Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
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 Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
6.1. Brahmavadi a significant epithet of Samnyasi
[Full title: (B) The distinctive social features; (III) Samnyasa (1): Brahmavadi a significant epithet of Samnyasi].
One of the important & significant qualities, mentioned by Devala about an ascetic is that he should be 'brahmavadi'. The word can be interpreted as (1) one who teaches or expounds veda or (2) one who follows (lit.preaches) the doctrine of Brahman mentioned in the Upanisads. This second interpretation suits the context better. The ascetic should be the knower & preacher of the Brahman, the ultimate reality. This reflects upon the Upanisadic influence on Devala & his admittance of the ultimate reality, the Brahman. Thus though he, himself, has dealt with the sankhya-yoga doctrines
695 in the text, he also believed in the doctrine of Brahman, propounded in the Upanisads. He is an expounder of sankhya & yet is brahmavadi. This point will be dealt with in detail later on in the portion of philosophical features.