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Volume 3 159 |
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SHINTO SYMBOLISM OF ANCIENT ORIGIN |
MENDICANCY ADOPTED IN THE NAME OF VISHNU |
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| The gohei, made of zigzags of paper fastened to a sacred stick, which represent offerings of cloth anciently made to the forces of nature or spirits of the departed, is believed to become the resting-place of these deities during their worship | The Vishnavite, a votary of Vishnu, is a beggar by profession. To beg for alms is considered not only his right, but also his duty. This mendicant is pursuing his begging to the accompaniment of music and singing; his instrument, the vina, is repeatedly mentioned in Hindu books as being played by the gods, who delighted to seek the soothing influence of its sweet melodies |