaphysical and
abstract character, than the creeds of the various sects which distinguish
India. They present, however, too much interest to enable us to dispense
with a few of the leading ones among them, this work not having for its
object a deep research into obscure mysteries, but is meant to excite
useful and pleasing ideas, without entering into elaborate explanations.
[Illustration: BRAHMA!]
This deity, according to the Hindoos, is the Eternal, the Creator! and is
one of the three members of the Indian Trinity.
Previous to his commencing the grand work of creating the world, and all
that it contains, he passed thirty six millions of years contemplating the
panorama of Chaos, which was spread out before him.
He then produced seven starry spheres, the Earth, and its two luminaries,
with seven inferior regions, lit by the sparkling light of eight
Carbuncles, placed on the heads of the same number of Serpents. He next
proceeded to the creation of the beings who were to people it, in the
accomplishment of which, he was aided by the pure spirits who surrounded
him. {269}
The earth, being yet uninhabited, he made the first man and the first woman
wherewith to people it.
Brahma is the object of the most ancient adoration of the Brahmins; he is
considered the intelligence who existed before time, and will continue
throughout eternity: he watches over the events of each age and revolution
of the universe; he is the power by which everything was created, and
everything is sustained; he is the invisible head of the Brahmins, and as
such, is worshipped by them with devoted respect.
The Hindoos invoke him regularly morning and evening, and throw water from
the palms of their hands upon the ground, and towards the sun, which they
adore as the likeness of the Eternal, while at mid-day, they renew their
homage by the offer of a flower.
The Hindoo painters always represent Brahma with four heads and four faces,
analagous to the four cardinal points, and long beards descending from his
four chins. In his four hands he holds the mysterious chain, to which are
suspended the worlds, and the book of the law; the pencil to write it, and
the fire of sacrifice.
[Illustration: VISHNU.]
Vishnu, the second deity of the Indian Trinity, is considered as the
preserver of the world, which Brahma has created out of nothingness. He
descended on the earth by a sacrifice of which he alone was capable, and to
save it from certain ruin, submitted to all the weaknesses of humanity.
He became teacher, warrior, and prophet, that he might leave to {270} the
world on his quitting it, the model of a man. He resided in the centre of
the worlds, and all the worlds were in him.
Vishnu is usually represented near his wife, whom he enfolds in his arms.
His complexion is blue, his eyes are like the flowers of the lotos, and his
visage burns with an eternal youth. He is strong and vigorous in
appearance, his four hands are sometimes raised, as if in the act of
blessing the human race, while on his head is placed a triple storied
crown.
In the middle of his side sparkles the magnificent diamond in which all
things are reflected; while garments of a costly price clothe his noble
form.
To him are consecrated the eagle, the hawk, and the bee; at his side is
placed a fantastic kind of bird, a beautiful mixture of the man and of the
eagle.
The faith of Vishnu is spread over all India.