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
41 (of 75)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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(obtaining the world of the deity), (3) prakrtilaya (absorption
into the earth etc.), (4) moksa-cessation of the repeated births
(2443-2447). The Sankhya-karika (45) refers only to prakrtilaya.
The Sankhya sutra (5/74, 5/76, 5/80, 5/83) also is not at all
in favour of admitting salokya & sayujya kinds of liberation,
mentioned by Devala.
98 99
The liberated person is described as a Sankhya & is not only
free from qualities, bondage, birth, old age, death & sufferings,
but also obtains the Highest Infinite bliss (2241). This is
suggestive of vedantic influence on Devala. The classical
Sankhya believes that liberation is the complete & ultimate
destruction of all kinds of sufferings. There is no obtainment
of positive happiness bliss. The explanation of the term 'moksa'
(2447) is also significant. It is the negation, absence or non-
attainment of repeated births. It is not only cessation of
sufferings, but also of future birth. This reminds the Vaisesika
concept of liberation in the sutra
100 (5/2/10).
4 UTKRANTI:
Devala also expaciates the procedure of Yogin's departure
from this world, after he has seen the sign of his approaching
death (2468-2474). Though the author has explained the Sankhyayoga
philosophy, he identifies the ultimate state to be reached by
the Yogin with the Brahman. The Yogin obtains nirvana (salvation)
& reaches the Highest Brahman, after leaving his mortal body.
It is described as the ultimate & infinite state, designated
as Sankhya, bereft of connection or contact with birth, death
