Brahma-Sūtra 3.4.19 (correct conclusion, continued)

English of translation of Brahmasutra 3.4.19 by Roma Bose:

“(They are) to be adopted, Bādarāyaṇa (thinks so), on account of the scriptural mention of equality.”

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

Since in the text concerned with explanatory re-mention,^[1] the other stage of life is mentioned as equal to the stage of a house-holder, the former “is to be adopted”,—so the reverend “Bādarāyaṇa” thinks.

Śrīnivāsa’s commentary (Vedānta-kaustubha)

The other stage of life “is to be adopted”,—so the reverend “Bādarāyaṇa” thinks. Why? “On account of the scriptural mention of equality,” i.e. because the other stage of life is mentioned in Scripture as equal to the stage of a house-holder. Thus, in the text: “There are three branches of knowledge, sacrifice, study and charity are the first; austerity alone is the second; a student of sacred knowledge dwelling in the house of a preceptor is the third” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1) there is an equal inclusion of all the stages of life. Among these, the stage of a house-holder is indicated by the words ‘sacrifice, study’ and so on. The stage of a religious student is referred to by that very word. The stages of a hermit in the forest^[2] and of an ascetic^[3] are referred to by the word ‘austerity’.

If those who belong to these stages of life devote themselves to the duties incumbent thereon desiring for enjoyment, then they come to attain a world leading to return, in accordance with the scriptural text: “All these become possessors of meritorious worlds” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1). But one who knows the truth about the Lord, who is desirous of salvation, who is favoured by the Lord and who is devoted to Him, attains His nature. The concluding text: “One who stands on Brahman attains immortality” (Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1) intimates this, in conformity with the statement by the Lord: ‘“Among thousands of men, scarce one strives for perfection; even among the perfected ones who strive, scarce one knows me in truth”’ (Gītā 7.3), ‘“The worlds up to the world of Brahma come and go, O Arjuna! But on attaining me, O son of Kuntī, there is no more rebirth”’ (Gītā 8.16).

Comparative views of Baladeva:

Here he replies to the opponent thus: “(The obligatory duties) are to be performed, Bādarāyaṇa (thinks so) on account of the scriptural mention of equality”. That is, a knower of Brahman may perform the obligatory duties partially just as he likes, but is not required to perform them exhaustively, like ordinary men. Scripture states that such a partial performance by a knower is equal to a full performance by ordinary men.^[4]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Viz., Chāndogya-upaniṣad 2.23.1.

[2]:

Vāna-prastha.

[3]:

Sannyāsa.

[4]:

Govinda-bhāṣya 3.4.19, p. 255-256, Chap. 3.