SUFISM

The mystical doctrines of the cla of Mohammedan religionists called Sons. This name is indeed generally applied in the East to persons living together in a monastic way, and profe ing an ascetic life. Bat the tenets peculiarly denoted by the name of Sufism are those of a sect which is said to be gaining ground extensively in oriental countries, especially among the educated cla es of.Mohammedans. These tenets, like those of the Quitctists and other Christian sects of mystics, are founded on a notion of the union of the human soul with the divinity by contemplation and the subjugation of the appetites;but, as has been too frequently the case among Christians also, they have afforded a cover for the most licentious le ons of refined debauchery. In the last volume of Mr. Bucking ham's Oriental Travels, containing a narrative of his journey in Me so pot am i a, will be found a singular account of one of these monastic philosophers, his doctrines and conduct. The principles of Sufism appear also to have a remarkable affinity, in some respects, with those pantheistic notions which are prominent in the system of the Bramins, and.seem to form the very foundation of the still more widely extended religion of Buddha. [s. 1151]