Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c15.32

v2.c15.32

The Āgamas are always divided into four parts, the Kriyāpāda, the Charyāpāda, the Yōgapāda and the Jñānapāda the study and observance of the rules laid down in one, two, three or all four of these are enjoined upon the Samayis, the putrakas, the bhautikis and the naiṣṭhikis respectively. The paths pursued by these are also known respectively by the names dāsamārga, putramārga, sahamārga and the sanmārga; that is, the persons who have been initiated in the samayi and other dīkṣās conduct themselves towards the Lord as a servant, a son, a friend or as the Lord himself. The paths prescribed are of varying grades suitable to souls at various stages of religious evolution.