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 10 - Philosophical aspect of the Devalasmriti
11 (of 75)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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There are no distinct prakrtis for numerous purusas. Though plura-
lity of self is advocated as a reality, there is no assumption
of plurality of prak峁泃i. This explicit clarification about
oneness of prakrti. This explicit clarification about oneness
of prakrti is necessary, as there was also an ancient view,
27 mentioned by Gunaratna Suri, that the ancient school, of Sankhya
believed in the plurality of prakrti. The Yuktid墨pika ( com. on
28 Sankhyakarika, p.141) mentions that the Sankhya teacher paurika
had maintained the view of distinct prakrti for each purusa.
29 But according to the commentator Gaudapada not only prakrti,
but even purusa also is in reality one. Thus this principle of
oneness, would be applicable to both purusa & prakrti, according
to his explanation.
3) ARTHAVATTVA :
This is the third fundamental principle, meaning 'utility',
applicable only to prakrti, according to commentaries
Sankhyatattvakaumudi & Jayamangala. But it can be said to be
applicable to both purusa & prakrti. Both of them have some
purpose or end (artha) to be served from each other. The prakrti
is unconscious but active, while purus a is inactive but
conscious. Hence they are mutually helpful & interdependent. They
are not able to accomplish their objectives independently. The
prakrti & purusa are said to be acting like the blind & the lame,
that help each other to serve their purpose. Prakrti requires
that it should be seen by the purusa, so that there would be the
production of the whole world, when it is in contact with purusa
dhe vice
i
