Brahma-Sūtra 3.4.17 (correct conclusion, continued)

English of translation of Brahmasutra 3.4.17 by Roma Bose:

“And (knowledge arises) in one who is chaste for (such a stage of life is declared) in scriptural text.”

Nimbārka’s commentary (Vedānta-pārijāta-saurabha):

“And” because knowledge is found to arise in those stages of life which are given to chastity, its independence is definitely ascertained. These (stages) are found in the scriptural text: “There are three branches of religious duty” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1^[1]).

Śrīnivāsa’s commentary (Vedānta-kaustubha)

Scripture declares that knowledge of Brahman arises even in those stages of life which are given to chastity, i.e. in which the duties of a house-holder are absent; and Scripture does not mention works, like Agni-hotra and the rest in them. This also proves that knowledge is something independent.

To the objection, viz. The text: “As long as he lives” contains a reference to works like Agni-hotra and the rest. Like these, those stages of life are not mentioned in the Veda,—we reply: “Because in scriptural text”. Those stages of life are mentioned “in scriptural text”, i.e, in the Veda, in passages like: “There are three branches of religious duty” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1), “And those who meditate on faith and austerity in the forest” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 5.10.1), “Wishing for the world alone the mendicants wander forth” (Bṛhadāraṇyaka-upaniṣad 4.4.22). Hence there are indeed such stages of life. The scriptural text: “He performs the Agni-hotra sacrifice as long as he lives”, on the other hand, refers to those who are attached to wordly life.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Quoted by Śaṅkara, Rāmānuja, Bhāskara and Śrīkaṇṭha.