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
65 (of 75)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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& the Tattvas amas asutras, because there is no proof to prove that
Devala alone is basis of the Sankhyasutra & the Tattvasamas a
or the otherwise. Some ancient lost work, being the basis of all
of them is quite presumable. Devala has admitted his indebtedness
to the Tantras of Sankhya-Yoga (2210).
(5) It was explained in the previous part, how some of the
theories & doctrines of exposition of Devala, have no parallel
in the extant works, while some tenets are quite distinct &
conflicting with the extant Sankhya works. Hence Devala cannot be
said to be indebted to the extant Sankhya works.
DEVALA'S INDEBTEDNESS :
In the last chapter, the author himself admits his indebtedness
to the ancient, profound & extensive Sankhyayoga Tantras for his
exposition of Sankhya & Yoga. This statement of Devala (2210) is
very important from various points of view.
IMPLICATIONS :
-
It follows from the statement of Devala that (1) Devala
had before him many (not one, or two, but plural indicates many)
Tantras, treating both Sankhya & Yoga philosophy. They were
written by ancient scholars & sages. They were voluminous,
inscrutable & based upon logic & convention. They were probably
containing treatment of both Sankhya & Yoga, without any distinct
discrimination. Devala also followed the same pattern. The Tantras
were very extensive, hence Devala has abridged & briefly mentioned
them in his treatise.
