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
28 (of 75)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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and activities, that constitute the vrata, upavasa & niyamas
He also defines tapas as the practice of dharma (duty) as enjoined
to him, in accordance with his caste & stage in life, Thus the
explanation, of tapas is very practical and is in conformity with
the dictates of Dharmasastra. He does not explain it from the
philosophical standpoint.
79 Devala's concept can be compared with that of Gautama
(3/1/15) & Baudhayana (III/10/14), as there are some common
points among them. All of them enumerate some virtues & activities
as constituing the tapas. The five rules, mentioned by Gautama
are also found in Devala's explanation, while Baudhayana has the
'service of preceptor', as the additional common factor, along-
with the above five in Gautama. Baudhayana mentions 'wearing of
one garment' (Ekavastrata) instead of 'wearing of wet-garment'.
But there is also much difference. The non-violence and non-steal-
ing, enumerated among the constituents of tapas by Baudhayana
are not found in the definition of Devala & Gautama. There is much
similarity between Gautama & Baudh膩yana. Devala is more systematic.
& exhaustive than both of them.
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Thus though Devala's treatment of the concept of tapas
may seem to be similar to Gautama & Baudhayana in some respects,
he is not indebted to any of them. His approach is novel,
systematic & original.
