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
144 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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subject of degradation by the contact with patita, more clearly.
Even kulluka had to take recourse to the verse of Devala to explain
& clarify the view of Manu. Devala prescribes that the person
becomes patita, after one year by having constant & continuous
(sarvakalika) contact with him, by performing such acts like dining,
being with him on the same seat or bed. He further adds that
by officiating at sacrifice, having marriage relations, teaching
veda to him & taking food along with him, the person, no doubt
immediately becomes patita. This sense of 'instanteneity'
or 'promptness' in degradation is not clearly seen in the Manusmrti.
5) SIN IN STEALING BOOKS ETC. :
Sins,
associated with stealing the various objects are mention-
ed in the text. The stealing of books and various materials, is
also referred to. The stealer of books or manuscripts, the cover,
the thread, holder, wrapper etc. becomes very sinful. He becomes
completely dumb on this earth.
This reflects upon the condition of the society. Not only
the manuscripts, but also various materials of it, were stolen.
This indicates that there was much scarcity of both of these.
II. ANUGRAHA :
1) RELAXATION OR CONDONATION IN THE PRESCRIBED EXPIATION :
Several expiations are prescribed for eliminating sins,
but the weak may not be able to stand them, Hence for the sake
of protection of masses, the host of learned Brahmins, the
knowers of Dharma, are required to suggest concession or
