Syūmaraśmi Kapila Saṃvāda

This Saṃvāda is between Syūmaraśmi and Kapila on the subject of pravṛtti mārga and nivṛtti mārga. It comes under the ślokas from 1^st to 62 in the 269^th chapter of this Saṃvāda.

Kapila opines that nothing can stop one from attaining Brahma through the path of knowledge. If they are truly determined, wisdom will be theirs. One who has renounced life has taken refuge in Brahma. Such a man will overcome grief and free from the darkness, besides there is no need for such a man to indulge in domestic life. Then Syūmaraśmi argues that domestic life is also possible because living creatures depend on mothers for a living. A householder can also do penance and sacrifices and lead a spiritual life.^[1] Vedas play an important role in the liberation of one’s soul. The one who acts as per the Vedas, that is, in the realm of sacrifices and penance, will never be affected by sin. Kapila says that the rites of Darśapūrṇamāsa, the Agnihotra, the cāturmāsya and the like should be performed by one who has gained wisdom.^[2] One should always keep ones senses under control, one should not gamble, should not make loud abuse, should not abstain from food nor eat too much, should not let lust overpower him, such restrictions will make one pure and help in reaching the ultimate aim. Syūmaraśmi wanted to know the acts and prohibition of acts of Vedas. Then Kapila says that by following the path of good the limits of Vedas can be known. Kapila says that if a man follows the righteous path of life he is surely liberated.