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 9 - The distinctive features of the Devalasmriti
100 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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b) SIX GROUNDS (SADABHISTH膧NAM)
The dharma (piety), artha (motive), kama (selfish desire),
vrida (shame), harsa (joy), bhaya (fear) these six are grounds,
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when gifts are required to be given (894). (I) Dharmad膩na is the
real gift in which only with the notion of dharma, something is
given to a competent person, without any consideration for its
return or reward (895). Gifts, that are given due to other causes
like artha (motive), k膩ma (selfish desire), vrida (shame), har峁
(joy), bhaya (fear) are really not gifts (dana), in the strict
sense of the term. But in this world, such occasions of gift do
occur, in our life. There is giving of something to other, with
the renunciation of one's ownership upon it, due to above causes;
Hence the author has also mentioned them as the grounds or causes
that impell giving gift. (II) The gift, that is given on some
occasion, with some purpose, in view & which gives only some
material, benefit to the donor, is known as arthadana (896).
(III) The Kamadana is a gift given to an unworthy person through
love or passion, on the occasion of enjoying ladies,
hunting & dice-playing (897). (IV) When the wealth or object
is given to the supplicant in an assembly, through shame or pride
is called Vridadana (898). It is only to retain one's prestige
& reputation, the gift is given through shame & bashfulness to
the supplicant in the assembly. Such occasions also occur in the
society. (V) On seeing or hearing something agreable, whatever
is given through delight is termed as harsadana (899). (VI) While
giving up of things to thieves, rubbers etc., who harass the
wine,
