The Siksha-Patri of the Svami-Narayana Sect — John Shaqi
The Siksha-Patri of the Svami-Narayana Sect
Religion
The Siksha-Patri of the Svami-Narayana Sect
Swami-Narayanis
60. By these devoted (worshippers) indeed no water should be
drunk, nor should any leaves, roots or fruits anywhere be eaten
which have not been presented to K.rish.na.
61. All those who from old age or some grievous calamity are
unable (to perform worship) should make over the (image or
Šala-grâma stone) of K.rish.na to the charge of some other
devotee (able to carry on the proper services), and should
themselves act to the best of their ability.
62. An image (or Šâla-grâma) of K.rish.na, given by a religious
leader (_âçârya_), or consecrated by him, should be worshipped,
but to other images it is sufficient to make obeisance.
63. Every day all my followers should go to the temple of God in
the evening, and there loudly repeat the names of the lord of
Râdhikâ.
64. The story of his exploits should be related as well as heard
with the greatest reverence, and on festivals hymns in praise of
K.rish.na should be sung accompanied by musical instruments.
65. In this manner all my followers should every day perform
religious duties. Moreover, they should study works both in
Sansk.rit and in the popular dialects, according to their mental
abilities.
66. Whatever individual is appointed to any office, he should be
so appointed with strict regard to his qualifications, after due
consideration, and never in any other way.
67. Let every one always provide his own servants with food and
clothing in the most suitable manner, and according to his own
pecuniary means.
68. In conversation every person should be addressed conformably
to his character (or qualities), and suitably to time and place,
and not in any other manner.
69. By all well-conducted persons due deference must be shown to
a religious guide, a king, an elder, an ascetic, a learned man,
and one that practises austerities, by rising from the seat and
so forth.
70. No man should sit down on the ground in the presence of a
religious preceptor, a god, or king, or in a (solemn) assembly,
in such a (disrespectful) attitude as to make one foot rest on
the thigh, or with a cloth tied round the (waist and) knees.
71. A controversial discussion should never be carried on with a
religious teacher (_âçârya_). He is to be honoured with gifts
of food, money, clothes, and with all other things according to
ability.
72. When any of my disciples hear of his arrival, they should
immediately show their respect by advancing to meet him, and when
he departs, they should accompany him as far as the confines of
the village.
73. If an act, attended with large recompense, be opposed to
religious duty, that act ought not to be committed; for religious
duty (when performed) confers all desired objects.
74. An unrighteous act that may have been committed by great
persons in former times must never be held (worthy of imitation);
but their virtuous conduct only is to be imitated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account