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BIRMAH. 79
God (or his substitute, a pagoda or image) ; Fate, or
the immutable law or course of things; and the
Priesthood. The fundamental moral precepts are
five, and are merely prohibitory : they forbid the destruction
of animal life, theft, lying, adultery, and
drinking ardent spirits. The doctrine of transmigration
is most firmly believed, and also the final anni-
hilation of animal life, and the destruction of material
substances. Every thing is mutable but fate, which
is eternal; and while that ordains the final destruc-
tion of present things, it has provided that another
material universe shall of itself necessarily arise, and
thus successively, ad infimtum. Even their God is the
subject of merit or demerit; he has undergone incarnations
as beast, as man, and as a celestial being; he
has been repeatedly punished millions of years in hell,
has enjoyed ages of sensual happiness in the Nat
country, and is now in Niekbaan, or annihilation.
"The Birmans, considering the moral features of
their religious system, and their being surrounded
with objects of misery, both among beasts and their
own species, which they are taught to contemplate as
the effects of retributive justice awarded by irresistible
and unmerciful fate, ought to be a pious and orderly
race of men. In this respect, however, little can be
said in their favour. Of their religious character it
may be observed, that while it exhibits little of personal
concern and anxiety, and appears to be unmixed
with enthusiasm, it manifests on all occasions a suf-
ficently conspicuous faith in the religion of their
country. The religion, being national, is therefore
popular, and every appearance of dissent is deemed to
present just cause for criminal prosecution. The
Birmans do not appear to be so deeply impressed with
cordial regard for their religion, as with the duty of