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—an 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’s unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 11 - Devalasmriti in the Modern Age
7 (of 9)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
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ing aspect
-
the universal laws & eternal truths, the topics of
spiritual importance
are all the more significant than the
changing aspects. Especially, the present text deals with the
Sankhya-Yoga philosophy, which is in conformity with the ancient
Sankhya-Yoga works. These ancient treatises the basis of Devala's
exposition of the Sankhya-Yoga have been completely lost now
Hence the information, available in the present text about the
Sankhya-Yoga is of great importance from this point of view of
history of Sankhya-Yoga philosophy & for understanding the nature
& import of these ancient treatises, the information about which
is hardly available.
From the practical point of view also, the process of Yoga,
as expounded by Devala is of great value, even to the Modern
spiritual disciples & aspirants of Yoga, in the Modern World,
where the importance & of Yoga is being greatly felt, recognized
& emphasized, even in the foreign countries. Devala's ideas
about Yoga would be of much interest & practical utility, if
properly understood. His explanations are easy, useful & extremely
practical to any follower of Yoga.
Moreover, for the religious adherant, the present text is
one of those ancient treatises, that can guide him, in his
practical life. He can get a good deal of information, both
religious & philosophical, that can be helpful even now, in
determining his practical way of day-to-day life, as also a
pious & judicious practice thereof.
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