Sketch of the Religious Sects of the Hindus c7.s2.2

c7.s2.2

The worship of the female principle, as distinct from the divinity, appears to have originated in the literal interpretation of the metaphorical language of the Vedas, in which the will or purpose to create the universe, is represented as originating from the creator, and co-existent with him as his bride, and part of himself. Thus in the Rig Veda, it is said " That divine spirit breathed without afflation single, with (Swadha) her who is sustained within him; other than him nothing existed. First desire was formed in his mind, and that became the original productive seed,† and the Sâma Veda, speaking of the divine cause of creation, says, " He felt not delight, being alone. He wished another, and instantly became such. He caused his ownself to fall in twain, and thus became husband and wife. He approached her, and thus were human beings produced."‡ In these passages it is not unlikely that reference is made to the primitive tradition of the origin of mankind, but there is also a figurative representation of the first indication of wish or will in the Supreme Being. Being devoid of all qualities whatever, he was alone, until he permitted the wish to be multiplied, to be generated within himself. This wish being put into action, it is said, became united with its parent, and then created beings were produced. Thus this first manifestation of divine power is termed *Ichchhárúpá*, personified, desire; and the creator is designated as *Swechchhamaya*,* united with his own will whilst in the *Vedanta* philosophy, and the popular sects, such as that of *Kabir*, and others, in which all created things are held to be illusory, the *Sakti*, or active will of the deity, is always designated and spoken of as *Máyá* or *Mahámáyá*, original deceit or illusion.†