Essay name: Devala-smriti (critical study)
Author:
Mukund Lalji Wadekar
Affiliation: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda / Department of Sanskrit Pali and Prakrit
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti鈥攁n ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala鈥檚 unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 3 - Regarding Smriti
5 (of 19)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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CLASSIFICATIONS OF SMRTIS : 70 The smrtis are classified in various ways, as mentioned
below :
(1) VEDAMULA
VEDABAHYA :
The smrtis can be either Vedamula, i.e. based upon Veda
or Vedabahya i.e. those that are not based upon the Veda, but
based upon logic. The latter are violently criticised by Manu10
This classification of Smrtis is suggested by a verse in the
10 Manusmrti
(2) DRSTARTHA, ADRSTARTHA ETC. :
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(1) Drstartha
-
The smrtis are also said to be of two kinds
i.e.having drsta seen or tangible purpose (2) Adrstartha
i.e. those having adrsta -unseen or intangible purpose. This kind
11 of twofold classification is implied in the following verse
from the Vakyapadiya of Bhartrhari.
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12 The Bhavisyapurana , has three more divisions, over & above
the two-fold division suggested by Bhartrhari. According to this
classification, the smrtis are of five kinds (1) Drstartha
(2) Adrstartha, (3) Drstadrstartha (4) Ny膩yam奴l膩 (5) Anuvadasmrti.
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All these, except the Drstarthasmrti are based upon Veda
i.e. they are Vedamula. The Drstartha smrti is not based upon
Veda & is said to have a 'Tangible purpose' (of wealth & pleasure).
It deals with the topics, mentioned in the verses 鹿鲁,
from the
same Purana. The Arthas astra may be said to be a Drstartha smrti
